Zhang Yan nodded slightly, expressing his agreement.
Although he was an enemy of the Su Family, that mattered little in comparison with the grand plans of the entire family. After capturing Deep Pool, the Su Family was going all out to consolidate this place. At this moment, the last thing they wanted was trouble; they were most worried about Zhang Yan discovering their conspiracy and stepping forward to retaliate.
Thus, if Zhang Yan could ensure his safety and publicly appear in Water Country without mentioning this matter, it would itself signify a temporary truce.
Even if the Su Family wanted to deal with him, they wouldn’t choose now to do so.
As for the others who had died, since they weren’t True Disciples, perhaps when Zhang Yan returned to the sect later, someone might use this as fodder for contention, but at present, it wasn’t worth worrying about.
At this moment, a burst of shouts of "Hey ya! Hey ya!" echoed from the shallow waters.
The crowd followed the sound and saw a boat tilted sideways, trapped in a shallow pit. The position was terribly awkward, as it was stuck within the belly of a coral pillar. When the tide rose tomorrow, it was sure to end up shattered to pieces.
More than a dozen burly Demon Race members were wading in chest-deep water, trying to pull the boat free. However, the soft muddy ground beneath prevented them from applying strength no matter how hard they tried. After pulling tirelessly for half a day, they themselves were trapped deeper in the mud.
Standing at the stern of the ship, a young Demon Cultivator seemed to grow impatient. He jumped off the boat and said, "Out of the way!"
When his subordinates heard this, they backed away swiftly.
The young Demon Cultivator tilted his neck back, opened his mouth, and astonishingly began swallowing water like a giant whale. He inhaled in one sweep, turning the seawater beneath the boat into a white column before swallowing it all. In no time, his abdomen swelled visibly.
Patting his bloated belly, he swayed to the side of the tilted boat. After a deep breath, he let out a thunderous "Ha!" and suddenly spewed forth a torrent of water. The flood gushed out like an open dam, causing the boat to wobble and creak noisily before finally being swept free of the shallow pit. Once it emerged, it spun in place before uprighting itself properly.
Shipowner Huang Bao took a few steps forward and focused his gaze on the scene, remarking, "The ’Nine Phases Skill’ of East Sea Barrier Reef Prefecture’s ’Whale Swallowing Phase’ is indeed formidable. Judging from his cultivation, this person hasn’t reached Ming Qi Third Realm yet, and at most, has integrated only three mouthfuls of Clear and turbid spiritual energy into his body. If this cultivation technique is taken to twelve mouthfuls, he wouldn’t need to rely on water at all. Just one deliberate inhale would lift this giant ship across the shoals effortlessly."
Zhang Yan leaned on the railing and watched the scene below with interest, saying, "Oh, so this person is taking the path of ’Qi Dao’?"
Demon Cultivators often trained in Power Dao. Some, in hopes of early enlightenment, after reaching Ming Qi Second Realm, would refine each mouthful of Clear and turbid energy to merge it into their bones and tendons. Only then would they aim for the Third Realm.
Excluding specific secret techniques, at this stage, their abilities bore some resemblance to those of human cultivators known as Powerful Warriors. However, while the latter relied entirely on external artifacts, the two paths were fundamentally different.
Huang Bao cast Zhang Yan a sidelong glance and remarked, "The East Sea Barrier Reef Prefecture is one of the Demon Race’s rare ten-thousand-year-old families. Naturally, they have plenty of cultivation techniques to choose from, unlike other Wild Clans that have nothing but Power Dao to rely on."
He turned again, scrutinizing Zhang Yan from head to toe, chuckling and said, "From your complexion, young man, I see that the Clear and turbid energy within you is half-concealed, and Yin Yang seems on the verge of merging but hasn’t done so yet. Still, it stirs and surges at your Hua Gai. If my estimation is correct, you’re also a Ming Qi Second Realm cultivator, and by year’s end, you will certainly complete ’Wash Marrow and Clean Veins’ to achieve the ’Heavenly Rain Descending’ level. Hehe, have you decided which path to take for your future cultivation?"
The shipowner’s eyesight was sharp indeed. Zhang Yan smiled faintly and was about to respond when Huang Bao suddenly dashed forward, grabbed the boat’s railing, and leaned out excitedly, exclaiming, "It’s our turn now!"
He called to the deckhands before rushing to the helm, preparing to steer the ship ahead. But before he could act, a voice sounded from the distance, shouting, "Humans over there, step aside! My ship carries the Pill Master invited by East Sea Shen Tu, and we’re headed to meet Lord Ji. Why haven’t you yielded yet?"
Hearing this, Huang Bao turned to look. His expression subtly shifted.
The speaker was the same young Demon Cultivator who had just displaced his ship with water. Though the man’s cultivation level wasn’t as advanced as Huang Bao’s, the latter knew the limits of his own abilities; if a fight broke out, he might not prevail.
Moreover, East Sea Shen Tu’s reputation was immense, being one of the eighteen Demon Kings. How could he dare offend such a figure?
The Demon cultivation world was entirely unlike that of the human cultivators, where etiquette and decorum reigned supreme. In their society, everything was blatant—strength decided rank, the strong ruled, and the weak were preyed upon. If you had power, you could act however you chose. Without it, you could only withdraw humbly.
Furthermore, Huang Bao was a human cultivator, and in this land, no one would stand up for him. If he chose to resist, he might end up losing his life.
He cursed under his breath indignantly and reluctantly moved to steer the ship aside.
Just as he was about to act, Zhang Yan reached out and grabbed Huang Bao’s wrist, saying, "Wait."
Huang Bao froze, his expression showing no anger, but instead, he sighed helplessly and whispered, "Young man, don’t invite trouble. This place belongs to Demon Cultivators. With our numbers, we can’t fight them. If there’s really a Pill Master on their ship, he must be a guest of Lord Ji and was invited by Shen Tu. Let’s yield to avoid unnecessary complications."
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and replied, "Boss Huang, hold on for just a moment."
He retrieved an object from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Xiao, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please bring this object to the Pill Master."
Luo Xiao accepted the item, her figure flickering briefly before finding herself on the opposing vessel. No one present could see how she managed it, leaving them all stunned and aware of her remarkable skill.
Moments later, she said something to the attendants on the other vessel, prompting them to let her into the cabin.
Huang Bao glanced back at Zhang Yan and, seeing his calm demeanor, felt his apprehension ease slightly.
Not long after, the cabin door of the other ship swung open, and Luo Xiao emerged alongside an elderly man with a youthful face and white hair. The elder cupped his hands toward Zhang Yan from afar and said, "Forgive my impertinence, but may I ask which distinguished master I address over there? Could we have a conversation?"
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