Chapter 230: Polar Night Sea Spirit Beautified Fish, Blockade and Enticement

Murong Xue said, "I sensed eight auras, all at the Earth Fiend realm."

Ji Zixuan calculated, "If a fight breaks out, how many can you handle?"

Murong Xue remained silent. Why did it have to come to killing when everything was fine? "Do we really have to fight? Can't we just talk it out?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Zixuan knew she couldn't rely on the naive girl. She stopped talking and quietly began her preparations.

Moments later, the two flying boats entered attack range.

Murong Xue immediately used wind magic, sending a warning via spiritual transmission: "Everyone, we've just entered this area and are only passing through. We haven't acquired any treasures..." However, it had no effect. On the contrary, the Blood Shadow flying boat accelerated. As it closed to within a thousand meters, eight harpoons shot towards the Swordfish flying boat.

Each harpoon had a four-meter-long, sharp, rhombic head, connected by eight chains to the Blood Shadow flying boat. It was clear the Blood Shadow flying boat intended to capture the Swordfish flying boat.

"What?" Murong Xue was startled, completely surprised that the opponent attacked without a word.

Ji Zixuan, however, was already prepared. She maneuvered the flying boat into a death spiral. This was a high-difficulty flying boat maneuver, but Ji Zixuan executed it with ease.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh! Bang!"

Seven harpoons were dodged, but one still managed to break through the boat's defenses and embed itself in the hull. "Crack crack crack!" The harpoon split open, quickly securing the Swordfish flying boat. Despite Ji Zixuan's excellent piloting skills, she couldn't withstand the Blood Shadow flying boat's blockade capture.

Seeing that it had hit its target, the Blood Shadow flying boat immediately changed direction and sharply descended. "Snap!" The thick black chain was pulled taut. The Swordfish flying boat was also forcibly turned by this immense force, losing control and plummeting downwards.

Murong Xue stumbled, nearly falling to the deck.

"Don't just stand there!" Ji Zixuan strained to control the boat, shouting, "Are you waiting for them to tie you up?!"

Murong Xue gritted her teeth and immediately used wind magic to support the Swordfish flying boat, stabilizing its horizontal position. With her assistance, Ji Zixuan managed to control the boat, finally preventing a crash.

However, at this point, the Blood Shadow flying boat was still dragging the Swordfish flying boat towards another mountain peak.

"You pilot the boat," Ji Zixuan commanded. "I'll deal with them." Without waiting for Murong Xue's agreement, Ji Zixuan leaped out of the flying boat, transforming into a blur that shot directly towards the Blood Shadow flying boat.

Just then, Zhao Xing also came online. He had felt the intense turbulence of the flying boat, clearly indicating an attack.

"Hmm?"

Zhao Xing's nine myriad-magic straw figures simultaneously looked up and opened their eyes, gazing forward. In an instant, he understood they had encountered robbers.

Using the Heaven's Eye technique to observe the Blood Shadow flying boat, Zhao Xing instantly gained a rough understanding of the enemies' strength.

"Eight Earth Fiend realm cultivators, their strength is mediocre," Zhao Xing thought. He immediately manipulated the myriad-magic straw figures, sending them flying alongside the Blood Shadow flying boat. "Eight Earth Fiend realm cultivators: half warriors, half mages."

Zhao Xing observed them. He had activated his 'invisible straw figures'. No one below, including Ji Zixuan, had detected him. Zhao Xing wasn't in a hurry to act. He could control the situation and also take the opportunity to observe Ji Zixuan's strength. Against lower ranks, even his myriad-magic clones could completely overwhelm these individuals.

"Swoosh swoosh swoosh!"

Wielding a slender sword, Ji Zixuan transformed into a silver streak, rapidly entering the encirclement.

"Her speed is incredible; this girl doesn't seem like someone who just entered the Earth Fiend realm," Zhao Xing watched with interest. He could tell that Ji Zixuan was using the Azure Water Sword Art, a core sword technique from the Azure Water Academy.

After rushing in, Ji Zixuan simultaneously faced the close-quarters combat of four warriors and the long-range magical attacks of four mages. "Clang clang clang clang clang!" Although she held a slender sword, the clashes produced by Ji Zixuan's sword were astonishingly powerful, as if the delicate blade possessed immense strength.

