Chapter 2006: Washing in the Myriad Phenomena Sea

It wasn't Luan Xiao'e herself who attracted the attention of the many Sun Slayers in the hall. Even though she was a newly promoted Sun Slayer and quite attractive, she wouldn't command such widespread attention.

What caught the Sun Slayers' eyes was a glittering golden beast she held in her arms.

Lu Ye of Three Realms Island possessed a mysterious golden artifact. It was through the power of this artifact that he, as a newly advanced Sun Slayer, was able to devastate his opponents and even force the Anicca Palace faction to leave behind their plundered resources.

This artifact was no ordinary item; it was, surprisingly, a living creature, yet it could unleash the power of an artifact.

Therefore, upon seeing this golden beast, the Sun Slayers couldn't tear their eyes away. The creature perfectly matched the descriptions they had received.

Could this be the artifact?

A group of Sun Slayers immediately became serious, scrutinizing the creature closely.

Sun Slayers from some of the top realms, such as Gu Tai, Suilin, Kuihuo, and Su Lan, exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable as they observed.

When they had arrived at Three Realms Island earlier, they harbored various suspicions about this artifact. Its displayed power was simply too exaggerated; the instantaneous demise of Shen Yun, who possessed the Heavenly Net Umbrella, made them doubt if it was truly an artifact.

They had originally planned to find an opportunity to ask Lu Ye about the artifact's nature. Who would have thought that before they even broached the subject, Three Realms Island would proactively present it?

What did this mean?

"What is it?" Lu Ye asked Luan Xiao'e, looking down from his seat at the head of the hall.

To be honest, having Luan Xiao'e bring the Pixiu here in such a setting carried some risk. However, certain tactics had to be demonstrated, so this was the only way.

Furthermore, he was confident that the lingering prestige from the previous battle would provide sufficient deterrence, ensuring the Sun Slayers present wouldn't dare harbor any ill intentions.

Luan Xiao'e bowed to Lu Ye and reported as instructed: "Island Master, Little Gourd is agitated and seems about to act up." After speaking, her eye twitched. *Little Gourd*... who came up with that name?

At her words, the many Sun Slayers all changed their expressions.

This artifact could instantly kill Shen Yun. What did it mean for it to be agitated and about to act up? Although a few of them had brought their own artifacts, none were confident that their treasures offered stronger protection than the Heavenly Net Umbrella. If its power suddenly erupted, who could stop it?

"Ribbit!" Little Gourd's cheeks puffed out, and its two protruding eyes swiveled, seemingly staring intently in one direction.

Several Sun Slayers in that direction immediately tensed, their spiritual power secretly surging, preparing as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Don't panic, everyone!" Lu Ye quickly reassured them, stepping down from his seat, taking Little Gourd into his hands, and gently stroking it.

"Grumble..." Little Gourd's sound echoed once again, reverberating continuously throughout the vast hall.

Lu Ye seemed to be muttering something, but no one could make out what he was saying.

After a while, Lu Ye smiled and said, "Apologies for startling you all. It's fine for now."

Beside him, Gu Tai's expression was grave as he looked at Lu Ye and asked, "Fellow Daoist, this beast is..."

"A Pixiu," Lu Ye casually explained. "This beast has a trace of Pixiu bloodline, though it's not pure, making it difficult for it to become truly powerful. However, it had another fortuitous encounter."

Everyone held their breath, listening intently.

"Several years ago, while traveling through the starry sky, I acquired a strange ancient coin. Initially, I didn't find anything special about it. Not long after, this gluttonous little creature ate the coin. Since then, the beast seems to have undergone a wonderful transformation."

"What kind of transformation?" Despite having some suspicions, Gu Tai still wanted a clear explanation.

"It's like this now. And it can also emit a golden light with powerful sealing abilities," Lu Ye said slowly. "I believe you all know about my conflict with the Anicca Palace Sun Slayer. It's rather shameful to admit, but as a newly advanced Sun Slayer, my ability to kill someone from Anicca Palace relied solely on Little Gourd's power. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been capable of such a feat."

Even though they had this information, hearing it directly from Lu Ye still stirred a strange mix of emotions.

Many of the Sun Slayers present had reached their current stage through years of arduous cultivation, but their strength truly paled in comparison to a powerful artifact.

Yet, Lu Ye, by merely stumbling upon a fortuitous encounter, possessed the ability to slay Sun Slayers as easily as slicing gourds.

This stark contrast fueled envy and jealousy, making them lament the unfairness of fate.

"Was the ancient coin you mentioned earlier an artifact, Fellow Daoist?" someone asked.

"Whether it was an artifact or not, I don't know," Lu Ye shook his head. "You are all highly knowledgeable individuals; perhaps you could offer some insight?"

Su Lan's expression was grave as she said, "While artifacts are powerful, activating any of them requires strict conditions, either consuming a cultivator's vital essence or requiring extensive preparation time. Fellow Daoist Lu, may I ask what price your pet requires to be activated?"

This was undoubtedly a probing question about his personal details, but Lu Ye himself had initiated the topic. So, while Su Lan's question might have been impolite, it wasn't a major issue.

Moreover, Lu Ye appeared completely unbothered.

"Price?" Lu Ye blinked. "There doesn't seem to be any price to pay. Perhaps... it needs a bath in the Myriad Forms Sea?"

"A bath in the Myriad Forms Sea?"

"What does that mean?"

Everyone was bewildered.

