Chapter 1701: Behind the Scenes There Is a Master

Ma Shangsi’s candor startled the Moon-Tier cultivators of the Jade Snail Realm.

A servant? A peak Moon-Tier cultivator as a servant?

They could barely believe their ears and were momentarily stunned. Yet, Ma Shangsi's expression clearly showed he was not joking. In Lu Ye's presence, he indeed adopted a very humble demeanor, even addressing them as "sirs." Logically speaking, for a peak Moon-Tier cultivator like Ma Shangsi, calling them "fellow Daoists" would already be a sign of respect. This "sir" address made the Jade Snail Moon-Tiers uncomfortable. The reason he addressed them this way was obviously because Lu Ye had already referred to them as "senior/junior brothers and sisters." If Ma Shangsi were to call them "fellow Daoists" again, where would that leave Lu Ye?

Qiu Wu glanced at Wu Zhuo with a "what's going on?" expression. Wu Zhuo simply shook his head slowly; he was also somewhat bewildered. On the way, Wu Zhuo had noticed Ma Shangsi's respectful attitude towards Lu Ye, but he hadn't expected such a powerful cultivator to so openly call himself a servant. Wu Zhuo couldn't help but wonder if Lu Yiye of the Nine Heavens had somehow gained the backing of a Sun-Tier master to have such a powerful cultivator as a servant. Not just him, but the other Jade Snail Moon-Tiers also thought the same, as it was the only logical explanation.

"Distinguished guests have arrived, please don't stand. Let's go inside and talk, Junior Brother Lu, please!" Qiu Wu quickly composed himself and gestured. In just this short moment, the Jade Snail Moon-Tiers' attitudes had shifted several times. Initially, upon hearing that Wu Zhuo had brought Lu Yiye of the Nine Heavens, they had expected to meet a promising junior. However, after seeing that Lu Ye's cultivation had already reached the Moon-Tier, they realized they needed to interact as equals. With Ma Shangsi's address of "sir," Lu Ye transformed into a distinguished guest. The Jade Snail Moon-Tiers no longer dared to show any disrespect or neglect. Although they hadn't initially harbored such intentions, there was always a subtle sense of superiority and scrutiny when stronger cultivators faced weaker ones.

"Apologies for the disturbance!" Lu Ye said, his expression unchanged, as he nodded and walked inside alongside Qiu Wu.

Inside the main hall, everyone took their seats. As others watched, Ma Shangsi quietly sat slightly behind and to the left of Lu Ye, truly adopting the posture of a servant.

After a few brief pleasantries, Lu Ye became acquainted with the Moon-Tier cultivators present. The Jade Snail Realm had more than just these few Moon-Tier cultivators. As the leading power in their star system, although it had never produced a Sun-Tier master, it consistently maintained around ten Moon-Tiers. According to Wu Zhuo, at its peak, the Jade Snail Realm could have as many as fifteen Moon-Tiers. For an established large realm, this foundation was undoubtedly quite shallow. For instance, the Undulating Realm, which Lu Ye had visited, was also a large realm, but it not only had Sun-Tier masters but also a great number of Moon-Tiers. The Jade Snail Realm's situation was partly due to its remote location, having never connected with the mainstream of the starry sky and having no interaction with other star systems. Matters of cultivation had always been explored by themselves. Secondly, resources in the starry sky were limited. However, Moon-Tiers couldn't always remain in their realms; some preferred to travel. Not to mention Moon-Tiers, even most of the Constellations from the Nine Provinces now spent most of their time in the starry sky.

After some casual conversation, Qiu Wu finally inquired about the situation in the Myriad Manifestation Sea. Luan Xiao'e had led a hundred elites from their realm to the Myriad Manifestation Sea, and several years had passed without any news. Given that they had no means of inquiry, it would be false to say they weren't worried. Since Lu Ye had come this time, they naturally wanted to thoroughly inquire.

Lu Ye did not hide anything and simply recounted the battles encountered on the journey to the Myriad Manifestation Sea. Upon hearing that the Three Realms' fleet had become entangled in a war between the Four Directions Star System and the Insect-Blood race, the Moon-Tiers present all changed color. After all, as Lu Ye described it, nearly ten Sun-Tier cultivators alone were involved in that war, and the number of Moon-Tier and Constellation cultivators was incalculable. A fleet of the Three Realms' scale participating in such a conflict could hardly expect a favorable outcome. Fortunately, although the outcome was not entirely satisfactory, the Three Realms' fleet did not suffer too many losses and ultimately overcame the difficulties, continuing its journey to the Myriad Manifestation Sea. Learning that the Three Realms' cultivators now occupied a Three Realms Island in the Myriad Manifestation Sea and that everything was fine, everyone finally felt relieved.

However, the Jade Snail cultivators soon realized the question Wu Zhuo had previously raised: the Three Realms cultivators had a weak foundation; could they hold onto a medium-sized spirit island? Lu Ye then brought up the Merfolk, which significantly put their minds at ease.