"Such effortless power. This sword, could it weigh a thousand catties?" Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised, recognizing the extraordinary nature of the precious sword. Although it was only a fifth-tier divine weapon, it was made with abundant materials—enough to craft seven or eight other fifth-tier items.

"Whoosh!" After her slender sword deflected the combined attack of the four warriors, Ji Zixuan suddenly appeared next to the enemy to the south. With a light thrust of her slender sword, the saber-wielding warrior's expression instantly changed. He realized that countless sword thrusts seemed to be coming at him, making it impossible to know which one to block. Moreover, her speed was simply too fast. He swung his battle saber, only able to defend his vital points.

"Thousand Peaks!"

Thousand Peaks was a defensive saber technique. When he used it, a towering mountain seemed to appear before him. However, this person clearly hadn't mastered it; the phantom mountain peaks were riddled with gaps. Only his vital points were defended; there were many weaknesses elsewhere. But if he could withstand this one sword thrust, it would be enough to make the daring woman pay, as three teammates were already attacking Ji Zixuan's back.

Despite being attacked from behind, Ji Zixuan firmly delivered her sword thrust. "Thud!" The slender sword pierced through the throat of the saber-wielding warrior, from back to front. Meanwhile, Ji Zixuan, who had been in front of him, was struck by the fire mage's spell and burst into flames. But after she ignited, her body vanished, leaving only a burning half-talisman.

"Gasp..." The saber-wielding warrior's eyes widened. He couldn't have imagined that the sword would come from behind him. It turned out that was an illusion... He died with his eyes wide open, falling from the sky.

At the same time, the other three warriors attacked empty air. They had also been deceived by Ji Zixuan's 'talisman illusion'.

"It's really her! The Phantom Assassin under Princess Youruo in her previous life!" Zhao Xing gazed down. "Phantom Assassins have strange moves and numerous methods, especially adept at using talismans." Integrating talismans into combat isn't something just anyone can do. It requires perfect timing and a deep understanding of talismans. It's almost impossible to use someone else's talismans, which implies Ji Zixuan herself is proficient in talisman crafting.

"It's not yet a Talisman Dharma Body, just a Talisman Phantasm, but it's enough to confuse these people. Her speed is also great, so it seems I don't need to intervene," Zhao Xing mused.

The Azure Water Academy is one of the Seventy-Two Academies of Great Zhou. Graduating with excellent marks from such an academy is no less difficult than Zhao Xing achieving first place during his training at the Military Ministry of Agriculture.

The subsequent battle unfolded exactly as Zhao Xing had expected. Ji Zixuan used four talisman phantasms during the fight, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake. Only Zhao Xing, using his Destiny Soul Heaven's Eye, could discern which was real and which was fake. As for the others, they were completely toyed with by Ji Zixuan.

The four mages on the boat couldn't land a single spell on Ji Zixuan. At this point, using area-of-effect spells was impossible since their teammates were still within the range.

"Thud!"

Shortly after, the second melee warrior was killed by Ji Zixuan's sword and fell. She perfectly utilized the Azure Water Sword Art's talisman phantasms, making the four melee warriors and the four mages on the boat run in circles. By the time she killed the third person, the four mages on the boat had already decided to retreat.

"Unhook! Get the boat moving!"

One of the fire mages immediately unfastened the tow chain hooked to the Swordfish flying boat. He then turned, intending to pilot the flying boat to escape. "Whoosh!" Ji Zixuan flicked her left hand, multitasking, and a flying knife instantly impaled the fire mage in the back. "Buzz!" The blood-stained flying knife, embedded in the bulkhead, continued to vibrate.

"The Azure Water Sword Art's effortless power, the perfectly timed talisman phantasms, and she can even multitask to throw a flying knife. Fighting one against eight, she still has strength to spare," Zhao Xing praised.

"Heroine, spare us!"

The remaining three on the flying boat, their psychological defenses shattered, immediately began begging for mercy. Ji Zixuan said nothing. She quickly killed the remaining warrior, then leaped onto the flying boat. When a mage is caught in close combat, they are at the mercy of their opponent.

