Chapter 1987: Shao Qing'er and Jin Lin

He found a lot of information about foreign races, mainly concerning their customs, traditions, and unique products.

“Mystic Turtle True Monarch!”

Wang Changsheng exclaimed softly, holding a light golden jade slip in his hand with a thoughtful expression.

The jade slip documented the deeds of a figure named Mystic Turtle True Monarch. He was a member of the Sea Race, a sixth-tier Mystic Turtle whose true form possessed Xuanwu bloodline. Active more than 80,000 years ago, he was said to have perished during a Great Heavenly Tribulation.

By a stroke of luck, Huang Lizhi discovered Mystic Turtle True Monarch's cultivation cave. However, the protective restrictions were too powerful for him to overcome, so he sought assistance from Daoist Jin Feng. Before they could breach the defenses and retrieve the treasures, Daoist Jin Feng acquired half of a seventh-tier puppet beast. He was preparing to offer it to a foreign race when Zhenhai Palace began to track him.

Wang Changsheng picked up a light blue parchment, his gaze fixed on the topographical map, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

Truth be told, he was greatly tempted. A cultivation cave belonging to a Void Refinement stage Sea Race cultivator was bound to hold numerous treasures. Putting aside other considerations, even obtaining its remains alone could allow him to forge a highly powerful Heavenly Spirit Treasure. With good fortune, he might even be able to craft a mid-grade Heavenly Spirit Treasure!

Mystic Turtle True Monarch's cultivation cave was located in Sea Race territory, making the retrieval of its treasures no easy feat.

Their immediate priority was to heal their injuries, followed by determining their current location. The sea chart contained numerous islands, and skirmishes between high-level cultivators could easily obliterate smaller ones. Relying solely on the map made it difficult to pinpoint their exact whereabouts; thus, they needed to locate specific landmarks to establish their position.

Markets were the easiest landmarks to identify. They would prioritize recuperating from their injuries first.

Aside from these items, there were also materials for refining avatars, meaning Wang Changsheng could now craft another one.

Just as a horse cannot grow fat without ample fodder, one cannot become wealthy without seizing opportunities. Having slain three cultivators at the Deity Transformation stage this time, they had certainly struck it rich.

Wang Changsheng sorted the items on the ground and put them away. He then took out a blood-colored pill and swallowed it.

The pill melted instantly upon consumption, transforming into a surge of immense energy that coursed erratically throughout his body.

He quickly guided the immense energy to flow along his meridians. As it moved, a wave of warmth spread, and his body began to slightly heat up.

Jiao Qing'er, a member of the Sea Race, had grown up in the ocean. Currently at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, her diluted bloodline meant she usually appeared in a half-human, half-demon form. Sea Race members with purer bloodlines, however, could fully transform into human form upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

Jiao Qing'er was an orphan who lived in a market established by the Sea Race, rarely venturing onto land.

One night, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a serene glow that reflected on the tranquil sea surface.

With a muffled splash, a massive wave surged, and a fair-featured young woman in a green dress emerged from the sea. Her skin was snow-white, with faint green scales visible on her face and arms, and her lower body was a fish tail covered in green scales. It was Jiao Qing'er.

Humming a tune, Jiao Qing'er glided effortlessly and swiftly across the sea surface, as if walking on solid ground.

The sea was calm and tranquil. Occasionally, a few demonic birds soared overhead but paid no mind to Jiao Qing'er.

An hour later, Jiao Qing'er arrived in the waters near a desolate island. She gazed at a particular peak, her eyes brimming with excitement.

“This place is so remote, it should still be here! I couldn't defeat it last time, but this time, I'll definitely succeed.”

Jiao Qing'er muttered to herself, her gaze reflecting a hint of confidence.

As if sensing something, she slapped her right hand onto the sea surface, which immediately churned violently, bursting open and sending hundreds of massive waves crashing upwards.

Boom!

Three figures shot out from beneath the sea. Leading them was a handsome youth in golden robes, who had several golden scales on his arms and golden eyes. He was at the early Deity Transformation stage.

The other two had some green scales on their arms, pronounced noses, and broad ears. Both were also at the early Deity Transformation stage.

“Jin Lin, it’s you. Why are you following me?”

Jiao Qing'er said, frowning.

“Heh heh, little sister Qing’er, don’t misunderstand. We’re just passing through. But you’ve come all this way to such a remote place—is there some treasure here?”

The golden-robed youth chuckled, eyeing Jiao Qing'er with ill intent.

“What treasure could possibly be in this desolate place? I’m merely here to visit a senior.”

Jiao Qing'er explained, her expression a little flustered.

“A senior? If they were a senior from our Sea Race, why would they reside in such a place? Do you take me for a fool? Surely there are rare spiritual herbs on this island, aren't there?!”

Jin Lin sneered. The Sea Race typically operated underwater and rarely surfaced. This remote location, lacking abundant spiritual energy, made it impossible for any high-ranking Sea Race member to reside here.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. If you’re sensible, leave this place quickly. Otherwise, if you disturb that senior, you’ll be in serious trouble.”

