Spiritual Fish Transformation in the Eternal Night Sea: Blockade and Recruitment!

Murong Xue said, "I sensed eight auras, all of them at the Earth Fiend Realm."

Ji Ziyun did some calculations. "If a fight breaks out, how many can you take down?"

Murong Xue remained silent. Why would she suddenly want to kill someone?

"Is it really necessary to resort to violence? Let's talk things out."

Upon hearing this, Ji Ziyun knew that she couldn't count on this naive little girl, so she stopped talking and just continued preparing on her own.

Moments later, the two airships were within attack range.

Murong Xue immediately used her Wind Art to warn everyone, "Everyone, we've just entered this area; we're just passing through and haven't found any treasures..."

However, it had no effect.

Not only that, the Blood Shadow Flying Boat accelerated its speed, and when it got within a kilometer's range, eight spears shot towards the Arrowfish Flying Boat.

The spearhead is four meters long and has a sharp, diamond-shaped head. Eight chains connect the spearhead, and the other end is connected to the Blood Shadow Flying Boat.

It's obvious that the Blood Shadow Flying Boat intends to capture the Arrowfish Flying Boat.

"What?" Murong Xue was immediately shocked, never expecting that the other party would attack without even saying a word.

Ji Ziyun, however, was prepared and manipulated the flying boat into a Death Spiral.

This was a highly difficult flying boat technique, but Ji Ziyun accomplished it with ease.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh~ Boom!"

All seven darts were dodged, but one dart still managed to break through the airship's defenses and embed itself in the ship's side.

"Crack crack crack~" The spear split open and quickly seized the Arrowfish Flying Boat.

There was nothing Ji Ziyun could do; despite her skill, she couldn't withstand the Blood Shadow Flying Boat's blockade-style capture.

Upon seeing that it had hit its target, the Blood Shadow Flying Boat immediately changed direction and plummeted downwards.

"Bang!" The thick, black chain was instantly pulled straight.

The Arrowfish Flying Boat was also forcibly turned around by this enormous force and plummeted out of control.

Murong Xue stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

"Why aren't you doing anything!" Ji Ziyun shouted, straining to control the flying boat. "Are you waiting for someone to tie you up?!"

Murong Xue gritted her teeth and immediately used her Wind Art to support the Arrowfish Flying Boat and stabilize its horizontal posture.

With her help, Ji Ziyun managed to control the airship, finally preventing it from crashing.

But at this moment, the Blood Shadow Flying Boat was still dragging the Arrowfish Flying Boat, crashing into another mountain.

"You take control of the flying boat," Ji Ziyun ordered. "I'll deal with them."

Having said that, without waiting for Murong Xue's agreement, Ji Ziyun jumped out of the flying boat and transformed into a phantom, heading straight for the Blood Shadow Flying Boat.

Just then, Zhao Xing also logged on.

He felt the airship shaking violently, clearly indicating that it had been attacked.

"Um?"

Zhao Xing's nine Ten Thousand Laws Straw Puppet all raised their heads and opened their eyes, looking ahead.

In an instant, he realized he had been robbed.

After observing the Blood Shadow Flying Boat with his Heaven's Eye Art, Zhao Xing instantly gained a general understanding of the enemy's strength.

"Eight Earth Fiend Realm, their strength is so-so." Zhao Xing immediately manipulated the Ten Thousand Laws Straw Puppet to fly to the side of the Blood Shadow Flying Boat.

"Eight Earth Fiend Realm, half martial artists and half sorcerers."

Zhao Xing scrutinized him. He had now activated the ' Invisibility Straw Figure '.

The people below, including Ji Ziyun, didn't even notice him.

Zhao Xing didn't rush to make a move. He could control the situation and also observe Ji Ziyun's strength.

Even with his Ten Thousand Laws Clone, Zhao Xing could completely crush these low-level opponents.

"Hiss hiss hiss~"

Holding a slender sword, Ji Ziyun transformed into a streak of silver light and swiftly crashed into the encirclement.

"She's very fast. This girl doesn't seem like someone who's just entered the Earth Fiend Realm at all." Zhao Xing watched with great interest.

He could tell that Ji Ziyun was using the Azure Water Sword Art. This was a Heart Sword of the Azure Water Daoist Academy.

After Ji Ziyun rushed in, she faced close combat with four martial artists and the distant magical influence of four sorcerers.

"Clang clang clang clang~" Although she was wielding a rapier, the impact of the clashes between Ji Ziyun's swords was astonishing, as if the rapier possessed immense power.

"Handling heavy objects with ease, this sword actually weighs a thousand catties?" Zhao Xing also somewhat surprised, he could see the extraordinary nature of the sword.

