"I wonder what criteria they're using to judge this selection process."
As Li Mo's worldview underwent some shifts, he couldn't help but feel curious.
Was it a straightforward battle? That method sounded fitting for the combative nature of demonic beasts, but upon reflection, it seemed unlikely. After all, with so many aquatic creatures gathered here, a one-on-one competition would take weeks, if not months, to complete.
Soon after, the woman continued:
"This selection will test two main aspects."
"First, bloodline power. Second, combat prowess."
"Only those who pass the bloodline assessment will qualify for the combat trial."
"Those who wish to participate may now line up to receive their numbers."
With that, she walked over to the "judges' panel" near the center of the lake. Soon after, members of the Mingjiao clan arrived, distributing numbered shells to the participants.
His identity for entering the Floating Temple didn’t matter much, but securing an entry ticket was crucial for him.
Murong Xiao, eager to reunite with his parents and unable to wait a moment longer, also signed up.
Wu Dameng, knowing his own limits, decided against participating. He’d rather find a quiet spot to enjoy some beef and mutton. Silently, he prayed that they wouldn’t end up short on participants and drag him in as a last-minute filler...
As for our dear Huang Donglai...
Mounts weren’t eligible to compete.
The two of them inscribed their information on the shells and handed them in, only to bump into a two-headed youth whose gaze was icy and brimming with hostility—especially when he saw Li Mo submitting his shell.
The disdain in the youth’s eyes grew even more pronounced. If this weren’t the Mingjiao clan’s territory, a classic round of taunting might have ensued.
Li Mo, stared down by two pairs of eyes, was utterly baffled. Where was this hostility coming from?
Have we even met before?
If we’re strangers, why keep glaring at me like that? Do you have any manners? You’re practically asking to get beaten up...
Well, maybe you’ve already been beaten up before.
His Heavenly Eye revealed the truth—this was the Xiangliu clan’s young master, the one who’d lost a head to that ice block (the Qingluan Goddess).
Though Li Mo didn’t understand the source of the hostility, he paid it no mind and simply returned to his seat with Murong Xiao.
After they left, a Mingjiao clan prodigy approached the Xiangliu young master.
"That serpent isn’t from our territory. Rumor has it he came from beyond the Southern Border. His background is unclear, but he’s likely stronger than Wu Dameng."
"Thanks. You’ve got some sense."
"Tsk tsk tsk, if he faces you, he won’t stand a chance." The Mingjiao prodigy, Wu Han, performed a Central Divine Land-style bow.
The Xiangliu young master was thoroughly pleased. "Last time, I survived an encounter with the Qingluan Goddess. What’s one measly serpent to me?"
"You’ll surely achieve a swift victory, Young Master."
With a cold laugh, the Xiangliu returned to his seat, picking up chopsticks in both hands and devouring the feast voraciously. The Xiangliu clan was infamous for their gluttony—and their speed. Not a single aquatic creature at the table could out-eat him.
The Blackwater Marsh selection began in full swing.
Before it even started, musically inclined aquatic creatures performed, as if advertising the event.
"Greetings, esteemed elders. I am Zhen Bang, a river clam from the northern Blackwater Marsh."
A clam maiden stepped into the... well, lake center.
The hopeful gazes of her clansmen made it clear—she was undoubtedly a genius among clams.
"Please introduce your bloodline power and demonstrate it."
Murong Xiao’s mother, Wu Qing, held a conch shell as she spoke.
"My bloodline power is incredibly potent. If I join the team heading to the Floating Temple, I can guarantee that our group will never have to worry about logistics—and may even increase our chances of obtaining the Celestial Jade."
Li Mo straightened up, focusing intently.
"Begin your demonstration."
Zhen Bang took a deep breath, her expression deadly serious. Her entire body trembled slightly—clearly, she was giving it her all.
The phantom of her clam ancestor materialized behind her!
Then, her navel began emitting a crystalline glow—and...
The light grew brighter and brighter, dazzlingly radiant! Almost tangible!
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd—
The light condensed into a pearl the size of a baby’s fist, dropping to the ground.
"I’m done." Zhen Bang weakly lifted the pearl, her face drained.
"And this pearl... what’s so special about it?"
After Wu Qing’s question, the gathered demons burst into murmurs. Some speculated it could explode with immense force, others claimed it contained mirage-like illusions to bewitch the mind—opinions varied wildly.
Zhen Bang declared proudly:
"Look, this pearl glows. And it’s beautiful. No human woman could resist it."
Li Mo and the others fell into deep thought.
The luminous pearl was indeed more radiant than a night pearl—undoubtedly worth a fortune. Selling it could solve the team’s financial concerns...
They could even use it to bribe other factions competing for the Celestial Jade...
Something felt off, but they couldn’t quite pinpoint what.
"Judges, please score!"
Fish in the lake swiftly swam into formation, arranging themselves into a visible number for all to see.
"Three points. Failed. Next."
Wu Qing—Murong Xiao’s mother—sighed helplessly.
Zhen Bang ran off in tears.
Next, several more geniuses from different clans took the stage.
A sea cucumber prodigy showcased his incredible regenerative abilities—any flesh cut from his body regrew within ten minutes. He also boasted that his meat was delicious (self-proclaimed), ensuring the team would never go hungry.
Just as he was about to take a bite of himself, he was escorted offstage.
Then came a dreamweaver jellyfish genius, skilled in hypnosis... herself. Yes, she could fall asleep in the blink of an eye—and did so mid-introduction.
"No wonder the aquatic clans have always been suppressed by the avian clans."
Li Mo mused that perhaps it wasn’t just the Qingluan Goddess’s rise to power that tipped the scales.
Could it be that the aquatic clans’ abilities were just... inherently bizarre?
Or had they degenerated over the long passage of time?
The odd ones were in the minority. Most of the later participants were far more competent.
There was a carp that spat water-prison bubbles, a water hog whose sonic waves could shatter metal and stone...
Even a Mingjiao clan genius took the stage and passed with flying colors.
"The Mingjiao clan’s bloodline power is hydrokinesis—externally manifested as summoning wind and rain. The scale of the summoned storm reflects the strength of their bloodline?"
Li Mo quietly calculated.
After transforming into a Mingjiao, he’d not only retained his human physique but also gained the ability to manipulate water vapor.
However, he’d only recently acquired this power and hadn’t practiced it much...
"I think I’ve got an artifact I’ve been saving for a while."
Li Mo checked his system inventory.
Wind and Rain Summoning Talisman.