Dyon didn't need Damaris to explain why this was. If every Crystal Dragon in their history had entered this lake, the Stream of Consciousnesses accumulated in this lake were practically endless. If one who entered wasn't careful, you could have your mind crushed by the weight of their experiences.
"At the same time, there is really no limit to how often or frequently individuals can enter. Our Calming Lake is powered and strengthened by our territory's natural energy. As long as our universes live, the Calming Lake will live.
"As the Heir to Agios Clan, I take responsibility for forming an alliance with your Mortal Alliance. I am not in position to provide you support in battle, but an exchange of resources is well within my power."
The elders were shocked once more. Even if this wasn't an alliance in all things, it was incredibly rare for Dragons to enter alliances of any sort.
Dyon smiled and nodded. "I'll provide your Agios Clan with the support of a Planet Lord. As long as you supply the spiritual ingredients, we'll concoct what you need. In exchange, my Sacharro Clan will impose on your Calming Lake a bit…"
Dyon had paid more than enough for a one-time entry by saving and curing Giralda, but he felt that laying a deeper connection was necessary. So, he spoke to Damaris about it, and she surprisingly agreed.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe elders nearly collapsed. Planet Lord? Suddenly, their dissatisfaction disappeared with the wind. The Drago-Qilin Lands weren't a place even the outer quadrants could stand to take lightly even though they spanned only five quadrants. However, even they didn't have planet lords to call their own.
Of course, this was because beasts, for the most part, didn't have good soul talent. Let alone Planet Lords, they didn't even have Comet Lords of their own. It wouldn't be a surprise if this was related to the reason why some of their Ancestors bowed their heads to the Elves.
A Moon Lord could already support the growth of a dao expert… But a Planet Lord? They could create pills even Higher Existences wouldn't turn their noses up at.
Was this exchange worth the free usage of Calming Lake? Of course it was!
In truth, the benefits one person could receive from Calming Lake was incredibly limited. Many could only enter for a few minutes at a time before being chased away. And, those individuals wouldn't be able to enter for a period of time afterward. Even Little Lyla only lasted a few weeks on her first entry.
Because of this reality, they almost felt like they were taking advantage of Dyon. But then they understood.
For geniuses, the one thing they usually lacked was the mental state of an expert. This was because they cultivated so quickly that they didn't have the time to naturally build up that acumen. For a genius on Dyon's level… Maybe this exchange was worth it. If he could bring his mind up to the level of his talent… A monster the likes of which was rarely seen would be born.
"… Um, Sect Master, before you enter. There's something I would like to ask you first." Damaris couldn't look Dyon in the eye as she gripped the fabric of her lilac gown.
Finally, she firmed her resolve, staring up and into Dyon's golden, emerald flecked eyes with all the momentum she could muster.
"I want to be your Partner."
The atmosphere froze, even Dyon himself froze. What the hell was this girl saying?
Partner? That was a term only used between Beast Master and Beast or husband and wife, there was no other context. Considering the circumstances, Damaris was definitely asking to become Dyon's beast companion.
"Why?" Dyon's brows furrowed slightly.
He wasn't opposed to the idea, but Damaris doing this would put unnecessary stress on his relationship with the Agios Clan. The matter of Giralda now being his subordinate was already on shaky ground, if Damaris too acted like this, they might believe there was some foul play involved even if Dyon did nothing. And, even if they learned that there was no such foul play, that wouldn't stop them from feeling uncomfortable at the end of the day.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Because I want to." Damaris grinned like an innocent child. It wasn't the kind of smile one would expect to see on a beauty of her caliber, it felt like it deserved more of a place in a children's playground.
Dyon felt like facepalming. She was straining the relations between two Clans because she wanted to? That was all? No grand or philosophical reasonings, just a simple whim?
"We… Will talk about this another time. Now isn't appropriate. You have the future of your Agios Clan on your shoulders. Your sister's potential was already largely derailed, don't ruin your own."
"I have a feeling that becoming your Partner will have the direct opposite result." Damaris said defiantly. But, seeing Dyon's glare, she lowered her head like a child who knew she was wrong.
"The Agios Clan doesn't need me." Damaris said softly. "There's nothing stopping big sister from retaking her place as Heiress now. And, even if she doesn't, my little nephew is amazing."
Damaris smiled, tippy toeing to ruffle Ryu's hair.
The boy had grown tall in recent years. Not as tall as Zaire, but definitely tall enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with Dyon. Even to now, he remained a mute, though. No one seemed able to get him to talk. Though, from what Dyon could tell, he was an incredibly gentle person. He showed this with his actions rather than his words, it made his resonance with nature far higher than even his own mother and without question far better than his aunt's.
"Princess, can we…" An outer elder cleared his throat. "… Can we wait to talk about such important matters when your Royal Father and the Empress make their way back? The Conference should be starting in just a few months…"
Damaris pouted, wanting to argue some more, but Dyon's meaningful gaze stopped her.