Although it is only a fifth-tier Divine Soldier, it is made with ample materials; the materials used to forge it are enough to forge seven or eight fifth-tier weapons.

With a "whoosh," Ji Ziyun suddenly appeared next to the enemy to the south after her rapier pierced through the combined attack of four martial artists.

With a light thrust of the rapier, the swordsman's expression immediately changed.

Because he realized that it was as if countless swords were thrusting at him, and he had no idea which one to block.

Moreover, the opponent was too fast.

He brandished his sword, but could only protect his vital parts.

"Thousand Mountain!"

Thousand Mountain is a defensive sword technique. When he uses it, it is as if a huge mountain is blocking his way.

However, this person's training was clearly inadequate; the mountain peak's illusory image was riddled with gaps.

Only the vital areas were defended; the rest of the area had many weaknesses.

However, as long as he can withstand this sword strike, it will be enough to make this woman who took the risk pay the price, because three teammates have already attacked Ji Ziyun's back.

Despite being attacked from behind, Ji Ziyun resolutely thrust out her sword.

"Pfft~"

The rapier pierced through the throat of the swordsman.

Penetrate from back to front.

Ji Ziyun, who was standing in front of him, was struck by the fire magic of the fire elementalist and burst into flames.

But after she burned, her body disappeared, leaving only a half-burnt talisman.

"Hah..." The swordsman's eyes widened, never expecting that the sword would come from behind him.

It turned out that this was an illusion... He died with his eyes wide open, falling from the sky.

Meanwhile, the other three martial artists missed their target.

They were also deceived by Ji Ziyun's "Charm Illusion".

"It really is her, the Phantom Assassin under Princess Youruo's command in my previous life!" Zhao Xing stared down. "The Phantom Assassin has bizarre moves and many methods, and is especially skilled in using talismans."

Being able to incorporate talismans into combat is something not everyone can do.

The timing must be perfect, and one must have a thorough understanding of talismans. It is virtually impossible to use someone else's talismans, which is why Ji Ziyun is proficient in making talismans herself.

"It's not a talismanic body yet, just Talisman Phantom Form, but it's enough to confuse these people. And she's fast, so it seems I don't need to take action," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Azure Water Daoist Academy is one of the Seventy-Two Dao Academies of the Great Zhou. Graduating from the Dao Academy with excellent grades is no less difficult than Zhao Xing getting first place when he was trained in the Military Sima Nong.

The ensuing battle unfolded exactly as Zhao Xing had predicted.

During the battle, Ji Ziyun used four Talisman Phantom Form, making it difficult to distinguish between the real and the fake.

Zhao Xing was only able to distinguish which was real and which was fake by using his Life-Soul Heavenly Eye.

As for the others, they were completely outmaneuvered by Ji Ziyun.

The four sorcerers on the ship couldn't hit Ji Ziyun with their spells at all, and it was impossible to use any area-of-effect spells at this time, as their teammates were still inside.

"Pfft~"

Shortly after, the second melee fighter died, stabbed to death by Ji Ziyun, and fell down.

She perfectly utilized the Azure Water Sword Art Talisman Phantom Form to outmaneuver the four melee warriors and the four sorcerers on the ship.

By the time they had killed the third person, the four sorcerers on the ship were already considering retreating.

"Disengage! Set sail!"

One of the fire elementalists immediately untied the tow chain that was tethering the Arrowfish Flying Boat.

He then turned around, intending to control the airship to escape.

"Whoosh~"

With a flick of her left hand, Ji Ziyun multitasked, and a throwing knife instantly embedded itself in the back of the fire mage.

"Buzz~"

The blood-stained throwing knife, embedded in the door panel, still trembled uncontrollably.

"Her Azure Water Sword Art is effortless, her Talisman Phantom Form are perfectly timed, and she can even throw a flying knife while distracted. She's fighting eight opponents at once and still has energy to spare," Zhao Xing praised.

"Heroine, spare my life!"

The other three people on the airship broke down psychologically and immediately began to beg for mercy.

Without uttering a word, Ji Ziyun swiftly killed the remaining martial artist before jumping onto the flying boat.

Once the mage is caught in close combat, he is at the mercy of his opponent.

"Pfft pfft pfft~"

The three sorcerers were instantly stabbed through the heart.

Having lost control, the Blood Shadow Flying Boat came to a sudden stop.

However, the Arrowfish Flying Boat that Murong Xue was on lost control and plunged downwards.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing Gale Law to lift the flying boat up.

There are still some things on it that can't be revealed casually.