"Thud thud thud!"

The three mages were instantly pierced through. Having lost its crew, the Blood Shadow flying boat immediately stopped. However, the Swordfish flying boat, with Murong Xue aboard, had lost control and was plummeting downwards.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing used the Gale Wind Art, forcefully lifting the flying boat. There were still some items on it that couldn't be allowed to explode casually. Zhao Xing manifested himself using his magic. Only then did Ji Zixuan notice that Zhao Xing was already beside the Blood Shadow flying boat.

"When did he get here..." Ji Zixuan's pupils contracted. She was a seventh-rank cultivator, but she prided herself on being able to survive, and even hoped to kill, against a sixth-rank. Yet Zhao Xing, a sixth-rank, and merely a clone at that, had remained undetected, silently hidden right beside her.

"You did very well," Zhao Xing said, looking at Ji Zixuan.

"Thank you for the praise, Senior Brother," Ji Zixuan said, lowering her head. She couldn't see through Zhao Xing, yet he had instantly seen her true self. 'His strength is far greater than I imagined...' Ji Zixuan thought to herself.

The Swordfish flying boat was unusable; it had been damaged by the harpoons. After clearing out the remnants, Zhao Xing, Ji Zixuan, and Murong Xue transferred to the Blood Shadow flying boat. The Blood Shadow flying boat was a standard divine weapon, more adept at charging formations and engaging in combat than the Swordfish flying boat.

After everything was settled, Murong Xue felt uneasy. Ji Zixuan had done all the killing; she herself had done nothing except initially use wind magic to correct the boat's flight posture, and even then, she nearly let it crash.

"Why didn't you act earlier?" Zhao Xing asked Murong Xue. Although he had been 'offline', he wasn't completely disconnected; as soon as he came online, he knew about the previous conversation on the flying boat.

"I was thinking they were all from Great Zhou, so..." Murong Xue trailed off.

"What are your thoughts now?" Zhao Xing asked. He knew Murong Xue wasn't from the Military Ministry of Agriculture; she likely hadn't seen battle before, and coming from a prominent family, she must have been well-protected since childhood.

"If I had the strength, I would teach them a lesson and make them leave," Murong Xue said. "Killing isn't the best solution."

"Suppose they don't listen to your reasoning, gain an opportunity a few days later, become stronger than you, and then come to cause you trouble. What would you do then?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I..." Murong Xue opened her mouth, then hesitated.

"Say what you think; don't be reserved," Zhao Xing said.

"The Ministry of Agriculture relies on heaven for sustenance, helping the weak for the people, and should uphold a benevolent heart," Murong Xue said. "Sir, you are too cold-hearted and think too ill of people."

Zhao Xing nodded. "The Ministry of Agriculture serves the people; you're right about that. But benevolence must be selective. Why don't you open your eyes and look at the Grotto-Heaven portals? Can ordinary people enter this Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven?"

"In my eyes, the Ministry of Agriculture doesn't rely on heaven for sustenance; it competes with heaven and earth for food!" he continued. "If the world enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests every year, what need would there be for the Ministry of Agriculture?"

"Sir, you are from the Military Ministry of Agriculture," Murong Xue said huffily, "so it's natural for you to be accustomed to conflict." Murong Xue then added, "It's inappropriate that the imperial court doesn't forbid fighting."

Zhao Xing laughed wryly. This girl was quite stubborn; unable to argue her point, she blamed the state of the world instead. "Complaining to me is useless; neither of us makes the rules," Zhao Xing said. "Instead of grumbling, it's better to strive to adapt, gradually become stronger, and aspire to be someone who can set the rules."

Murong Xue remained silent, feeling her beliefs challenged. Zhao Xing hadn't intended to lecture, but Old Liu had asked him to bring Murong Xue, and with her current mindset, she wouldn't be able to cope. However, he didn't elaborate further, trusting that after spending enough time in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, she would gradually come to understand.

There was just one point Zhao Xing needed to make clear: "It's fine to have a kind heart, but you're not acting alone right now. I, Ji Zixuan, we are all your teammates."

