Taoist Mingxia gave a slight start before responding with a faint smile, "Taoist Friend Zhou is, of course, under no obligation to answer. The Temple Master merely sent this poor Taoist to ascertain the origins of the Zhou Family's Flood Dragon. Since it is indeed the case that the Sky Azure Cloud Python, your Spirit Pet, has reverted to its ancestral form, then my task is considered complete."
Having said this, his gaze then shifted toward Zhou Chun.
Gently, he said, "Little Friend Zhou has not sought help from our sect to eradicate the Flood Dragon Bloodline within him. Could it be because you have already cultivated the Foundation Conversion Technique from the Dragon Transformation Sect, transforming the Golden Flood Dragon Bloodline in your body into the Green Flood Dragon Bloodline?"
"Senior's insight is as sharp as a torch; I am in awe."
Zhou Chun bowed respectfully, openly acknowledging this matter.
Seeing his admission, Taoist Mingxia could not help but ask once more, "So, was that Foundation Conversion Technique also something you received from Taoist Friend Lu Ran?"
"Yes, indeed! It was a technique I later sought from Senior Lu Ran!"
Zhou Chun nodded, admitting it once more.
This was not something that could be kept secret, nor was there any need to keep it so.
However, after hearing his admission, Taoist Mingxia's expression suddenly turned serious, and he said in a solemn tone to the members of the Zhou Family, "Before I came here, the Temple Master specifically instructed that the Zhou Family must be mindful of the extent to which it engages in trade with Lu Ran, and not disregard everything for the sake of profit!"
"Additionally, regarding the various aquatic treasures obtained by the Zhou Family, apart from those the family uses, the rest should be sent to our sect to have the first pick. Only those our sect does not wish to purchase may be sold in the Marketplace!"
"There is also one more thing: as the Beast Tide is currently upon us, since the Zhou Family has the strength and means, you must devote your full effort to resisting the Beast Tide and perhaps ask Lu Ran to investigate more information regarding this menace!"
After these words were spoken, the brows of the Zhou Family members all furrowed deeply.
The demands made at the beginning and end were manageable, but the one in the middle was somewhat excessive.
They knew without having to think too hard that the prices offered by Green Lotus Temple for those aquatic treasures would certainly not match the profits of selling them directly.
As a result, the loss of profit for the Zhou Family would be substantial.
Moreover, if Green Lotus Temple selected all the prime items, how could they then trade some of the rare and prized aquatic treasures for equally rare and marvelous medicines and elixirs?
Yet, the tone of Taoist Mingxia was clearly just to inform them, not to discuss the matter with them.
This meant they had no room to negotiate; they could either accept the terms or accept them!
Strength is the ultimate arbiter!
Zhou Mingde sighed inwardly, his expression solemn as he nodded and said, "I understand. The Zhou Family will strictly control the scale of trade with Taoist Friend Lu Ran and will send the aquatic treasures we obtain to Green Lotus Temple as tribute!"
Having said this, he shook his head slightly, "However, as for Taoist Friend Lu Ran, we are merely in a collaborative relationship; we cannot command him in any way. Given that the Beast Tide is ravaging the wilderness, it is also difficult for us to make contact with him. Whether we can obtain further news from him, we dare not guarantee."
After hearing his reply, Taoist Mingxia simply said, "No matter. All that is required is for you to do your best."
With that, he waved the whisk in his hand and said, "Well then, my task here is done, and I shall not impose any longer. Farewell!"
And just like that, he left, never once inquiring about the Zhou Family capturing Zhang Shi'an, acting as if he was completely unaware of the incident.