Zhao Xing appeared by casting a spell, Ji Ziyun then realized that Zhao Xing was already next to the Blood Shadow Flying Boat.

"When did he get here...?" Ji Ziyun's pupils contracted.

She was Seventh Grade, but she boasted that she could survive against Sixth Rank, and even had a chance to kill them.

However, Zhao Xing, Sixth Rank cultivator, was merely an avatar, yet she couldn't detect his presence; he silently hid beside her.

"You did a great job." Zhao Xing's gaze turned to Ji Ziyun.

"Thank you for your praise, Senior Brother." Ji Ziyun lowered her head. She couldn't see through Zhao Xing, but Zhao Xing could see through her true form at a glance.

His strength is far greater than I imagined... Ji Ziyun thought to herself.

The Arrowfish Flying Boat was no longer usable; it had been damaged by the spear. After cleaning its tail, Zhao Xing, Ji Ziyun, and Murong Xue switched to the Blood Shadow Flying Boat.

The Blood Shadow Flying Boat is a standard Divine Soldier, even more adept at charging into battle and fighting than the Arrowfish Flying Boat.

After everything was done, Murong Xue felt uneasy because Ji Ziyun was the one who killed everyone. She hadn't done anything; all she had done was use Wind Art to correct the flying boat's flight posture at the beginning, and almost caused it to crash in the end.

"Why didn't you make a move just now?" Zhao Xing asked Murong Xue.

Although he was "offline", he was not completely disconnected. As soon as he logged back in, he was able to see the conversation that had taken place on the airship.

"I thought they were all people of the Great Zhou, so..." Murong Xue said.

"What are your thoughts now?" Zhao Xing asked. He knew that Murong Xue was not Military Sima Nong, so he guessed that she had never been on the battlefield. Coming from a prominent family, she must have been well protected since childhood.

"If they have the strength, I will teach them a lesson and make them leave," Murong Xue said. "Killing is not the best solution."

"Suppose they don't listen to your reasoning, and after a few days they get an opportunity and become stronger than you, and then come looking for trouble, what will you do?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I..." Murong Xue opened her mouth, but hesitated to speak.

"Say what you mean, don't be shy," Zhao Xing said.

"The Agricultural Official relies on the heavens for his livelihood and helps the weak and needy; he should uphold a benevolent heart," Murong Xue said. "Your Excellency is far too cold-hearted and thinks too badly of people."

Zhao Xing nodded. "The Agricultural Official is for the people, you're right. But benevolence must be selective. Why don't you open your eyes and look at the Heavenly Gate? Can ordinary people even enter this Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven?"

"In my eyes, the Agricultural Official doesn't rely on the heavens for food; he's competing with the heavens for it!"

"If the world Favorable Weather and Bumper Harvest year after year, what need would there be for the position of Agricultural Official?"

"Your Excellency is the Military Sima Nong," Murong Xue said angrily, "So it's natural for you to argue."

Murong Xue then added, "The court does not forbid fighting, so this rule is inappropriate."

Zhao Xing chuckled. This girl was quite stubborn. Since he couldn't argue with her, he changed his mind and said it was the fault of the world.

"It's useless for you to tell me. Neither of us are the ones who set the rules," Zhao Xing said. "Instead of complaining, we should try to adapt, gradually become stronger, and strive to become the ones who can set the rules."

Murong Xue remained silent, feeling that her beliefs had been challenged.

Zhao Xing didn't want to lecture, but Old Liu made him take care of Murong Xue, and he couldn't get by with that kind of mentality.

However, he didn't say much. In short, after staying in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven for a long time, she gradually came to her senses.

There's just one thing Zhao Xing needs to make clear. "It's fine if you have a kind heart, but you're not acting alone now. Ji Ziyun and I are now your teammates."

"Anyone who takes action becomes an enemy, and the greatest respect one can show an enemy is to exterminate them completely."

"You're here to gain experience, not for tourism. If you remain indifferent next time, you'll only be a burden."

"If you're not satisfied, you can tell the teacher and ask him to find someone else to teach you. That's all I have to say. Think it over carefully."

He may have been Guest Qi, but Zhao Xing wasn't a philanthropist. How could he possibly participate in such a brutal competition without wanting to kill anyone? There was no such thing as a free lunch.

"Yes." Murong Xue cupped her hands in greeting and walked out.

When Ji Ziyun saw that Murong Xue came out in a bad mood, she smiled slightly.

She had previously instructed Murong Xue to take action, and this girl actually responded by advising against it? How naive!

Now that she heard her questioning Zhao Xing's previous decision, Ji Ziyun couldn't help but laugh inside.

Zhao Xing, who rose from a lowly clerk to his current position, would certainly not appreciate Murong Xue's soft-hearted approach.