"When fighting, they are enemies. The greatest respect you can show an enemy is to utterly destroy them."

"You are here for training, not tourism. If you remain indifferent next time, you will be a burden."

"If you disagree, you can tell the master to find someone else to guide you. My words end here; consider them carefully."

His words were blunt, but Zhao Xing wasn't a charity worker. How could one participate in such brutal competition yet be unwilling to kill? There was no such easy path.

"Yes," Murong Xue said, cupped her hands, and walked out.

Seeing Murong Xue emerge in low spirits, Ji Zixuan revealed a slight smile. Earlier, when she told Murong Xue to act, the girl actually suggested persuasion? How naive! Now, hearing her question Zhao Xing's previous decision, Ji Zixuan couldn't help but laugh inwardly even more.

How could Zhao Xing, who had risen from a low-ranking official to his current stature, appreciate Murong Xue's soft-hearted approach?

"If he doesn't like her, then he must like my way of doing things, though I wonder how much," Ji Zixuan thought. Hearing Zhao Xing call her, she immediately composed herself and entered the cabin.

"Senior Brother."

"Mm," Zhao Xing nodded. "During this search for spiritual essence, is there anything specific you desire?"

Ji Zixuan's heart was joyful, but she showed no expression. "I'll leave it to Senior Brother's discretion. Whatever Senior Brother leads me to find, that's what I'll use."

"Greedy. You want everything, don't you?" Zhao Xing chuckled. People who answer 'anything' are often very picky.

"Senior Brother sees right through me," Ji Zixuan said with a playful smile.

"Alright, then you continue controlling the flying boat and search as I instruct." Zhao Xing intended to give Ji Zixuan more benefits. The future Phantom Assassin was worth his effort to help her find treasures.

"Understood," Ji Zixuan replied and withdrew.

The flying boat proceeded smoothly, encountering no other teams. The Southern Clarity Gardens were quite vast, so encountering others was difficult even with over a thousand people inside.

Using the Five-Finger Destiny Calculation, Zhao Xing quickly led the two to a 'Prime Essence Spirit Show'. It was a peach blossom forest. Among the pink blossoms covering the mountainside, there was one exceptionally short tree that bore golden peach blossoms. Consuming its peaches could increase essence gathering and enhance understanding of wood-elemental principles. Zhao Xing instructed them to gather the peaches, after which the two women sat cross-legged beneath the peach tree to digest them.

Time flowed by, and a day and a half passed in a flash.

On the Qilin flying boat, Zhao Xing's main body had long since awakened. Seeing the sky around them gradually dimming, he knew they were nearing the Polar Night Sea region.

"Where are we now?" Xia Jing walked over. "It's pitch black, and things are constantly changing; I'm a bit disoriented."

"We should have just passed Pine Snow Lake," Zhao Xing said.

"Oh, that place," Xia Jing instantly recalled. He and Zhao Xing had once teamed up for supply training, and Zhao Xing had cultivated there, even using the Five Elements Earth Cracking technique to destroy the earth's water veins, softening the frozen soil.

"Even Pine Snow Lake has thawed," Xia Jing remarked, gazing at the surrounding celestial phenomena. "The Military Bureau once said Pine Snow Lake was known for never melting for a thousand years. Who would have thought it would melt in just two years?"

"The Grotto-Heaven's ascension and the dramatic changes in heaven and earth mean that phenomena rarely seen in normal times are now common," Chen Shijie said. "Though chaotic now, this is developing in a positive direction, eventually forming many blessed lands."

"With the dramatic changes in heaven and earth, and the emergence and disappearance of spiritual essence, we, as transient guests of this world, have arrived at just the right time. This is truly a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes," Ji Ziyun said with a smile. "Zhao Xing, wouldn't you agree?"

Zhao Xing nodded, but thought to himself: 'When the Ten Suns ascend, you won't think this way. You'll be lucky to escape in time.'

"Zhao Xing, what benefits do you think this area holds? Can you calculate it?" Xia Jing asked.

"Do you take me for a divine diviner?" Zhao Xing said. "We still need to observe the anomalies in the sky first."

