Chapter 530: Exposed Whereabouts

Indeed, in the Merman tribe's reception hall, seven or eight elders were seated, representing men and women, old and young.

As Xu Yang had predicted, the Merman Queen's politeness didn't mean the elders would be as accommodating. The moment they saw Xu Yang and his two human companions, their initial joy over Princess Lolita's safe return vanished. The chief elder, seated at the highest position on the left and adorned with black scales, even let out a cold snort, immediately emanating a powerful aura.

In an instant, Xu Yang and his companions were completely enveloped by an extremely cold, water-elemental aura.

Fortunately, Xu Yang stood at the forefront. His aura was not something the elder could threaten. With a slight smile, he calmly defused the oppressive aura, neither overtly challenging the elder nor losing face for his group.

"First Elder, these three are our guests. They saved Lolita," the Queen said softly, offering a gentle reminder.

The Queen's subtle interjection immediately diminished the First Elder's arrogance by half. It was clear that this beautiful Merman Queen held considerable authority within her tribe.

"Please be seated, honored guests. I will arrange a banquet later as a token of our gratitude."

Xu Yang chuckled, cupping his fists respectfully to the Merman Queen. "We appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty. Saving this young girl was purely coincidental, and we seek no accolades for what was merely a small favor. To be frank, we are here to search for the lost Glacial Ruins. We wonder if the Merman tribe has any clues regarding its whereabouts."

"We know nothing. You may leave," the Second Elder, another formidable expert with black scales opposite the First Elder, stated coldly. This time, even the Merman Queen remained silent, choosing to stroke Lolita beside her to avoid the awkwardness.

Xu Yang and his companions clearly observed the elders' attitudes. It was evident that the Glacial Ruins were a taboo subject for the Merman tribe, not something they would reveal easily.

"In that case, we shall take our leave," Xu Yang declared without hesitation. He turned to look at Shi Lingyun and Ling Yao, ready to depart, but the Merman elders seemed intent on pressing their advantage.

"Wait! You have entered our Merman territory, and you haven't achieved your objective. If you leave now and reveal our Merman clan's location to the Flood Dragon tribe, wouldn't that be like letting a tiger loose in the mountains?"

The moment these words were uttered, Ling Yao, standing beside Xu Yang, erupted in anger before he could even respond.

"Do you think we're easy to bully just because there are only three of us? Across this entire continent, when my boss decides to leave, no one can stop him!"

As Ling Yao was about to unleash her fury, a thunderous roar suddenly erupted throughout the entire Merman plane!

Although the space itself wasn't significantly affected, it was clear that the power emanated from the teleportation barrier. Xu Yang instinctively surmised that the Flood Dragon tribe had likely pinpointed their location.

But how had they managed to do that?

"Report! Your Majesty, Elders, the main force of the Flood Dragon tribe is unleashing powerful attacks at the entrance of the teleportation passage, attempting to breach our formation defenses! Our location has been discovered!"

"What!"

"Nonsense! It must be these three! They're probably spies for the Flood Dragon tribe! Kill them!"

The scene instantly devolved into chaos, especially with the elders' hysterical expressions, giving Xu Yang and his companions no chance to explain themselves.

In truth, Xu Yang knew that explanations were useless now. From his perspective, the immediate priority was to repel the attackers.

"Hmph, there's no need for your petty squabbling here. If we wanted to harm you, we could simply unleash a massacre. What could you do? These Flood Dragons likely did something to us to track us here, but it wasn't by our design. If you can maintain your reason, we wouldn't mind fighting alongside you against the invaders."

Shi Lingyun's dignified speech truly astonished the Merman tribe present once again.

"This young lady possesses powerful spiritual energy..." "These three are incredibly strong. It would be difficult for the Flood Dragon tribe to control such top human experts. Perhaps their words aren't entirely untrustworthy..."

Indeed, several other Merman elders who had retained their composure also spoke up, expressing respect for Shi Lingyun's earlier statement.

"Mother, uncles, these three aren't bad people, and they don't know the Flood Dragon tribe. If I hadn't voluntarily boarded their ship and received their protection, they wouldn't even know of the Flood Dragon tribe's existence in the sea!" Lolita seemed to suddenly recall something. The young girl pointed directly at her forehead, and a brilliant, colorful soul light radiated outwards. The memory of the Flood Dragon tribe surrounding Xu Yang's large ship was shared by Lolita.

"So that's what happened..."

As expected, after this memory was shared, the elders' agitated fury subsided significantly, and the Merman Queen's expression grew calmer.

"Everyone, please calm down. Since I invited these three in, I naturally trust their character. Even if a deeper friendship cannot be forged, please do not treat them as adversaries. Our current enemies are only the Flood Dragon tribe and other sea creatures. Convey my order: all Merman warriors with green scales and above, quickly assemble and prepare to go out and face the enemy!"

"Understood!"

Soon, the Merman Queen outlined a luminous teleportation array in the hall. This formation was a hidden teleportation barrier, concealed deep within the Merman tribe, and was not the same entrance surrounded by the sea creatures outside.

The reason for choosing this passage to enter the battlefield was to avoid being heavily hit by the enemies' prepared ambush outside. Opting for a different exit allowed them to bypass the traps set by the opposing force.

"Thank you for not disdaining us and for being willing to fight alongside my Merman tribe. As the Queen of the Merman tribe, I assure you that if we return alive from this battle, we will answer all your questions."

Xu Yang couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. He thought to himself that the Merman Queen was indeed clever, making such a promise at this critical juncture with a formidable enemy at their doorstep. She simply wanted to win them over and leverage their strength.

However, this was a worthwhile deal for Xu Yang. As long as he achieved his ultimate goal, what did it matter if he expended a little effort?

For Xu Yang, nothing was more important now than being reunited with Xiao Hua.

*Rumble!*