"If you don't like her, then you like my way of doing things, though I don't know how much you like it." When Ji Ziyun heard Zhao Xing call her, she immediately composed herself and went into the cabin.

"Senior Brother."

"Hmm." Zhao Xing nodded. "Is there anything you particularly want during this search for Lingxiu?"

Ji Ziyun was delighted, but she didn't show it on her face. "I will do whatever you decide, Senior Brother Senior Brother. Whatever you lead me to find, I will use."

"Greedy, you want everything." Zhao Xing smiled. People who answer "anything is fine" are often very picky.

"My Senior Brother saw right through me." Ji Ziyun smiled mischievously.

"Alright, you continue to control the airship and search as I instructed."

Zhao Xing planned to give Ji Ziyun more benefits; as a future Phantom Assassin, she was worth his effort to help her find treasures.

"Yes." Ji Ziyun withdrew.

The airship then flew smoothly without encountering any other teams.

The South Clarity Garden is quite large; even with over a thousand people allowed in, it's actually quite difficult to find someone there.

Zhao Xing used his Five Finger Heavenly Mandate technique to quickly lead the two to a place called "Yuan Technique Spiritual Elegance".

It was a Peach Blossom, and among the pink Peach Blossom covering the mountainside, there was a very small tree that had blossomed with golden Peach Blossom.

Consuming the peaches mentioned above can increase Essence Gathering and enhance one's understanding of the wood element.

Zhao Xing ordered the two women to pick the peaches, and then the two women sat cross-legged under the peach tree to digest them.

Time flies, and a day and a half passes in the blink of an eye.

On the Qilin Flying Boat, Zhao Xing's true form had already awakened.

As he saw the sky around him gradually darkening, he knew that he was almost at the Eternal Night Sea area.

"Where are we?" Xia Jing asked as she approached. "It's pitch black and everything's changing, I can hardly tell what's going on."

"It should be just past Pine Snow Lake," Zhao Xing said.

"Oh, this place." Xia Jing suddenly remembered that when he and Zhao Xing teamed up for [Supply Training], Zhao Xing had been farming here.

They also used the Five Elements Earth Splitting Art to disrupt the earth's water veins, making the frozen soil soft.

"Even Pine Snow Lake has thawed." Xia Jing looked at the surrounding sky with emotion. "Fang Wu once said that Pine Snow Lake was said to never freeze for a thousand years. I never thought it would thaw in just two years."

"The Grotto-Heaven has been upgraded, and the world has undergone tremendous changes. Strange phenomena that are rarely seen in ordinary times are now everywhere," Chen Shijie said. "Although it is chaotic at the moment, this is developing in a good direction and will eventually form many blessed lands."

"The world is undergoing dramatic changes, and all things are born and die. We, as mere passersby in this world, are fortunate to have been born at this time; it is truly a blessing accumulated over many lifetimes," Ji Ziyun said with a smile. "Zhao Xing, don't you think so?"

Zhao Xing nodded, but thought to himself: Once the Ten Suns in the Sky, you won't think that way anymore. You should be glad that you were able to escape in time.

"Zhao Xing, what benefits do you think there will be here? Can you calculate it?" Xia Jing asked.

"Do you think I'm a fortune teller?" Zhao Xing said. "We still need to observe the unusual phenomena in the sky first."

At this moment, the aurora Eternal Night Sea flashes, the wind and snow roar, the tornadoes howl, the sky turns green and red, and the roaring sounds are constant.

Then another mirage appeared, with various images flashing by.

In one scene, a golden carp leaps up, breathing in and out vital energy.

In some images, an island is shown covered with blooming sacred trees.

Strange phenomena kept appearing in the sky, as if treasures were everywhere.

"The Eternal Night Sea was originally the largest wonder in the north. Now, strange phenomena are occurring frequently, and I wonder how many people have come here," Xia Jing said.

"Those who can come to the Eternal Night Sea are all quite powerful, so everyone should be careful," Ji Ziyun reminded. "The Eternal Night Sea is too vast, and there are no Forget Sorrow Stele set up there, so be careful."

The airship flew for a while longer, with Zhao Xing personally taking the helm and continuing the search.

His Five Finger Heavenly Mandate has now reached a high level, and he is already able to obtain some information about opportunities.

"There's an area in the Eternal Night Sea where a large number of Spiritual Fish Transformation will appear. I wonder if it's started yet."

Zhao Xing stood on the deck, gazing at the northeastern part of the Eternal Night Sea.

Just then, Ji Ziyun, who was holding the Earth Mirror, suddenly became serious.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a relative who said that seven top-level exploration teams have come to the Eternal Night Sea."