Above the Polar Night Sea, auroras flickered, blizzards raged, tornadoes roared, the sky turned green then red, and constant rumbling sounds filled the air. Mirages also appeared, with various scenes flashing by. In one scene, a golden carp leaped up, exhaling and inhaling essence. In another, a sea island appeared, covered with blooming divine trees. The anomalies in the sky were continuous, as if treasures were everywhere.

"The Polar Night Sea was originally the greatest wonder in the north. With frequent anomalies now, I wonder how many people have come here," Xia Jing said.

"Those who can come to the Polar Night Sea won't have low cultivation. Everyone, please be careful," Ji Ziyun reminded. "The Polar Night Sea is too vast; there are no Oblivion Monuments here, so be extra cautious."

The flying boat continued for a while longer, with Zhao Xing personally at the helm, constantly searching. His Five-Finger Destiny Calculation had now reached a high level, allowing him to receive information about certain opportunities.

"There's an area in the Polar Night Sea where a large-scale transformation of spiritual essence into fish will occur. I wonder if it has started yet." Zhao Xing stood on the deck, looking out towards the northeast of the Polar Night Sea.

Just then, Ji Ziyun, holding a terrestrial mirror, suddenly looked serious. "Everyone, I have relatives who say seven top-tier exploration teams have arrived here at the Polar Night Sea."

"These include Ji Dan, the youngest son of Prince Liang; the Thirteenth Prince, Ji Chen; the Nineteenth Prince, Ji Ye; as well as direct descendants of Prince Tianjue, and people who entered through connections with Prince Lingshuang."

"What? So many people have come here?" Xia Jing said, surprised. "What's going on?"

"I'll ask," Ji Ziyun said. Being of the Ji surname himself, he was more privy to news within the imperial clan.

Zhao Xing's expression also grew solemn. Seven top-tier exploration teams had arrived so quickly in the Polar Night Sea? No wonder the divination said, "Danger in the Kan trigram, seek small gains." Normally, it would be difficult for others to gain any benefits from these seven top-tier exploration teams.

Moments later, Ji Ziyun looked up and said: "The seven major top-tier exploration teams, allied with dozens of high-tier exploration teams, are attempting to blockade the sea area near 'Night Fortress No. 98' in the Polar Night Sea."

"It seems they've made a major discovery!"

Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat. The area he was looking for was precisely this region, which also included Night Fortress No. 98. "Those top-tier exploration teams are not to be underestimated. They've arrived at the Polar Night Sea so quickly and found a treasure trove." Zhao Xing felt that this journey might not be so smooth. If Ji Ziyun's information was accurate, then a large number of fifth-rank cultivators would appear in the sea area near Night Fortress No. 98.

"There might be many fifth-rank cultivators over there," Chen Shijie said, his expression serious.

"What's there to be afraid of?" Xia Jing said. "Even a fifth-rank might not be able to kill me." After his Gluttonous Devouring Art and Black Tortoise Shield broke through, Xia Jing became even more confident.

"We'll see how things are in a bit. If there are too many experts, it would be safer to call for reinforcements," Zhao Xing said. "I'll send a message to my master. You two also ask around and see if you can invite any fifth-rank helpers." If one had connections, of course, they should use them. The benefits in the Polar Night Sea were immense; perhaps they could lead to another breakthrough in luck. For sixth and fifth ranks, spiritual essence related to luck was what they valued most. This was because to advance further as officials in a luck dynasty, one's own luck had to be strong enough. The baptism of national luck was merely a result. The strong remained strong; only those with inherently strong luck would have smooth careers, making them more likely to stand out. Otherwise, it was normal to languish in a single position for decades.

The flying boat continued flying northeast for another half an hour. A small island was visible in the distance. On the island stood a fortress, which was formerly an observation Night Fortress established in the Polar Night Sea. There were many such fortresses in the Polar Night Sea, named 'Night Fortresses', existing even before the Grotto-Heaven's spiritual essence burst forth. Originally, no one would come to such a desolate and frigid place. Now, however, many flying boats and warships had appeared.

"Halt!"

Suddenly, a thunderous shout reached the Qilin flying boat where Zhao Xing was. "This area ahead is blockaded by top-tier exploration teams. All unauthorized arrivals, halt!"

