Chapter 731
Instead, this silent retreat indicated that the other side would never give up.
They wanted to make a move against the disciples of the Jiushan Sect along the trade route, and Zheng Fa would definitely be caught off guard.
Not to mention whether he had the time to guard the sea every day.
Even if he had that time, he couldn't guarantee that nothing would go wrong.
The likely outcome was that he would be worn out, his cultivation dragged down by the demands of the trade route.
But to abandon the trade route...
Looking at it now, if the Jiushan Sect were to give up the trade route, it would not only hinder their strategic development in the future, but also mean that their initial investments would go to waste, potentially leaving them severely weakened.
“Senior Sister, I think that the Longzhu (Dragon Lord) seems to be able to quickly sense everything in the sea, even arriving in an instant.”
Zheng Fa pondered aloud.
The scene he had just seen in the Cang Hai Pearl felt somewhat familiar.
This Shuyu Longzhu seemed to have an innate control over the ocean.
It was somewhat akin to his control over the Jiushan Realm, though not as strong. The problem was... given the vastness of the sea, this ability was indeed a bit monstrous.
Moreover, what the Longzhu had said about the ancient dragon clan being nearly invincible in the ocean only reinforced this.
It was even more reminiscent of Zheng Fa's own situation in the Jiushan Realm.
Sister Zhang nodded gently: “That Zhitong is at the level of a True Immortal, and the Longzhu seems to be about the same, but…”
Xiao Yuying also understood: “You want to collaborate with my Master? Have her protect the trade route?”
“Xiao Fairy, do you think that’s possible?”
Xiao Yuying immediately shook her head, as if she hadn’t even thought about it.
Seeing Zheng Fa’s puzzled gaze, Xiao Yuying forced a smile: “Let’s not even talk about now; if I were to use the Cang Hai Pearl without permission, my Master would probably be quite angry with me. In the past, I wouldn’t have had the ability to persuade her either.”
That was a bit awkward.
The way the Longzhu looked at her was somewhat akin to how one might regard a yellow-haired child...
“No one can sway my Master.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s rumored that the Yaochi (Jade Pool) once invited her, but she declined.”
That made things difficult.
Not to mention that the Shuyu Longzhu seemed to have some reservations about her.
Even now, the conditions the Jiushan Sect could offer were no match for those of the Yaochi.
But considering the threats facing the trade route, Zheng Fa couldn’t think of a better solution at the moment.
...
“Are you talking about the Shuyu Longzhu?” In the light screen, the Nizhang Yuanjun (Mistress of Rainbow Garb) was taken aback, exclaiming, “You actually managed to invite her?”
“Yuanjun, do you know much about the Longzhu?”
“Not really, just that she is also at the level of a True Immortal. There are rumors in the sect that she can almost suppress all True Immortals in the sea…”
Since it wasn’t a matter of confidentiality, Nizhang Yuanjun spoke quite openly.
“Shui Mu (Mother of Water) once said that her cultivation is akin to half a divine path, yet she doesn’t have many of the flaws associated with it... Because of this, Yaochi sincerely invited her to join.”
“She didn’t accept?”
“She doesn’t care.” Nizhang Yuanjun sighed, “She has no interest in the conflicts of the human race, and while she might have a slight inclination to protect the demon race, she doesn’t really pay much attention to it.”
Zheng Fa was momentarily stunned.
He had always thought that the Four Sects had failed to recognize the value of the sea.
Now it seemed that the Shuyu Longzhu might be part of the reason, as there had been many powerful demons in the sea before.
Yet, when the Great Freedom Demon Emperor achieved enlightenment, the Longzhu seemed to have had no reaction, just as Nizhang Yuanjun had said—she didn’t care.
Nizhang Yuanjun continued, her face showing a bitter smile: “Back then, we offered her every condition we could think of to persuade her, but the Longzhu controls the sea and has inherited the legacy of the ancient dragon clan. She must be extraordinarily wealthy.”
“She is already free of desires, and we have nothing to entice her with…”
“This matter naturally fell through.”
This Longzhu sounded utterly indifferent to worldly desires.
After chatting for a while longer, they ended the spiritual communication.
As Zheng Fa’s face disappeared from the light screen, Nizhang Yuanjun’s brow slowly furrowed.
“Yuanjun?”
The green-clad female disciple, seeing her troubled expression, couldn’t help but ask.
“This trade route in Dongzhou... If Leiyin Temple is deliberately targeting it, it might just be a futile hope.”
“Ah?”
Nizhang Yuanjun thought for a moment, her face filled with helplessness: “Given Xuanding’s character, as long as Zheng Fa doesn’t run into trouble, he certainly won’t want to expend too much effort.”
“What about us?”
The green-clad female disciple, seemingly Nizhang Yuanjun’s confidante, understood the significance of this trade route to her and immediately grew anxious.