Lu Ye didn't explain. Instead, he looked down at Little Gourd, soothing it again: "Alright, alright, I understand. Don't be agitated."

He then looked up at everyone and said, "My apologies, everyone. Little Gourd isn't feeling well. I'll take it to the Myriad Forms Sea for a short trip to calm it down."

With that, he walked straight out of the hall.

The group exchanged glances, then simultaneously rose and followed Lu Ye.

They all vaguely realized that what they were about to witness might be extremely peculiar.

Soon, a large group of Sun Slayers arrived at the edge of Three Realms Island. Under everyone's gaze, Lu Ye, holding Little Gourd, plunged headfirst into the Myriad Forms Sea.

A profound silence fell over the area. Many had their eyes twitching and faces contorted as they stared at the splashing water on the sea surface, unable to recover from their shock for a long time.

The terrifying corrosive nature of the Myriad Forms Sea water was known to all.

If they hadn't witnessed it themselves today, they simply wouldn't have believed that anyone in this world would voluntarily jump into the Myriad Forms Sea.

Lu Ye couldn't possibly be seeking death. The fact that he did this indicated he possessed the ability to withstand the corrosive effects of the Myriad Forms Sea water!

This was truly an astonishing revelation.

Furthermore, according to the information they had received, Lu Ye had made such a move before, but that was merely hearsay, far less shocking than witnessing it firsthand.

Luan Xiao'e had also followed. Many secretly glanced at her, but saw no trace of worry on her face.

The sea surface calmed, and Lu Ye's whereabouts were no longer visible. Even with their full sight activated, the Sun Slayers couldn't discern any trace of him.

Not until ten breaths later did someone suddenly exclaim, "He's back!"

Everyone looked closely and indeed saw a blurred shadow beneath the sea rapidly solidify. The next instant, with a splash, Lu Ye, holding Little Gourd, reappeared unharmed before them. Seawater splattered, causing those nearby to quickly retreat, fearing contamination.

"Ribbit!" As the crisp cry rang out, a golden light suddenly shot forth, piercing deep into the void, stretching for countless miles.

"Feeling comfortable now, aren't you?" Lu Ye patted Little Gourd's head and leisurely flew back.

On the shore, dozens of Sun Slayers gazed at him with complex expressions.

Lu Ye smiled: "Just now, Fellow Daoist Su Lan asked about the cost of Little Gourd activating its abilities. I've observed closely and found that Little Gourd seems able to consume the Myriad Forms Sea water, storing that immense energy within itself. When needed, it can then activate that sealing golden light."

Su Lan paused slightly: "So the price your pet needs to pay is simply consuming the Myriad Forms Sea water?"

"That appears to be correct," Lu Ye nodded.

Kuihuo spoke up with a chilling tone from the side: "Fellow Daoist says it can consume seawater and store it within itself. How many times can the stored energy be used to unleash the artifact's power?"

His speaking style alone gave off a deeply sinister impression, but in reality, that was just how he was. This manner of speaking, regardless of whether he was addressing someone familiar or unfamiliar, didn't indicate his likes or dislikes.

"I don't know," Lu Ye shook his head, his gaze lingering on Kuihuo. "But regardless of how many times it can be used, replenishing it is quite simple."

Kuihuo's eyes flickered. He had to admit that Lu Ye was right. The Myriad Forms Sea water was vast; if the cost of unleashing the artifact's power was Myriad Forms Sea water, then it could be replenished effortlessly.

Lu Ye had only taken the beast into the sea for ten breaths earlier...

"Is your ability to freely enter and exit the Myriad Forms Sea also related to it, Fellow Daoist?" someone asked curiously.

"Precisely!" Lu Ye nodded.

A few others asked about matters they were curious about, and Lu Ye answered each one.

Suddenly, Gu Tai spoke: "Fellow Daoist, may I ask if Shen Yun deployed the Heavenly Net Umbrella when he confronted you?"

This was a question not only on his mind but also in the minds of all Sun Slayers who knew of the Heavenly Net Umbrella's power.

"Heavenly Net Umbrella?" Lu Ye blinked, then casually flipped his hand, producing a small, palm-sized black umbrella. "Are you referring to this item? If so, it seems to be broken."

After killing Shen Yun, he had collected the small black umbrella and examined it, determining at the time that it was damaged.

Broken!

Everyone was startled, gazing collectively at Lu Ye's hand. Indeed, the small black umbrella was devoid of spiritual energy and appeared tattered.

This was the renowned Heavenly Net Umbrella; how could it be broken?

Gu Tai's expression was extremely grave. His lips fumbled several times before he finally spoke: "Fellow Daoist, if you don't mind, could I examine it?"

"Go ahead," Lu Ye said, tossing the tattered little black umbrella to Gu Tai as if it were trash.

Gu Tai, however, caught it with both hands, his divine sense surging as he examined it. Not only him, but several other senior Sun Slayers gathered around him, observing intently.

Yet, no matter how they looked, there was no doubt that this was the genuine Heavenly Net Umbrella artifact. Even though it was broken and tattered, the aura of an artifact couldn't be faked.

Instantly, their hearts pounded.

The Heavenly Net Umbrella artifact was one of the most famous defensive treasures in the starry sky. With it, Shen Yun could stand undefeated against anyone, which was how he earned his great reputation.

But now, Shen Yun was dead, and the Heavenly Net Umbrella artifact was destroyed.

What treasure in this world could instantly destroy the Heavenly Net Umbrella artifact?

For a moment, a horrifying and incredible thought surged through everyone's minds.