A chunk had been forcibly gouged out of the center of Floating Jade Island, forming an enormous pit several hundred zhang wide. Seawater churned violently within it, and the clatter of swaying chains could faintly be heard.
This was the Water Prison Cui Yanshan had spoken of.
"These Spirit Monsters were born from the spiritual impetus of the East Sea. But that impetus erupted too violently and carried turbid impurities, so they were born with crippled intelligence—bloodthirsty, savage, and unlike ordinary Spirit Monsters."
"They cannot cultivate. Their bodies gained their strange powers and cultivation solely through that spiritual impetus pouring into them, allowing them to wield strange arts."
"But some Spirit Monsters rush toward Floating Jade Island before their bodies' strange powers have fully evolved. If we kill them then, the value of their corpses will inevitably plummet."
"So this Water Prison was established, to let them 'grow a little longer.'"
"And, while we are at it, to see exactly how these Spirit Monsters are born, and whether they can possibly be enlightened and tamed."
Under Cui Yanshan's explanation, Lu Xuan and the others rode the clouds to the front of the Water Prison.
Before the Water Prison, the spiritual patterns of the formation shone brilliantly. Three Mixed Qi cultivators at the Qi Refining Second Layer stood guard.
The core strength of the Heaven-Gazing Sect was naturally its True Qi disciples and Golden Armor Jade Soldiers.
But beyond that, the Demon Fiefs and cultivators within the sect's territory could also be conscripted.
Thirty-six cultivators and Demon Race members had been conscripted on Floating Jade Island to assist in patrolling the sea.
When the three Qi Refining guards saw Cui Yanshan and the others, they immediately bowed.
Cui Yanshan smiled and waved his hand, leading Lu Xuan and the others above