Immortal Travel of Longevity

“But you didn’t say which Chen it was!!”

Chen Changsheng took a sip of wine and watched the flustered Ying Tianze. “Isn’t it the same regardless?” he asked.

“No…”

Ying Tianze paced back and forth as if a sudden realization had just struck him.

The playful expression vanished from his face, replaced by a flushed redness. He mumbled, “I…”

“…pay my respects to Mr. Chen.”

Chen Changsheng blinked in surprise upon hearing this and quickly said, “Please, no need for that!”

He pulled Ying Tianze down to sit beside him.

Then Chen Changsheng continued, “I (Chen) may well be younger than you.”

“Mr. Chen, you kept this from me far too cruelly…” Ying Tianze’s face was crestfallen; his mood could only be described as terrified.

“You never asked though,” Chen Changsheng pointed out. “Besides, didn’t you say your surname was Guang at the start?”

“I…”

Ying Tianze hurriedly said, “Mr. Chen, I was wrong.”

Chen Changsheng smiled kindly. “I (Chen) don’t blame you. Sit down and have some wine like before. Soon it will be time to go inside, and then you might not get another chance to drink.”

Those words caused Ying Tianze’s complexion to immediately darken.

He sat at the table and let out a long sigh. His manner was reminiscent of a lonely woman in the deep palace – depressed and seeing no end to his gloom.

“What were we just talking about?”

“The Desolate Sea.”

“Mmm. Let’s continue.”

Ying Tianze didn’t want to talk anymore, but he had no choice. The figure before him was Mr. Chen. Who among those bearing the dragon bloodline wouldn’t hold him in reverence?

Let alone with the added layer of relationship through his father.

Both a benefactor and an uncle.

.

.

Yingyuan returned and reported the events to the Old Dragon King.

The Old Dragon King chuckled upon hearing it. “This Mr. Chen…”

Yingyuan offered, “Since Mr. Chen can keep company with Elder Brother, perhaps there can be some serendipity as well.”

The Old Dragon King shook his head. “Your elder brother is far too reckless. Such serendipity may not come to him. If it does, that would be a matter for the future.”

Ying En, listening nearby, added clearly, “Big Brother is just too fond of playing.”

“Being fond of fun isn’t necessarily a flaw.”

The Old Dragon King remarked, “Fortunately, his character is not lacking.”

Yingyuan and Ying En exchanged a glance. Their older brother might be somewhat timid and fond of amusement, but among the three of them, his character was arguably the best.

Chen Changsheng and Ying Tianze chatted outside the palace hall for a while. Seeing it was about time, they prepared to go inside.

Ying Tianze’s legs were shaking slightly as he stood up.

His expression was particularly troubled. “Ch-Chen Sir,” he pleaded, “what happened earlier… I implore you, please don’t mention it to my father. Otherwise, I fear I won’t survive this.”

Chen Changsheng found it both funny and pathetic. “It can’t be that serious.”

“Mr. Chen, please promise me first,” Ying Tianze looked at him beseechingly.

Seeing his pitiful state, Chen Changsheng could only nod helplessly. “Don’t worry,” he assured.

Only after hearing this did Ying Tianze relax.

Now, all his previous boldness was gone. He walked timidly and meekly, trailing behind Chen Changsheng like a follower.

Chen Changsheng glanced at him. “Straighten your back. Show the bearing of the Eldest Prince.”

Ying Tianze paused, then raised his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. But at first glance, it still gave an impression of stupidity, lacking any real presence.

Chen Changsheng sighed and shook his head. “Think about the dignity your father commands daily.”

“My father…”

Ying Tianze recalled for a moment. He then placed his hands behind his back, a flicker of authority appearing in his brow, lending him a somewhat imposing look.

Still, it felt manufactured, lacking something genuine – an act, after all. But it would suffice.

Chen Changsheng nodded. “You walk in front; I’ll follow behind. I (Chen) am a guest; you are the host.”

“Huh?”

Ying Tianze hesitated, “No, Mr. Chen, that wouldn’t be appropriate, how could I dare…”

“You walk if I tell you to walk.”

“I…”

Ying Tianze had no choice but to obey. He adjusted his posture again and strode ahead.

Usually, whenever his father was present, he barely dared to lift his head. Walking in like this, he didn’t know if it would seem too ostentatious and earn him a severe scolding.

But what choice did he have?

The moment Ying Tianze stepped into the great hall, numerous gazes immediately turned towards him.

The Eldest Prince, usually a figure with almost no presence, had abruptly drawn the attention of everyone present.

“Is that… the Eldest Prince?”

“He seems remarkably different!”

“Yes, indeed…”

“Compared to before…”

The murmurs of the assembled monsters were soft.

Chen Changsheng, who followed behind Ying Tianze, was practically ignored by everyone.

This, of course, was also because the gentleman willingly yielded; otherwise, even walking ahead, Ying Tianze might not have managed to stand out in front of him.

Ying En’s eyes brightened. She leaned towards Yingyuan beside her. “Big Brother seems remarkably different today.”

Yingyuan smiled. “Didn’t you wish very much to see Mr. Chen? The figure behind Big Brother is him.”

Ying En looked up. When her gaze settled on the unassuming, green-robed gentleman following her brother, she paused, then found it odd.

“He seems… quite ordinary?”

Ying En couldn’t understand; she felt he shouldn’t appear so unremarkable.

Yingyuan explained, “Silly, it’s because Mr. Chen intentionally yielded the spotlight to Big Brother.”

“Second Brother!”

“Haha…”

Seeing Ying Tianze, the Old Dragon King was also momentarily stunned, followed by a swell of satisfaction within him.

‘He finally shows some real presence.’

The Old Dragon King spoke, “My son, come and take your seat here.”

Seeing his father actually smiling, Ying Tianze suspected it might be an illusion.

He glanced back at Chen Changsheng.

Chen Changsheng quietly urged, “Go on.”

Ying Tianze nodded and walked forward.

The Old Dragon King called out, “Attendant! Grant him a seat!”

Ying Tianze sat down next to Yingyuan.

“Good!”

The Old Dragon King smiled, then shifted his gaze to Chen Changsheng.

He noticed Chen Changsheng seemed about to take a seat off to the side.

The Old Dragon King hurriedly said, “Mr. Chen, where are you intending to sit? This old dragon has already prepared a seat for you.”

Chen Changsheng looked up. The Old Dragon King nodded, indicating he should sit beside his own high seat.

Upon hearing “Chen,” all the monsters instantly focused their gazes on the seemingly insignificant cultivator.

“A human cultivator?”

“Why would a Daoist Immortal cultivator be here?”

“Who is this person?”

Chen Changsheng saw all eyes upon him. Not taking the offered seat now would certainly slight the Old Dragon King.

He considered it, then walked over and sat down.

Once seated, Chen Changsheng smiled ruefully. “Dragon Lord, are you trying to put me (Chen) in the spotlight?”

Dragon Princess Ying En spoke up, “Mr. Chen’s name has long resounded through both immortal and demon realms. He holds immense favor towards our Dragon Clan. Sitting in this seat is more than fitting.”

The Old Dragon King nodded, smiling. “Ying En is right.”

Chen Changsheng looked at Ying En. Then she said, “Dragon Princess Ying En pays her respects to Mr. Chen.”

“So it’s the Goddess of Tianjiang,” Chen Changsheng smiled.

Ying En replied, “Dare I claim such a title in the presence of the gentleman? Sir, you may address me simply as Ying En.”