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!" Immediately after, a ten-person team darted out from a distant flying boat. Zhao Xing looked closely and saw that all ten individuals were actually at the Perfected Heavenly Gang realm!

"Brother Ji, that's the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon flag. It's your turn to step forward," Zhao Xing said. He didn't know anyone from the royal family. As a mere third-class Marquis at the mid-Heavenly Gang realm, his claiming to be a member of a top-tier investigation team would likely lack persuasion.

"Alright, allow me to go and negotiate," Ji Ziyun nodded. He then changed into his formal attire, rode the wind, and slowly approached. "Friends ahead, I am Ji Ziyun, the heir of Prince Pingyang, and a member of the top-tier exploration team founded by Liu Tianning," he announced. "By the rules, we are qualified to explore any area. Please clear the way."

Ji Ziyun was a member of the imperial clan, and he also stated that he was part of a top-tier exploration team, so they should have shown him respect. However, the opposite side shouted, "Halt! Non-members of the seven major exploration teams, and irrelevant personnel, are forbidden to enter! We are merely following orders." "If you have connections, you may speak to your superior."

Ji Ziyun tried reasoning and pleading, but the patrol team remained unmoved. Having no other choice, Ji Ziyun could only retreat.

"They won't let us pass. Ji Ye's subordinates are too rigid," Ji Ziyun grumbled resentfully. "I tried to reason with them, even just to let them announce our presence, but they refused."

"That's how Prince Liang is," Long Xiao snorted. "Like father, like son."

"If you ask me, we should just charge through. We're also a top-tier exploration team, what's there to be afraid of?"

"Calm down," Chen Shijie snapped. Facing Prince Liang, the Divine Might Army members couldn't remain calm. After all, both he and Long Xiao had been demoted for five years, and back then, they never imagined the Divine Might Army would be re-established.

"Brother Ji, can you contact Ji Ye?"

"Ji Ye is the nineteenth son of Prince Liang, a top fifth-rank cultivator, and at the Perfected Pure Essence realm," Ji Ziyun shook his head. "He was born many years before me; I've only seen him from a distance once during ancestral rites. Even if I were to speak to him, he wouldn't think highly of me." Both were princes, but there was a significant difference between them: Prince Pingyang was Emperor Jing's cousin, while Prince Liang was Emperor Jing's full brother.

"He was born many years before you, yet he's still only a fifth-rank. Clearly, he's useless," Xia Jing snorted.

"Enough talk. Let's quickly contact people and see which side we can cross from," Zhao Xing said. With the seven major exploration teams blockading, they didn't necessarily have to pass through Ji Ye's side. Zhao Xing, Ji Ziyun, and Xia Jing entered the cabin and began contacting people.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie remained on deck. The only person they could call was Yang An. However, Yang An probably couldn't offer much help. With Prince Liang present, Yang An's connections would likely be ineffective.

"Master." Zhao Xing's ethereal image appeared within the Myriad Law Palace. He used an emergency contact method, with one of Liu Tianning's clones specifically assigned to monitor it.

"What trouble have you encountered?" Liu Tianning's myriad-magic clone, which had been meditating with closed eyes, suddenly became alert, clearly having 'come online'.

"My main body flew to the Polar Night Sea, but was suddenly informed that seven top-tier exploration teams, allied with dozens of high-tier exploration teams, have blockaded the sea area within three hundred *li* of Night Fortress No. 98."

"I stated my identity, but I still couldn't pass."

"The main forces involved are..."

After hearing the situation, Liu Tianning immediately said, "Stay where you are and don't move. Give me fifteen minutes."

Zhao Xing said, "Master, could your main body come? There might be a great treasure here, which should also be beneficial to you."

Liu Tianning pondered, "Alright, I'll arrive in one day."

"Thank you, Master." After Zhao Xing finished speaking, his ethereal image vanished from the Myriad Law Palace.

Fifteen minutes later, Liu Tianning sent a message: "Someone should be coming to invite you shortly. You may choose freely."

Zhao Xing put away his terrestrial mirror and walked out of the cabin. At this moment, Xia Jing and Ji Ziyun also emerged.

