Chapter 3058

Tianlong Island, the stronghold of Nine Dragons Palace.

In the Nine Dragons Hall, Long Xiao sat on the main seat, his gaze sullen, as a tall, thin old man in a golden robe reported to him.

"What? Jiu Hao and the others are dead? Hmph, it's pathetic that they struggled so much to deal with a single Void Refinement cultivator. Useless!" Long Xiao snorted coldly, reprimanding them without reservation.

He was currently only in the late Void Refinement stage; otherwise, he wouldn't have married a descendant of a Grand Ascension cultivator from the Blood Whale clan to solidify his position. During Long Tianyu's time, relations with the Azure Carp clan were amicable, with some elders being particularly close to them. After Long Xiao ascended to the throne, he purged dissenters. These elders were either forced out or exiled far from Tianlong Island to prevent them from undermining his authority or facilitating Long Qingfeng's return to usurp the throne.

Bai Yaoyao maintained good relations with the descendant of an Azure Carp clan guardian elder. When Long Xiao dispatched forces to hunt down Long Qingfeng, an Integration cultivator from the Azure Carp clan even intervened to dissuade him, whereas the Blood Whale clan offered full cooperation. Consequently, Long Xiao grew closer to the Blood Whale clan.

Long Xiao, unwilling to be sidelined by his subordinates, had no choice but to seek external support. This, of course, was merely a temporary solution. Once he advanced to the Integration stage, he would be able to firmly establish his position as the Palace Master of Nine Dragons Palace, and then it wouldn't be too late to distance himself from the Blood Whale clan. As long as Long Shuo remained alive, other races wouldn't dare destroy Nine Dragons Palace; they would, at most, exploit the situation for minor gains.

"According to reliable intelligence, that bastard has fled to the interior of the Xuanling Continent. Our movements are restricted there, but if we can enlist the help of human forces, apprehending Long Qingfeng will not be an issue." The golden-robed elder reported.

"Human forces? Which ones? And will they be willing to help?" Long Xiao asked, frowning.

"The Blood Saber Sect. This sect hasn't been established for long, making them easier to bribe. Major sects like the Cold Flame Sect, Divine Weapon Sect, and Myriad Spirit Sect have enormous appetites; bringing them in would be counterproductive, and there's a risk they might even confiscate that item." The golden-robed elder suggested.

"Go yourself and make sure to bring that item back. I plan to enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to the Integration stage. Without that level of cultivation, I can't possibly keep those old foxes in line. I hope to hear good news from you when I emerge." Long Xiao commanded, emphasizing that strength was paramount in the cultivation world. Even with the Blood Whale clan's backing, his actions were still constrained. The subordinate elders openly feigned compliance while secretly defying him, and given their cultivation levels, Long Xiao was powerless against them. Killing a few Void Refinement elders wouldn't deter the Integration cultivators; it would only exacerbate the internal conflicts within Nine Dragons Palace. The situation would only change once Long Xiao advanced to the Integration stage.

"Yes, your subordinate congratulates the Palace Master in advance." The golden-robed elder's face was alight with flattery.

"Kill him and bring the item back; that will be the best congratulatory gift. Now go!" Long Xiao waved his hand, dismissing his subordinate.

A faint sound of footsteps echoed as a young woman in a silver palace gown emerged. Her long, dark hair was elegantly coiled, her face subtly powdered, and her eyes were blood-red. This was Mu Yuqing, a descendant of Mu Feng, a Grand Ascension cultivator from the Blood Whale clan. She was currently in the late Void Refinement stage.

"If Father hadn't found a concubine for my husband and even had a bastard child with her, my husband wouldn't be in such a difficult position." Mu Yuqing remarked, her face clouded with resentment.

"Indeed! He knew he wouldn't survive the Grand Heavenly Tribulation, yet he chose to entrust that item to him. Such blatant favoritism! In terms of bloodline, how could that bastard possibly compare to me? What a waste." The thought filled Long Xiao with bitter resentment.

"He's merely in the Void Refinement stage; he won't live much longer. Husband, please cultivate with peace of mind. I will send people to monitor his whereabouts." Mu Yuqing said considerately.