"Among them are Liang King Ji Dan, thirteenth son Ji Chen, and nineteenth son Ji Ye, as well as Heaven Jade King's direct descendants and those who came in through Ling Shuang King's connections."

"What? So many people have arrived here?" Xia Jing asked in surprise. "What's going on?"

"Let me ask." Ji Ziyun, who also Ji Surname, knew more about the news among the imperial family.

Zhao Xing's expression was also solemn. Seven top-level exploration teams had arrived at the Eternal Night Sea so quickly?

No wonder the hexagram says, "Kan is dangerous, but seeking it will yield small gains."

Normally, it would be difficult for others to gain any advantage from these seven top exploration teams.

After a moment, Ji Ziyun raised her head and said:

"Seven top exploration teams, along with dozens of advanced exploration teams, are attempting to blockade the waters near the ' Night Fortress Number Ninety-Eight ' in the Eternal Night Sea."

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

Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat. The place he was looking for was this area, which also included Night Fortress Number Ninety-Eight.

"Those top exploration teams are no pushovers either; they arrived at the Eternal Night Sea so quickly and found a treasure trove."

Zhao Xing felt that this trip might not go so smoothly.

If Ji Ziyun's information is true, then a large number of Fifth Grade will appear in the sea area near Ninety-Eight Night Fortress.

"There are probably quite a few Fifth Grade over there," Chen Shijie said with a solemn expression.

"What's there to be afraid of?" Xia Jing said. "Even Fifth Grade might not be able to kill me."

After Xia Jing's breakthroughs in the Gluttony Art and Black Tortoise Shield, he became even more confident.

"Let's see how things go. If there are too many experts, it would be safer for us to call in reinforcements," Zhao Xing said. "I'll send a message to our teacher, and you can also ask him if we can get some Fifth Grade help."

If you have connections, of course you should use them.

The benefits of the Eternal Night Sea are immense; it might even allow our fortunes to break through once again.

For those of the Sixth Rank and Fifth Grade, Luck Spiritual Elegance is what they value most.

Because in a Dynasty of Fate, if one wants to advance further in office, one's own destiny must be strong enough.

The National Dynasty Luck Cleansing; that's the result. The strong remain strong; those with inherently strong fortune are more likely to have a smooth career in government and stand out from the crowd.

Otherwise, it's quite normal to stagnate in one position for decades.

The airship continued flying northeast for half an hour.

A small island lies in the distance, and on that island stands a fortress— the Night Fortress that was once set up in the Eternal Night Sea.

In the Eternal Night Sea, there are many such fortresses, named "Night Fortress," which existed even before the Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder was revealed.

Originally, even ghosts wouldn't come to such a harsh and cold place.

However, many flying boats and warships have now appeared.

"Stop!"

Suddenly, a thunderous shout reached the Qilin Flying Boat where Zhao Xing was.

"This area is sealed off by a top-tier reconnaissance team. Those who come forward must halt!"

Swish swish swish swish~

Then a team of ten people suddenly appeared from the airship in the distance.

Zhao Xing looked closely and realized that all ten of them were at the peak of the Heavenly Star 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 in the royal family.

As a mere third-rank marquis in the mid-stage of the Heavenly Star Realm, it's hardly convincing for him to claim he's a member of a top-tier investigation team.

"Alright, allow me to go and talk to them." Ji Ziyun nodded, then changed into her gorgeous clothes, rode the wind, and slowly approached.

"Friends ahead, I am Ji Ziyun, the heir of the Prince of Pingyang, and a member of the top-level reconnaissance team created by Liu Tianning."

"According to the rules, we are qualified to explore any area, please make way."

Ji Ziyun is a member of the imperial family, and he also mentioned that he is a member of the top-level investigation team, so he should be given face.

But the voice on the other side shouted, "Halt! No one other than members of the seven exploration teams or irrelevant personnel is allowed to enter! We are merely following orders."

"If you have any connections, you can speak to your superior."

Ji Ziyun tried her best to persuade them, but the patrol team remained unmoved.

Having no other choice, Ji Ziyun had to retreat again.

"No way! Ji Ye's men are too inflexible," Ji Ziyun said resentfully. "I pleaded with them to let me announce it, but they wouldn't listen."

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

"If you ask me, let's just charge in. We're a top-tier reconnaissance team, what are we afraid of?"

"Calm down," Chen Shijie shouted. Even the soldiers of the Divine Might Army couldn't remain calm in the face of Liang King.

After all, he and Long Xiao were both demoted for five years back then, and they never thought that the Divine Might Army would be reorganized one day.