"How did it go?" Zhao Xing asked.

"My cousin's family and mine are contacting Prince Tianjue. His direct grandson, 'Yun Duo,' is the leader of one of the top-tier exploration teams."

"Additionally, our two families have invited three fifth-rank cultivators who are already on their way," Xia Jing said. "I believe we'll have news soon." The number of people didn't matter, as long as it was enough.

"I only invited Liu Tianning," Zhao Xing said. He had actually considered inviting Tian Yan, but given Tian Yan's advanced age, he might not want to involve himself in such conflicts for Zhao Xing's sake. The number of people didn't matter, as long as it was sufficient.

"Buzz!" Just then, all three of their terrestrial mirrors vibrated simultaneously. "Messages are coming in." The three each picked up their terrestrial mirrors to check.

Zhao Xing re-entered the room. Unexpectedly, the first invitation came from Ji Dan, the youngest son of Prince Liang.

"I've long heard of Marquis Yuanrang's great reputation. I heard you have arrived at the Polar Night Sea and were blocked by my brother. Dan happens to be here as well, occupying a corner of the Night Fortress. Dan sincerely invites Marquis Yuanrang to the east of the Night Fortress to search for spiritual treasures together."

"Hmm? Ji Dan?" Zhao Xing was taken aback when he saw this message. He already knew that Liang Ruohai was Ji Dan's master. Previously, within the Celestial Gate, Zhao Xing had used destiny as a blade to slay that worm. At that time, Liang Ruohai couldn't divine him, but Zhao Xing could see Liang Ruohai's situation. Now, Ji Dan was actually inviting him?

"I counteracted Liang Ruohai; is he asking me to come over to harm me?"

"That's impossible. Within the Celestial Gate, Liang Ruohai couldn't have possibly divined who I was."

"So what is Ji Dan's intention with this move?"

As Zhao Xing pondered this, another message quickly appeared in his terrestrial mirror.

"Greetings, reading this as if in person. My nineteenth brother is but a mere warrior, and he presumptuously blocked Marquis Yuanrang from entering the Night Fortress sea area. Chen apologizes on his behalf and sincerely invites Marquis Yuanrang and his friends to a small gathering west of the Night Fortress."

"What the hell, Ji Chen is inviting me too? I'm a Divine Might Army member, and I even cut down Qian Shougeng earlier... Just how influential is Old Liu?"

Once Ji Chen's invitation arrived, Zhao Xing actually felt relieved. Ji Dan couldn't possibly use such a crude method for revenge. The invitation was probably out of respect for Liu Tianning.

"Qian Shougeng was likely Ji Ye's subordinate, and these two brothers probably don't get along with Ji Ye," Zhao Xing mused. "If a brother dislikes someone, then try to win them over?" He pondered for a moment and had a guess.

As for the rift between Prince Liang and Yang An, what did that matter? Besides, it had been publicly smoothed over. Moreover, Liu Tianning's team was also top-tier, and they would eventually claim a spot. An invitation now was a favor, neither too big nor too small, essentially a free gain. Considering Prince Liang's parenting style, if they could poach a genius from the Divine Might Army, he wouldn't blame them; instead, he'd praise his sons for a job well done.

However, Zhao Xing would never board Prince Liang's sinking ship. Emperor Jing had already sharpened his butcher's knife in the capital, just waiting for his younger brother to willingly offer his head. With one strike, countless people would die, and even a slight involvement could jeopardize one's official career.

The third invitation arrived, this one from 'Pei Yuanchang', the direct grandson of Prince Lingshuang.

"Zhao Xing," Pei Yuanchang communicated via a terrestrial mirror projection. After connecting, he got straight to the point. "Princess Youruo instructed me to let you pass through my area."

"If you don't mind that the area I occupy is small, then come to the southwest of the Night Fortress. I can make some space for you."

Pei Yuanchang was very good at speaking. To offer a portion of his already small area showed a much greater degree of goodwill than the previous invitations.

"Please allow me to discuss this with my friends, young master," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands.

"Alright," Pei Yuanchang said cheerfully. "You are always welcome."

Moments later. Zhao Xing, Xia Jing, and Ji Ziyun discussed the matter.