“Yaochi has its celestial maidens, and we are already stretched thin.” Nizhang Yuanjun said, “The only one who can resolve this situation is that Shuyu Longzhu. With her protection, Leiyin Temple won’t be able to do anything, and the trade route will be completely secure.”
“But... we have no way to sway her.”
Nizhang Yuanjun fell silent, ultimately letting out a worried sigh.
“That Shuyu Longzhu is simply impervious to persuasion.”
...
Zheng Fa put away the Zao Hua Yu Tie (Treasure of Creation) and, after a moment of thought, turned to head towards Xiao Yuying’s residence.
Xiao Yuying was sitting in a chair, lost in thought, her face showing a rare confusion.
“Xiao Fairy?”
Xiao Yuying slowly came back to her senses, looking at Zheng Fa with a self-deprecating smile: “Losing my means of self-preservation isn’t really a big deal.”
Zheng Fa remained silent.
Having spent a long time with Xiao Yuying, he could naturally see that this Xiao Fairy had a simple mind but was deeply loyal and affectionate.
A backup like the Cang Hai Pearl, she would use without hesitation.
Now, why was she feeling down? Zheng Fa could guess part of it.
“Xiao Fairy, do you think the Longzhu is angry?”
Xiao Yuying gently lowered her head, saying nothing, her usual confidence gone.
After a long while, she finally spoke softly: “My Master treats me very well, teaching me techniques and bestowing treasures, but... I know she doesn’t really think much of me.”
Zheng Fa listened in silence.
“Taking me as a disciple was really just to seek out the remnants of the dragon clan.”
So the Longzhu also liked human-shaped scouts?
“Looking for the dragon clan?”
“Yeah.” Xiao Yuying smiled slightly, explaining, “The treasure that fell into my hands back then was actually a relic of an ancient dragon clan. My Master has been searching for such things.”
Zheng Fa furrowed his brow: “The Longzhu could enter Xuanding back then?”
It should be noted that even those who had achieved transformation were suppressed when entering Xuanding.
“Suppressing her cultivation is possible.” Xiao Yuying explained, “My Master said that the ancient dragon clan has its own protection from heaven and earth, granting them more freedom than others.”
No wonder the Longzhu was so arrogant.
Not only was she wealthy and powerful, but she also had connections to fall back on.
And with no attachments, who would want to provoke someone like that?
Xiao Yuying said softly: “In these years, I haven’t found much information about the ancient dragon clan. My Master probably doesn’t expect much from me anymore.”
Zheng Fa looked at Xiao Yuying’s somewhat dim expression, understanding that she likely held a lot of admiration for the Longzhu in her heart.
Even if the Longzhu didn’t care much for her.
But she had brought her many benefits:
None of the Five Sects were particularly willing to offend her, which was something every cultivator dreamed of.
Not to mention the grace of imparting skills and bestowing treasures.
In a sense, the Longzhu had not treated this disciple poorly.
“I owe my Master a great debt, yet I have nothing to repay her with.”
Zheng Fa thought for a moment and then asked: “Fairy, why does the Longzhu want to find the remnants of the ancient dragon clan?”
“My Master…” Xiao Yuying bit her lip, her voice very soft, “is very lonely.”
“In this world, she is the only one with the bloodline of the ancient dragon clan.”
“Since her birth, she has had no kin. The dragon clan in the Xuanding Realm may have some dragon blood, but my Master has never regarded them…”
“She just wants to find her own kind.”
Zheng Fa was taken aback: “Are there any?”
Xiao Yuying shook her head, forcing a bitter smile: “Perhaps my Master has already given up. The greatest gain has been finding a few dragon eggs that have long since perished.”
Hearing this, Zheng Fa felt a deeper sense of calculation.
He didn’t say much more, only bidding farewell to Xiao Yuying before flying to an island in the Qinglong (Azure Dragon) residence.
On the island, Jiao Wuji and Xue He Laozu (Ancestor of Blood River) were observing a four-colored cow with a group of disciples.
This was a spirit cow newly cultivated by the Agricultural Academy. Besides its meat, which could enhance cultivation, its hide could be used to make magical artifacts.
“Master?” Seeing him suddenly arrive, the two hurried over to greet him, “Do you have any orders?”
These two had gotten used to life in the Jiushan Realm. Although they had little freedom, their daily lives were quite peaceful and stable, even more so than before.
However, since the soul imprint was still in Zheng Fa’s hands, they always maintained a low profile.
“Um... I want you two to help me entice a certain ally for the Jiushan Sect.”
“Entice?” Jiao Wuji was taken aback, then a confident smile spread across his face, “That’s our specialty in the Great Freedom Demon Sect. Who is it?”
“Shuyu Longzhu.”
A flicker of unease crossed Jiao Wuji’s face: “May I ask about this Longzhu…”
“Ancient dragon clan, yes, a True Immortal.”
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