As Lu Ye spoke, Qiu Wu's gaze towards him became increasingly complex. From Lu Ye's account, Qiu Wu could clearly see that although the Three Realms' fleet had experienced some setbacks and losses on its journey years ago, it had been largely smooth sailing overall, and establishing a foothold in the Myriad Manifestation Sea had been particularly effortless. Qiu Wu was indeed old, but that didn't mean he was senile. He knew that such smooth progress couldn't come without reason. How could things go so smoothly in a highly competitive place like the Myriad Manifestation Sea? He knew better than anyone the capabilities of Luan Xiao'e and the cultivators she had brought from their realm; she absolutely couldn't have handled any major setbacks in the Myriad Manifestation Sea. The people from the Azure Dawn Dao Realm didn't have that ability either. So who could have managed these affairs? The key likely lay with the young man before him! Qiu Wu didn't know what exact abilities Lu Ye possessed, but he knew that what Lu Ye had revealed was only a part of the story, with much more left unsaid. Among other things, why would the Merfolk, who lived beneath the Myriad Manifestation Sea, become the Three Realms Island's staunchest allies? Qiu Wu increasingly felt that Lu Yiye of the Nine Heavens was extraordinary. As he looked, it was as if he saw a towering figure standing behind Lu Ye.

"Realm Master Qiu, Senior Brothers and Sisters," Lu Ye began, "I've returned this time to take another group of people to Three Realms Island. Hall Master Wu has provided a hundred individuals, so I hope your realm can also send a hundred more. The Myriad Manifestation Sea is not peaceful, and our people there will have to rely on themselves." He had expected the Jade Snail Realm to readily agree, as no one could refuse the allure of the Myriad Manifestation Sea. He had even prepared for them to ask him to bring more people. To his surprise, Qiu Wu did not answer immediately after hearing this; instead, he showed a troubled expression. After a moment of thought, Qiu Wu said, "Junior Brother, if you're not in a hurry, perhaps you could stay in our realm for a few days. We can discuss it briefly and then give you a reply, would that be acceptable?" Lu Ye blinked, not understanding the situation. Why wouldn't they accept such a good offer? Was it a lack of trust in him? That made no sense. Lu Ye hadn't detected any hint of distrust from Qiu Wu or the others. Without dwelling on it, he nodded and said, "No problem."

The conversation then shifted to general topics. The Jade Snail Realm's understanding of the Myriad Manifestation Sea was primarily based on Wu Zhuo's previous reports, so their knowledge was limited. With Lu Ye, who had spent many years there, present, they naturally had many questions. The atmosphere became lively.

Lu Ye also took the opportunity to mention, "Realm Master Qiu, I wonder if your realm has any suitable materials for crafting artifacts?" Hearing this, Qiu Wu asked, "Junior Brother wishes to craft an artifact?" Lu Ye patted the Stone Mountain Blade at his waist and smiled, "Now that I've advanced to Moon-Tier, I need a suitable weapon. If your realm has appropriate materials, I'd like to purchase some." In truth, the best option would be to do this in the Myriad Manifestation Sea, where materials were abundant, and Lu Ye could buy anything he wanted as long as he had spirit jades. However, Lu Ye intended to craft more than just an ordinary scabbard. He wanted to forge the 'Drawing Sword Slash' spirit pattern into it, a pattern so complex that Lu Ye estimated even a Sun-Tier artifact refiner might not succeed in forging it. Moreover, he couldn't find an artifact refiner of that caliber. He could only do it himself! Lu Ye was actually not very confident about crafting such a scabbard. Although he had some foundation in artifact refining, he hadn't focused on it for many years and wasn't sure if he could succeed. Fortunately, he had the Talent Tree, an advantage no other artifact refiner possessed. So, whether he succeeded or not, he had to try. It would serve as practice, and he could always forge a better scabbard with superior materials later on.

Qiu Wu said, "I wonder what kind of materials Junior Brother is looking for?" After a brief pause, he added, "How about this: let Junior Brother Han accompany you to the treasury. Take whatever catches your eye. Moreover, Junior Brother Han is our realm's most skilled artifact refiner. If you have anything you want to forge, just ask him to help refine it." Junior Brother Han, named Han Dong, was the bald, burly man who had spoken when Lu Ye first arrived. Lu Ye had already been introduced to him earlier. Lu Ye cupped his fists, "Then I thank Realm Master Qiu. I will certainly provide the spirit jades needed for the materials."

Qiu Wu waved his hand, "Junior Brother, you've charted a path to the Myriad Manifestation Sea, and instead of keeping it to yourself, you've shared it with the Azure Dawn Dao Realm and our Jade Snail Realm. Such generosity is truly admirable. Frankly, both Azure Dawn and our Jade Snail Realm owe you a great favor. As for a few materials, if Junior Brother finds them suitable, please take them. Let's not mention spirit jades again." Although Lu Ye had invited the Azure Dawn Dao Realm and the Jade Snail Realm to advance towards the Myriad Manifestation Sea together, implying a desire to pool their strength, both realms had indeed benefited from this. As for some artifact refining materials kept in the treasury, they were willing to give them away. The Jade Snail Realm wouldn't be so petty as to actually charge Lu Ye for spirit jades. Hearing this, Lu Ye knew that even if he insisted, they wouldn't accept spirit jades. He immediately raised his cup, "Then I thank you, Senior Brother!"

The banquet concluded with everyone enjoying themselves. Afterward, Lu Ye was settled by the Jade Snail Realm in a scenic valley. Wu Zhuo was also staying there, serving as his companion.

The next day, even before Lu Ye could speak, Han Dong, the bald man, approached him, offering to take him to the treasury. Lu Ye took Ma Shangsi with him and followed.

The Bloodline Sect also had a treasury, but there was no comparison between a realm's treasury and a sect's treasury. The Jade Snail Realm's treasury was divided into several levels, each filled to the brim with good quality items. One of the levels contained artifact refining materials. Most of these materials were naturally produced within the Jade Snail Realm, while some were brought back by cultivators who had encountered them during their travels in the starry sky. Lu Ye was dazzled by the sight and for a moment didn't know where to begin.