"Yun Duo has many people. He'll allow us to pass, but we might have to join his ranks and be subject to his control," Xia Jing said. Even this was quite good. After all, everyone was from a top-tier exploration team, so there was no question of one dominating another. It was simply whoever arrived first and established their base to begin tasks would be in charge.

"Pei Yuanchang, the direct grandson of Prince Lingshuang, said he could clear a spot for us," Zhao Xing said. "However, the area would be relatively smaller. My suggestion is to go with Pei Yuanchang, as our actions won't be restricted there."

"Agreed," Xia Jing nodded. In truth, it didn't matter which side they went to. If there were truly great benefits later, given similar backgrounds, the one with the strongest fist would ultimately decide.

Zhao Xing quickly replied to Pei Yuanchang, and he received no further invitations from anyone else. The flying boat changed direction, heading towards the area occupied by Pei Yuanchang.

"He refused," Ji Dan said, slightly disappointed after seeing Zhao Xing's tactful reply. "This person cut down Qian Shougeng, my nineteenth brother's subordinate. If we could win him over, he would be a great asset against him." "His master is Liu Tianning, and behind Liu Tianning stands King Rahu." Who was King Rahu? All other feudal kings had to show King Rahu immense respect. This was not only because King Rahu was the military inspector but also because of his formidable strength and Emperor Jing's heavy reliance on him.

"But, he didn't go to the Thirteenth Brother's side either," Ji Dan felt a little more at ease.

Ji Chen also didn't care. The fact that he only had his subordinate send the message, rather than contacting Zhao Xing personally, was enough to show that his sincerity was directed towards 'Liu Tianning' and not Zhao Xing himself. Whether Zhao Xing came or not was actually irrelevant; he just wanted to try to connect with Liu Tianning and gain a favor. As for Ji Ye, he simply pretended not to see it. Qian Shougeng, whom Zhao Xing had killed, was his direct subordinate. There was no way he could recruit Zhao Xing. If he couldn't appease him, he might as well ignore him.

"Hahaha, I've long heard that you all are the elites of the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. Seeing you today, you truly are extraordinary," Pei Yuanchang said, giving them great respect. Upon arrival, he personally invited Zhao Xing, Xia Jing, and the others onto his multi-decked ship.

"Marquis Yuanchang, you flatter us," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands. This person's name was also his marquis title. "Thank you, Marquis Yuanchang, for granting us passage."

"It's just a small matter. If you don't mind, you can simply call me Brother Pei," Pei Yuanchang said. "I am only fifty-three, not much older than you all."

"Brother Pei."

"Hahaha, excellent," Pei Yuanchang said, pleased. "Since you've just arrived, allow me to brief you on the situation."

Pei Yuanchang pointed at a map on a cloud disk. "Currently, many anomalies have appeared around Night Fortress No. 98 in the Polar Night Sea."

"Among them, the most miraculous is the transformation of spiritual essence into fish!"

Xia Jing: "..."

Pei Yuanchang noticed Xia Jing's unusual reaction and couldn't help but pause. "Linyun, is something wrong?"

"Brother Pei, forgive me. My inner cultivation of the Gluttonous Devouring Art has side effects."

"I see... Very well, I'll continue," Pei Yuanchang said. "The sea area around Night Fortress No. 98 was originally a frozen layer."

"The climate here perpetually remained in Great Cold, with thick ice layers," he explained. "But now, it's slowly thawing, and fish are leaping out of the water."

"Eating those fish offers various benefits!"

"It has currently been confirmed to have multiple effects, including boosting essence, magic, longevity, pure essence, and water-elemental luck!"

After Pei Yuanchang finished speaking, he observed their reactions. None of the five were moved. Even Chen Shijie and Long Xiao were now seasoned individuals. Following Zhao Xing, they had certainly eaten many good things. Xia Jing should have chimed in, but he feared he might throw up if he spoke. Being at sea, he was once again feeling unwell.

It was Zhao Xing who played along, saying, "Truly miraculous!"

"Hahaha, indeed," Pei Yuanchang said. "The thawing of thousand-year-old ice, the sudden release of essence sealed beneath the sea