Jiao Qing'er said, steeling herself, hoping to deter the golden-robed youth.

“Hmph, is that so? I’d like to see which senior resides here. Come along with me.”

Jin Lin raised his right hand, and a beam of golden light shot out, flying directly towards Jiao Qing’er.

Jiao Qing’er was greatly startled and tried to evade, but to her horror, she found the seawater beneath her suddenly weighed a million catties, rendering her immobile.

The disparity between a Nascent Soul cultivator and a Deity Transformation cultivator was immense; Jiao Qing’er was simply no match.

The golden light enveloped Jiao Qing’er, revealing itself to be a dazzling golden ring, its runes flickering. It was a low-grade Heavenly Spirit Treasure.

“Heh heh, Jiao Qing’er, you’ve finally met your match.”

A Merman chuckled, a lecherous grin spreading across his face.

“Jin Lin, if you dare to act recklessly, Granny won’t spare you.”

Jiao Qing’er’s expression was flustered, and she quickly invoked her powerful backing.

“Don’t worry, I won’t act recklessly. It’s rare for you to leave the market on your own. I was hoping to exchange you for that old hag! Come on, take me to see what’s here.”

Jin Lin sneered. He had already used his divine sense to scan the island thoroughly and found no traces of Deity Transformation cultivators.

“Who’s there? Harming someone right outside our cave dwelling? That’s truly showing no regard for us!”

A cold, indifferent male voice suddenly emanated from the island.

Upon hearing this, Jiao Qing’er paused briefly before quickly recovering and respectfully stating, “Senior, your junior Jiao Qing’er has come to pay respects at Granny’s behest.”

Jin Lin frowned, his gaze flickering with surprise and uncertainty.

Based solely on their voice, it was impossible to tell the other party’s cultivation level.

“This junior is Jin Lin. The enforcement elder of the Jin Lin clan is my great-grandfather. May I inquire which fellow Daoist resides here, and if you would be willing to show yourself?”

Jin Lin spoke courteously. Anyone Jiao Qing’er called a senior was most likely a Deity Transformation cultivator; the chances of a Void Refinement cultivator residing here were negligible.

Two streaks of light flew out from the island and descended above Jin Lin. As the light faded, a man and a woman were revealed—Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan, both disguised.

They had recuperated for over half a month, and their injuries had significantly healed. They had originally planned to seek out the Sea Race, but unexpectedly, the Sea Race came to them.

“The Merman Clan!”

Jin Lin frowned slightly. The Sea Race was divided into numerous branches, and the Merman Clan was one of them. Had it been another branch, they might have shown him some deference, but as they were both from the Merman Clan, he doubted the other party would allow him to take Jiao Qing’er.

“I am Jiao Yunhai, and this is my wife Jiao Yun. Fellow Daoist Jin, why have you detained a junior of our Merman Clan? Do you not consider us to exist?”

Wang Changsheng spoke coldly. He was unfamiliar with the local situation, and assistance from the Sea Race would allow him to locate Mystic Turtle True Monarch’s cultivation cave more swiftly.

“She took something belonging to our Golden Scale Clan. I need to take her back to report.”

Jin Lin explained, his tone somewhat cold.

“You’re talking nonsense! When did I ever take anything from your Golden Scale Clan? You’re coveting Granny’s treasures and want to capture me to threaten her!”

Jiao Qing'er retorted.

“Fellow Daoist Jin, release her and depart from this place, and we can let bygones be bygones.”

Wang Changsheng stated in a deep voice. Jin Lin was a descendant of the Golden Scale Clan’s enforcement elder; though his cultivation was somewhat low, he undoubtedly possessed numerous treasures. Wang Changsheng preferred to avoid further complications.

“Hmph, release her? Just the two of you?”

Jin Lin snorted coldly, his face etched with disdain.

His great-grandfather was at the late Void Refinement stage and had bestowed numerous treasures upon him, so he had no fear of the other party.

“How about this: if you can withstand three of my attacks, I will no longer interfere in this matter. What do you say?”

Wang Changsheng proposed.

“Three attacks? Very well. I’d like to see what you’re capable of.”

Jin Lin readily agreed, confident that he could withstand three of the other party’s attacks.

Wang Changsheng’s right fist glowed with a dazzling blue light. He punched at Jin Lin in the air, producing a piercing whoosh. Countless wisps of blue water vapor surged forth, instantly coalescing into a massive, hundred-zhang blue fist that, with an overwhelming force, smashed towards Jin Lin.

Before the blue giant fist even drew near, a fierce gust of wind rushed towards him, causing Jin Lin’s clothes to flap incessantly.

Jin Lin snorted coldly, and a dazzling golden light emanated from his body, illuminating a wide area.

He moved his right fist, encased in a ball of golden light, and struck back.

The two fists collided, unleashing a powerful shockwave. Jin Lin was sent flying backward, spitting out a large mouthful of fresh blood, his face etched with horror.