Long Xiao nodded, gave a few instructions, and then entered his secret chamber to cultivate.

The Golden Crow Market in the Tianwu Archipelago was established by the Li family of Golden Crow Island. Its streets were wide and clean, bustling with people and carriages.

Wang Qingfeng and Dong Xueli strolled along the streets, taking in the sights. They were en route to Myriad Poison Island to seek a sixth-tier treant. Passing through the Tianwu Archipelago, they decided to visit the Li family's descendants, anticipating they might need the Li family's assistance in the future.

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Wang, Madam Wang, what a surprise to see you here!" A joyful female voice rang out, and a fragrant breeze wafted by as a plump woman in a blue dress approached.

The young woman in the blue dress possessed almond-shaped eyes, a radiant complexion, cherry lips, and a delicate nose. She was a late-stage Void Refinement cultivator. This was Li Qingxue, Li Qinghuan's cousin. Years ago, she had accompanied Li Tianhe to Zhenhai Palace for Chen Yueying's Grand Ascension celebration.

"It's been centuries! Madam Li, congratulations on reaching the late stage!" Dong Xueli offered her congratulations with a smile.

"Madam Li, you once mentioned the abundance of cultivation resources and beautiful scenery in the Azure Glass Sea Region, so we decided to explore it." Wang Qingfeng offered a faint smile as he explained.

"It's rare for you two fellow Daoists to visit. Come, let's go to my residence and have a good chat." Li Qingxue said enthusiastically.

Wang Qingfeng did not refuse, following Li Qingxue to a secluded manor adorned with unusual garden stones, small bridges, and flowing streams. The three of them settled into a green stone pavilion, where they sipped tea and chatted leisurely.

After a few cups of tea, Wang Qingfeng brought up Myriad Poison Island, inquiring about its current situation.

"What? Are you two fellow Daoists heading to Myriad Poison Island? Now isn't a good time." Li Qingxue asked, puzzled.

"Why is that?" Wang Qingfeng asked curiously, his concern about this very situation being precisely why he had decided to visit the Li family descendants.

"In recent years, Witch clan cultivators have been frequently sighted on Myriad Poison Island, seemingly searching for something. Several Integration cultivators have even been dispatched. For now, it would be best if you avoided Myriad Poison Island and stayed temporarily on Golden Crow Island." Li Qingxue explained slowly.

"The Witch Clan!" Wang Qingfeng and Dong Xueli frowned simultaneously. The Witch Clan specialized in curse arts. Before their journey, Duan Tongtian had specifically warned them not to provoke any Witch Clan cultivators.

"You might not be fully aware, but the Witch Clan's curse arts are exceptionally potent. Among the seven clans in the Azure Glass Sea Region, they are undoubtedly the most formidable, capable of cursing enemies from millions of miles away, making them virtually impossible to defend against." Li Qingxue's expression turned solemn.

"In that case, we'll temporarily settle on Golden Crow Island. By the way, Madam Li, how has your cousin been recently?" Wang Qingfeng inquired about Li Qinghuan. Li Qinghuan had once saved Wang Yingjie, and when Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan visited the Azure Glass Sea Region previously, Li Qinghuan had provided them with assistance.

"My cousin is currently in secluded cultivation, attempting to break through to the Integration stage." Li Qingxue's face glowed with pride; Li Qinghuan had already reached the peak of Void Refinement and was now attempting to reach the Integration stage.

"It seems the next time we meet, we'll be addressing him as Senior Li. We offer our congratulations to Fellow Daoist Li in advance." Dong Xueli said with a radiant smile.

"Oh, by the way, Fellow Daoist Wang, are your esteemed parents also in the Azure Glass Sea Region?" Li Qingxue recalled something and asked out of curiosity. If the Azure Lotus Immortals were to visit the Azure Glass Sea Region, the Li family would naturally extend an invitation for them to be their guests, fulfilling their duty as hosts.

"No, my parents haven't arrived yet." Wang Qingfeng replied truthfully.

Li Qingxue seemed a little disappointed. After chatting for over an hour, she arranged accommodations for Wang Qingfeng and Dong Xueli, and they settled in.