"Brother Ji, are you able to contact Ji Ye?"

"Ji Ye is the nineteenth son of the Liang King, a Fifth Grade official, and a master of the Pure Yuan Realm." Ji Ziyun shook her head. "He was born many years before me. I only saw him once from afar during the ancestral worship ceremony."

Even if we struck up a conversation, he would never even notice me.

They were both kings, but there were great differences between them. The Pingyang King was Emperor Jing's cousin, while the Liang King was Emperor Jing's younger brother.

"He was born many years earlier than you, yet he's still only a Fifth Grade official. He's clearly a good-for-nothing," Xia Jing sneered.

"Stop talking, hurry up and contact people to see which way we can get there," Zhao Xing said.

Even with the seven exploration teams blocking the way, they don't necessarily have to pass through Ji Ye's area.

Zhao Xing, Ji Ziyun, and Xia Jing entered the cabin and began to call for people.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie were still on the deck; the only one they could shake was Yang An.

However, Yang An probably won't be able to offer much help.

With the Liang King alive, Yang An's connections could not play a significant role.

"Teacher."

Zhao Xing's phantom appeared inside the Ten Thousand Laws Palace.

He used emergency contact methods, with one of Liu Tianning's clones specifically responsible for guarding them.

"What trouble have you encountered?" Liu Tianning's Ten Thousand Laws Clone, which had been meditating with its eyes closed, suddenly became alert, clearly indicating that it had "come online".

"My true form flew to the Eternal Night Sea, but was suddenly informed that the seven top exploration teams, together with dozens of advanced exploration teams, had sealed off the three-hundred-mile sea area around Night Fortress Number Ninety-Eight."

"I have revealed my identity, but I still cannot get through."

"The main forces are..."

After hearing the situation, Liu Tianning immediately said, "Stay where you are and don't move. Give me a quarter of an hour."

Zhao Xing said, "Teacher, could you please come in person? There might be Big Treasure here, which would be of great benefit to you."

Liu Tianning pondered for a moment and said, "Okay, I will come in a day."

"Thank you, teacher."

After Zhao Xing finished speaking, his illusory figure disappeared from the Ten Thousand Laws Palace.

Fifteen minutes later, Liu Tianning sent a message:

You should receive an invitation soon; you can choose whichever you prefer.

Zhao Xing put away the Earth Mirror and walked out of the cabin.

At this moment, Xia Jing and Ji Ziyun also came out.

"How is it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"My cousin's family and I are in contact with Heaven Jade King. His grandson, Yun Duo, is the leader of one of the top exploration teams."

"In addition, our two families have invited three Fifth Grade, who are already on their way," Xia Jing said. "We believe we'll hear from them soon."

It doesn't matter how many people there are, just enough are enough.

"I only invited Liu Tianning," Zhao Xing said.

He actually planned to invite Tian Yan, but considering that Tian Yan was already quite old, he might not be willing to get involved in such a conflict for his sake.

It's not about having a lot of people, just enough to get by.

"Buzz~" At this moment, the Earth Mirror of the three people trembled simultaneously.

"A message has arrived."

The three of them each picked up Earth Mirror to examine it.

Zhao Xing went back into the room.

Unexpectedly, the first person to send an invitation was Ji Dan, the Liang King.

[I have long admired the name of Marquis Yuan Rang. I heard you have already arrived at the Eternal Night Sea, only to be stopped by my brother. Dan happens to be here as well, occupying a corner of Night Fortress. Dan sincerely invites Marquis Yuan Rang to come to the east of Night Fortress to search for the spiritual treasure together.]

"Huh? Ji Dan?" Zhao Xing was taken aback when he saw the message.

He already knew that Liang Ruohai was Ji Dan's teacher.

He had previously used the Heaven's Mandate as a Blade to slay that worm inside the Heavenly Gate.

Liang Ruohai couldn't foresee his situation, but he could see Liang Ruohai's.

Ji Dan actually invited me now?

"I retaliated against Liang Ruohai, so did he call me over to harm me?"

"That's impossible. Heavenly Gate, there's no way Liang Ruohai could have figured out who I am."

"What is Ji Dan's intention in doing this?"

Zhao Xing was puzzled when another message appeared in his Earth Mirror.

[This letter is as if we have met in person. My nineteenth brother, a mere Martial Man, has presumptuously prevented Marquis Yuan Rang from entering the waters of Night Fortress. On behalf of my nineteenth brother, I apologize and sincerely invite Marquis Yuan Rang and his friends to have a short visit to the west of Night Fortress.]

"What the hell? Ji Chen invited me too? I'm a member of the Divine Might Army, and I even killed Qian Shougang before... Just how influential is Old Liu?"