He had previously sparred with many Deity Transformation cultivators; even when outmatched, he had never been defeated so swiftly.

“Fellow Daoist Jin, two more attacks remain.”

Wang Changsheng’s expression remained indifferent.

Jin Lin gave a soft snort, then formed a hand seal. The golden ring flew back to him, and Jiao Qing’er regained her freedom.

He flicked his wrist, and a blue light shot out, revealing a hundred-zhang-long blue shark. The shark had silver markings on its body and was clearly a fifth-tier, low-grade spirit beast.

He released the fifth-tier spirit beast as a warning to the other party not to act rashly, as their strength made him extremely wary.

“Let’s go.”

Jin Lin leaped onto the blue shark’s back, beckoning his two subordinates to join him.

A low roar echoed, and the blue shark carried them away, disappearing into the vast darkness of the night.

Jiao Qing’er let out a long breath. Suddenly recalling something, she bowed deeply to Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan, gratefully saying, “This junior thanks both seniors for saving my life. Had it not been for your rescue, I would have faced dire consequences.”

“We are of the same clan; it was merely a small effort. You came all this way to gather spiritual herbs, didn’t you?”

Wang Changsheng said with a pleasant expression.

“Granny is injured and requires a Blue Marrow Fruit as a medicinal primer. I serendipitously discovered Blue Marrow Fruit here, but I couldn’t defeat the demonic beast and had to retreat. By the time I was fully prepared, Jin Lin had already targeted me.”

Jiao Qing’er explained, fully aware of the consequences of deception, and thus dared not lie.

If even Jin Lin was no match, she certainly stood no chance.

Wang Ruyan flipped her delicate hand, and a blue light flashed as an exquisite blue jade box appeared. With a gentle flick of her wrist, the jade box floated towards Jiao Qing’er.

“These are two Blue Marrow Fruits; are they sufficient?”

Wang Ruyan said softly.

“Yes, more than enough! Thank you, Senior. I can never repay your great kindness.”

Jiao Qing’er’s expression was agitated; she started to kowtow but was stopped by Wang Changsheng.

“It’s alright; we’re of the same clan, and it was merely a small effort. By the way, we’ve been in secluded cultivation for many years and are unfamiliar with the outside world. Where is the nearest market from this location?”

Wang Changsheng asked.

Jiao Qing’er hesitated slightly before saying, “If seniors don’t mind, I can personally guide you. In recent years, due to warfare, our Sea Race dismantled several markets and relocated them elsewhere.”

“Relocated elsewhere? Has Dragon Palace relocated as well?”

Wang Changsheng asked, frowning. Dragon Palace was the largest market of the Sea Race, a gathering place for many experts. Truth be told, they dared not visit Dragon Palace; if they were recognized by a Sea Race cultivator at the Integration stage, it would lead to serious trouble.

His primary reason for visiting the Sea Race market was to use the opportunity to search for Mystic Turtle True Monarch’s cultivation cave, hoping to breach its defenses and retrieve the treasures.

“Dragon Palace has not relocated; it was several medium-sized markets that moved. The nearest market from here is thirty million li away, established by our Merman Clan. Besides our Merman Clan, humans, bone creatures, and bat creatures also frequent it. With some luck, you might acquire some valuable items there.”

Jiao Qing’er explained that each race had cultivators specializing in commerce. These traders were highly esteemed and, to a certain extent, protected by their respective races.

Killing them and severing the trade routes between races would, in the long run, be detrimental to all parties involved.

“Humans, bone creatures, and bat creatures frequent it?”

Wang Changsheng’s heart stirred. If that were the case, a trip there would be feasible, and even if they were recognized, it wouldn’t matter.

Jiao Qing’er’s expression was tense. She intended to personally guide them, partly out of gratitude for saving her life, and partly out of concern that Jin Lin might still be nearby; accompanying them would be safer.

“Very well! Then we’ll trouble you with that.”

Wang Changsheng agreed.

Jiao Qing’er let out a long breath and said with a smile, “It’s no trouble at all. It’s my good fortune to be able to serve both seniors. Please follow me.”

Jiao Qing’er casually released a green light barrier that transformed into a streak of light and submerged into the sea.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan conjured a watery blue light barrier and followed after her.

A green light barrier and a blue light barrier proceeded slowly beneath the waves.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan’s expressions remained serene. They could clearly observe numerous low-level demonic beasts swimming past them, including seahorses, sea turtles, seals, sea lions, and many other diverse species, a dazzling sight.

“Qing’er, we’ve been in secluded cultivation for many years. Have there been any major events within the clan recently?”

Wang Ruyan asked casually, initiating a conversation.

“Our Merman Clan hasn’t experienced any major incidents in recent years. However, the Green Scale Clan had a significant event: their Grand Elder reportedly perished during a Great Heavenly Tribulation. As a result, the Green Scale Clan’s influence has waned considerably, and many of their territories have been divided among other clans.”

Jiao Qing’er, a true chatterbox, spoke incessantly once she started.