Chapter 2331 - 2334: The Dragon Emperor's Treasure Vault Must Be Opened

Upon hearing the words from the Great Sea Demon, Shen Qiang managed to remain calm, but Jinli Qianning's sudden tremble still caused the eyes of the many Great Sea Demons present to grow strange. After all, within the current Sea Border, it could be seen as a chaotic land of power struggle after the Dragon Emperor's disappearance.

These lavishly dressed Great Sea Demons were like the various lords during the Warring States period. In name, they were subordinate to the Sea Demon King, Yu Jiang, but in reality, when they returned to their respective territories, they were akin to local emperors, rather than truly loyal to Yu Jiang.

In such a scenario, if the Dragon Throne were not truly difficult to sit upon, without Dragon Clan aura, unable to illuminate the Dragon Palace, they would have long fought bloodshed battles to dominate this seabed.

Now, Shen Qiang, having used Fetal Dragon Essence Foundation Establishment, inherently carried Dragon Breath, and cultivated the Daluo Heavenly Tribulation Heart Sutra. With his body evolved, partially adorned with golden scales, Shen Qiang took the Dragon Throne, illuminating the Dragon Palace.

Coupled with the support of Sea Demon King, Yu Jiang, and Gui Yuanba, this Dragon Emperor title naturally fell into Shen Qiang's hands.

For Shen Qiang, this was a good thing, but for these Great Sea Demons, it was not.

Because Dragon Emperor signifies dominion!

This is a completely different concept from the management style of Sea Demon King.

Simply put, Sea Demon King, Yu Jiang, is like the manager of this sea region, and Shen Qiang is the chairman.

Life and death decisions are entirely at Shen Qiang's discretion.

Thus, any Sea Demon with a bit of wit is highly reluctant to see Shen Qiang's existence.

Because this means losing their freedom and having to constantly be cautious in words and actions, always wary of being casually disposed of by the Dragon Emperor.

So when they received letters from the Atlantic, they seriously studied everything together and found that suspicions surrounding Shen Qiang, this Dragon Emperor, were indeed heavy.

Now witnessing Qianning's sudden nervous moment, their eyes sharpened with the leading Great Sea Demon directly addressing, "Princess Qianning, what's wrong with you? You seem worried that the Dragon Emperor might not be able to open the Treasure Vault. Well, you can rest assured; a true Dragon Emperor certainly cannot fail to open the Treasure Vault."

Upon hearing this, Qianning froze for a moment, then turned her gaze aside without speaking, but her long, white jade hands instinctively clenched into fists.

Such blatant anxiety not only excited those Great Sea Demons like sharks smelling blood but also rendered Shen Qiang helpless.

There was no other way; Qianning indeed wasn't good at concealing herself, which perhaps related to her identity and experiences.

It's not her fault; truthfully, her managing silence already satisfied Shen Qiang. After all, the inability to open the Dragon Palace Treasure Vault already indicated an issue with Shen Qiang as the Dragon Emperor.

"Qianning, if you're tired, you should rest for a while." Shen Qiang chose not to directly address the Great Sea Demon's question.

This situation made the eyes of the many Great Sea Demons in attendance more determined.

"Dragon Emperor, how about the Treasure Vault matter..." The Great Sea Demon probed with a drawn-out inquiry.

Shen Qiang smiled, "You're so interested in my treasures, aren't you?"

At the moment of hearing this, he fell silent.

Yet simultaneously, Shen Qiang was clearly observing a Great Sea Demon signaling to outsiders.

Soon after, Shen Qiang saw a Great Sea Demon returned with a seasoned Sea Demon who had accompanied Shen Qiang to Atlantic City.

"Kneel before the Dragon Emperor!" the Sea Demon commanded harshly.

The Sea Demon who accompanied Shen Qiang to the Atlantic knelt down on the ground.

"Speak, what did you say outside?"

The Great Sea Demon continued to scold.

The kneeling seasoned Sea Demon glanced at Shen Qiang, then turned his head aside, saying, "Nothing much, just that at Atlantic City, the Sea Emperor and Athena claimed that the Dragon Emperor isn't real, neither the Dragon Emperor nor the Dragon Emperor's successor. They said it several times and everyone heard it."

"Outrageous!" The Great Sea Demon drew his sword in anger, "Daring to question the Dragon Emperor, believe it or not, I will cut you down with one strike!"

The seasoned Sea Demon remained silent.

Meanwhile, seated on the Dragon Throne, Shen Qiang chuckled, "All right, stop acting. And don't trouble him; he's my brave comrade who risked his life with me. How could I possibly let you harm him?"

"Your aim is to confirm whether I am the Dragon Emperor and whether I can open the Dragon Palace Treasure Vault. Fine, no problem, I will not only open the Dragon Emperor's treasury but also reward my brothers who stood by me. I allow them each to choose an item from my treasury as a gift."

Instantly, the eyes of the many Great Sea Demons were ablaze, exchanging looks among themselves.

"Thank the Dragon Emperor." reminded by the Great Sea Demons, the seasoned Sea Demon loudly expressed gratitude, "Thank you, Dragon Emperor, for your grace!"

At almost the same moment, with hardly any chance for Shen Qiang to react, the Great Sea Demon loudly proclaimed, "Dragon Emperor's grace, open the treasury, gifting thirty warriors!"

Instantly, all the Sea Demons inside and outside the Dragon Palace heard it.

Outside, not only did cheers erupt instantly, but the eyes of the many Sea Demons present turned cold and sharp. Though no one spoke, the cold-eyed anticipation made Shen Qiang acutely aware that these bastards wouldn't miss any chance to topple Shen Qiang as the Dragon Emperor.

After expressing thanks, the seasoned Sea Demon withdrew gleefully.

But now, Jinli Qianning, knowing full well Shen Qiang couldn't open the Dragon Emperor's treasury, grew anxious but could not speak. The worried look in her eyes and nervous gestures amused the Great Sea Demons.

"Dragon Emperor, this must not happen!"

At this time, apparently having just arranged for Sea Demon King Yu Jiang's return, the old steward Gui Shu, while speaking out to intercept, transmitted, "Boss, the Treasure Vault involves major issues; we can't act recklessly. If you don't open it, there's nothing they can do, no matter their suspicions. But if you can't open it, then all's lost."

At the instant of hearing this, Shen Qiang looked at Gui Shu and smiled, forced to acknowledge that around him, there was indeed no simple individual. While Jinli Qianning knew Shen Qiang couldn't open the treasury, she couldn't share it with Gui Shu, nor could You Ying. As there were no others around, Gui Shu knowing this undoubtedly indicated he possessed knowledge beyond what Shen Qiang imagined.

This further confirmed that his visit to Heshenghe was definitely not just seeking stability.

Shen Qiang smiled, not transmitting a reply to Gui Shu's words, but calmly stating, "I always keep my word. If I say open the treasury, then I will open the treasury, not failing those fighting for me."