Upon receiving Ji Chen's invitation, Zhao Xing felt relieved.

Ji Dan would never retaliate against me in this way; that method is too crude. The reason she sent the invitation is probably because of Liu Tianning's sake.

"Qian Shougang is probably not Ji Ye's subordinate, and these two brothers probably don't get along with Ji Ye."

"If the brothers don't like it, then try to win them over?" Zhao Xing pondered for a moment and then came to a guess.

As for the rift between Liang King and Yang An, what does that matter? Besides, it's been put aside on the surface.

Moreover, Liu Tianning's group is top-tier and will eventually carve out its own niche.

Inviting someone at this time is a small favor, but also a free gift.

Judging from the way the Liang King raised his son, if they could poach the genius of the Divine Might Army, they would not only not blame him, but would praise their son for doing a good job.

However, Zhao Xing would never board the sunken ship that was the Liang King.

Emperor Jing had already sharpened his butcher's knife in the capital, just waiting for his little brother to stick his head out willingly.

With one strike, countless people will die, and even the slightest involvement will affect one's career.

Buzz~

A third invitation arrived.

However, it was Pei Yuanchang, the grandson of Ling Shuang King.

"Zhao Xing." Pei Yuanchang communicated using Earth Mirror hologram, and after the connection was established, he went straight to the point. "Princess Youruo instructed me to let you pass through this area."

"If you don't mind that the space I'm taking up is too small, come to the Night Fortress. I can make room for you there."

Pei Yuanchang was very good at talking. He was willing to give up his own small space, which showed a much stronger sense of goodwill than the people before him.

"Please allow me, young master, to discuss this with my friend," Zhao Xing said, bowing.

"Okay," Pei Yuanchang readily agreed. "You're welcome anytime."

A moment later.

Zhao Xing discussed the matter with Zhao Xing and Xia Jing Ji Ziyun.

"Yun Duo has many men. He will allow us to pass through, but we may have to join his ranks and be under his control," Xia Jing said.

This is already quite good. After all, everyone is a top-tier exploration team, and there's no question of one team trying to outdo the other. Whoever arrives first and takes over the mission is in charge.

"Pei Yuanchang, the grandson of Ling Shuang King, said he could give us a piece of land," Zhao Xing said. "However, the land would be relatively small. My suggestion is to go to Pei Yuanchang's place, since our movements would be unrestricted."

"Agreed." Xia Jing nodded.

Actually, it doesn't matter which side you go to. In the end, there will be great benefits. When the backgrounds are the same, it still comes down to who has the bigger fist.

Zhao Xing quickly replied to Pei Yuanchang, and after that, he did not receive any more invitations from anyone else.

The airship changed direction and headed towards the area occupied by Pei Yuanchang.

"He refused." Ji Dan was slightly disappointed after seeing Zhao Xing's tactful reply. "This man killed Qian Shougang, one of his nineteen subordinates. If we could win him over, he would be a great asset in dealing with him."

"His teacher is Liu Tianning, and behind Liu Tianning stands Rahu King."

Who is Rahu King? All the other Rahu King had to show him respect.

This was not only because Rahu King was the Military Realm inspector, but also because Rahu King was powerful and was highly valued by Emperor Jing.

"However, he didn't go to Thirteen's place either." Ji Dan felt a little better.

Ji Chen didn't care either, considering that he only had his subordinates send the message instead of contacting him personally.

This is enough to show that his sincerity is directed towards Liu Tianning, not Zhao Xing.

Whether Zhao Xing comes or not is actually irrelevant; he just wants to try to get in touch with Liu Tianning and do him a favor.

As for Ji Ye, he simply pretended not to see him.

Qian Shougang, whom Zhao Xing killed, was his direct subordinate.

In any case, he can't possibly recruit them again.

If you can't please them, just ignore them.

"Haha, I've long heard that you are all outstanding talents of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary." Pei Yuanchang was very respectful. After arriving at the destination, he personally invited Zhao Xing, Xia Jing, and the others to his Tower Ship.

"You flatter me Marquis Yuan Chang," Zhao Xing said, bowing slightly. His name itself was a marquis's title. "Thank you for allowing me passage, Marquis Yuan Chang."

"It's nothing, all of you. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Pei," Pei Yuanchang said. "I'm only fifty-three years old, not much older than any of you."

"Brother Pei."

"Haha, good." Pei Yuanchang was very pleased. "You've just arrived, let me give you a brief introduction."

Pei Yuanchang pointed to the cloud disk map. "Many strange phenomena have occurred around Night Fortress Number Ninety-Eight in the Eternal Night Sea."

