Chapter 1990: Two-Pronged Preparation

The Golden Scale Tribe once dominated the Sea Race, but several decades ago, the Silver Shark Tribe saw the emergence of a Mahayana cultivator, which forced the Golden Scale Tribe to become more restrained.

The Sea Race primarily lives and operates underwater, rarely leaving the seabed. They have little interest in the land, as the abundant cultivation resources of the seabed allow them to be self-sufficient. This self-sufficiency is also why the Sea Race generally maintains harmonious relationships with other races.

In the Dongli Realm, the Sea Race of the South Sea had to ally with the Monster and Barbarian races to resist humans, mainly because cultivation resources in the Dongli Realm were limited. However, the Xuanyang Realm boasts abundant cultivation resources; the resources within its seas alone are inexhaustible, eliminating the need to compete with other races for resources on land.

In contrast, races like the Orcs, Bat Tribe, and Bone Tribe primarily operate on land and frequently clash with humans over cultivation resources.

A fortress is often broken from within. The Sea Race comprises over a hundred tribes, constantly engaged in private disputes. The Golden Scale Tribe has always sought to unify the Sea Race but has refrained from using force due to external pressures.

Currently, the Sea Race is divided into two major factions: one led by the Golden Scale Tribe, comprising over seventy tribes, and another led by the Silver Shark Tribe, consisting of over forty tribes. The Merfolk Tribe, being affiliated with the Silver Shark Tribe, is naturally targeted by the Golden Scale Tribe.

Wang Ruyan suddenly understood. “No wonder the Golden Scale Tribe is acting so excessively. Before our seclusion, they weren’t this bad, but after we emerged, they’ve become much worse.”

“As long as we avoid their territory, the chances of encountering members of the Golden Scale Tribe are relatively low,” Hai Yunfan suggested. “It’s better to avoid trouble if you can’t confront it.”

At that moment, a Merman approached, handed a blue storage ring to Hai Yunfan, and then withdrew.

“Here’s what you asked for. Please check it, fellow Daoist,” Hai Yunfan said, handing the storage ring to Wang Changsheng.

After Wang Changsheng confirmed its contents, Wang Ruyan paid the spirit stones, and they left the Heavenly Merman Tower.

They strolled through the streets, which were bathed in a clear blue sky. They observed numerous Merfolk, as well as members of the Bone Tribe, Bat Tribe, and Seahorse Tribe, moving about.

Two hours later, dusk settled.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan rented a courtyard with a distinctive "beer belly" shape and settled in.

They took out the acquired ancient texts and sea charts to examine them.

According to the map, Mysterious Tortoise Island was located within the Golden Scale Tribe’s territory. To reach it, they would have to pass through their lands. Given the conflict between the Golden Scale Tribe and the Merfolk Tribe, they feared they might be captured by the Golden Scale Tribe even before reaching Mysterious Tortoise Island.

“No wonder Huang Lizhi didn’t go treasure hunting,” Wang Ruyan frowned, “It turns out True Monarch Xuan Gui’s cultivation cave was in the Golden Scale Tribe’s territory.” This meant their best option was to travel to Mysterious Tortoise Island with Uncle Gui, whom Jiao Qing’er had mentioned. Going on their own would be extremely difficult.

“Relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself. We can’t put all our hopes on that Daoist Gui,” Wang Changsheng said gravely. “We still need to be prepared for both possibilities. If necessary, we’ll go ourselves.” He had purchased a batch of refining materials, intending to upgrade the Merfolk Cloud Pendant to a Sky-Treading Spirit Treasure, which would further reduce their chances of exposure. He never placed all his hopes on others; in critical moments, one must rely on themselves.

Wang Ruyan nodded. “I plan to refine a few more Rank Five talismans and make more preparations. I hope we can successfully obtain True Monarch Xuan Gui’s legacy.”

They each got busy: Wang Changsheng on refining, and Wang Ruyan on talisman crafting.

In a secret chamber within the Cloud Merman Tower, an emaciated old man in a green robe sat cross-legged on a futon. A green cauldron with four legs and two handles rested before him, enveloped in blazing flames. The old man, with greying temples and narrow eyes, stared intently at the cauldron.

A while later, a rich herbal scent drifted from the green cauldron. The old man changed his hand seals, and the flames abruptly dissipated. He stepped forward, opened the lid, and found nine light-blue pills inside, emitting a unique fragrance.

The old man exhaled slowly, took out a blue porcelain bottle, carefully stored the nine pills, put away the green cauldron, and walked out.

“How is it, Daoist Gui? Did you succeed?” Jiao Yao asked with some tension upon seeing the old man.

The old man nodded and tossed the blue porcelain bottle to Jiao Yao. “With the Blue Marrow Fruit that Qing’er brought back as a medicinal guide, taking these nine pills will help you recover faster,” he said with confidence.

“Once I’m fully recovered, I’ll go with you to Mysterious Tortoise Island to seek treasures. If we obtain that senior’s legacy, our chances of advancing to the Void Refinement stage will be very high,” Jiao Yao’s voice was filled with allure, her gaze deep.

The old man nodded. He remembered something and asked, “By the way, what are your plans for those two individuals Qing’er mentioned?”

“The less trouble, the better. Bringing two more people poses a significant risk. I’m grateful they saved Qing’er, and I can reward them with some treasures, but I don’t want to be burdened by them,” Jiao Yao shook her head. Then, her tone shifted, “What do you think?”

“I agree with you,” the old man concurred. “I saved Daoist Jin years ago, but he’s now out of favor. It won’t be easy for us to pass through the Golden Scale Tribe’s territory, so bringing two more people would be troublesome.”

“Let’s not talk about them anymore,” Jiao Yao said. “I’ll take the pills to heal my injuries first. Once I’m fully recovered, we can go treasure hunting.”

“Alright, then I’ll take my leave,” the old man departed. Jiao Yao had Jiao Qing’er personally escort him out.

Jiao Yao flicked her wrist, and a pale-green seal flew out from her spirit beast bracelet. With two fingers, she flicked a blue pill into the seal’s mouth, where it disappeared. It’s always wise to be cautious, even with longtime friends, she thought, maintaining her guard.

Jiao Qing’er returned, a slight look of surprise on her face when she saw the green seal. “Grandma, do you suspect Uncle Gui? Surely Uncle Gui wouldn’t harm you! If it weren’t for you back then, he wouldn’t be alive.” Jiao Qing’er asked, puzzled.

“Silly girl, always be cautious. Qing’er, remember, in this world, aside from your grandma and Hong’er, anyone else could potentially harm you,” Jiao Yao said earnestly.

“Grandma, what about those two seniors? They also want to go to Mysterious Tortoise Island. What do you think?” Jiao Qing’er pressed.

“They saved you, and I will give them two treasures to thank them,” Jiao Yao slowly explained. “To reach Mysterious Tortoise Island, we must pass through the Golden Scale Tribe’s territory. The Daoist Jin whom Daoist Gui saved has fallen from grace, and we ourselves are struggling, so we can’t take them with us.”

Jiao Qing’er looked a little disappointed, but she knew Jiao Yao would not harm her.

“Alright, you may go now! And don’t leave the market again,” Jiao Yao instructed. Jiao Qing’er acknowledged her and turned to leave.

Jiao Yao put away the green seal and headed into the secret chamber. She sat down cross-legged, not immediately taking the pills, but instead cultivating.