"Among them, the most miraculous is the Spiritual Fish Transformation!"

Xia Jing: "..."

Pei Yuanchang noticed Xia Jing's unusual behavior and stopped, asking, "Lin Yun, is something wrong?"

"Brother Pei, please forgive me, but my internal practice of the Gluttony Art has side effects."

"I see... Alright, I'll continue what I was saying," Pei Yuanchang said. "Night Fortress Number Ninety-Eight was originally surrounded by a frozen sea."

"The solar term here is always in the Great Cold, and the ice layer is very thick."

"Look now, the ice is slowly thawing, and fish are leaping out of the sea."

"Eating those fish brings all sorts of benefits!"

"It has been verified that it has multiple effects, including Yuan, Fa, Shou, Chun Yuan, and Shui Xing Qi Yun!"

After Pei Yuanchang finished speaking, he observed the reactions of the others.

None of the five men were moved.

Even Chen Shijie and Long Xiao are now worldly-wise people.

Following Zhao Xing, I ate quite a lot of good food.

Xia Jing should have been there to support him, but he was afraid he would vomit if he opened his mouth.

Once at sea, he found himself unable to stand it anymore.

Zhao Xing chimed in, "Truly miraculous!"

"Hahaha, absolutely," Pei Yuanchang said. "The thawing of the thousand-year-old ice released the vital energy that had been sealed at the bottom of the sea for many years. When heaven and earth converged, these wondrous fish were created."

"Brother Pei, it must be difficult to catch these fish, right?" Zhao Xing asked.

When he arrived, he didn't see that Pei Yuanchang had many people on his hands.

"Yes." Pei Yuanchang nodded. "It will be difficult to capture him."

"Look, everyone, this is the ' Warm Hua Bottle ' that was just brought up from the water outside."

Pei Yuanchang held up a transparent bottle with two layers inside.

At this moment, only the lower layer had pale blue light spots moving about.

The upper level, however, was completely devoid of light.

"When a single point of blue light Warm Hua Bottle, the outside world freezes."

"The colder it is, the more blue light there is."

"At this point, there are already 139 points, enough to freeze Seventh Grade to death. This data was taken from a depth of 10 meters underwater."

"If we continue down this path, even those at the Sixth Rank will suffer frostbite."

"Ordinary cold-resistant items are completely useless," Pei Yuanchang said. "The highest record so far is that of Fifth Grade creator, who can only dive to 500 meters."

"Therefore, all seven exploration teams are currently just chiseling through the ice and waiting for the fish to leap up on their own."

Xia Jing frowned. Even Fifth Grade could only dive to 500 meters; it was indeed quite cold.

I don't know if he can handle it.

Zhao Xing was relieved that it was still early and he had time to prepare.

If large-scale launches were allowed right now, he probably wouldn't get much benefit.

After a pause, Pei Yuanchang continued, "All forces are urgently preparing for the cold. I have two Cold Leaf Icebreaker Ship under my command, and another one is on its way."

"This ship can dive to the seabed and use sharp weapons to shoot and capture spirit fish."

"There's no need to go into the water yourself."

"If you all don't mind, you are welcome to join me in exploring and developing this place."

Pei Yuanchang made this suggestion partly to give Liu Tianning face.

If that big shot comes over, currying favor with his disciple will naturally leave a good impression.

By doing this, he was essentially giving away the spiritual essence to Zhao Xing and the others for free.

He assumed Zhao Xing would agree, since the five of them had only brought one Qilin Flying Boat.

Without Divine Soldier weapons, how can a few people possibly fish in the sea?

But to his surprise, Zhao Xing refused.

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Pei. You have already done us a great favor by allowing us passage and giving us a piece of the area to explore. We cannot trouble you any further."

Zhao Xing refused Pei Yuanchang's offer no matter what, and in the end, Pei Yuanchang had no choice but to give up.

He gave Zhao Xing and the others several robes to keep them warm, and then watched them leave.

"Young master, these people are truly ungrateful," said the subordinate beside him. "You are willing to share your talents with them as a favor, yet they refuse."

"Are Liu Tianning's disciples fools?" Pei Yuanchang watched the departing Qilin Flying Boat. "Send someone to keep an eye on them. Their area is close to mine. If they really have another method, we can easily find out something by just taking a look."

"Yes." The subordinate immediately complied.

Pei Yuanchang guessed correctly; Zhao Xing really did have a solution.

If I had known I was coming to the Eternal Night Sea, how could I not have made preparations?

At this moment, he began rummaging through the cabin of the Qilin Flying Boat.

Before long, he came out carrying two boxes.

"Old Chen, time to get to work!"