Deep Abyss, Southern Vast Ocean, Coral Wave Island.
The island was tiny, its white sand fine and its trees casting dappled shadows. An old man in an ink-black robe gazed into the near distance, pacing back and forth with a puzzled expression.
A woman in a white dress emerged from the waves. Elaborate ribbons trailed along her hem as she parted the deep-blue seawater and stepped ashore.
Upon seeing the black-robed elder, she hurried over, worry etched into her face, and said:
"Zhang Gong, Hai Xiangqing is dead."
Zhang Gong raised an eyebrow, showing no surprise.
"I saw a bolt of heavenly lightning strike the place where he cultivated, so I knew something had happened. I didn't expect him to die outright."
"No matter. He was only there to make up the numbers anyway. I'll soon break through to the seventh level of Qi Refining, and then I can open the passage in that cave abode on my own."
"What about you, Crystal Woman? How was today's harvest?"
The woman in white stepped briskly forward and opened her right hand, revealing six Nether-Blue Pearls.
Looking excited, Crystal Woman smiled.
"The records of the [Wave-Subduing Mansion] really were accurate. The harvest from this sea eye keeps getting better."
Beside her, Zhang Gong remained utterly composed, betraying no emotion. He merely took something from his robes.
A gleaming silver pearl.
The instant it appeared, Crystal Woman's expression changed. Greed and apprehension surfaced on her face. She stepped forward and asked quietly:
"Did that come from your sea eye?"
Zhang Gong said nothing, merely smiling as he held it out. The greed on Crystal Woman's face grew stronger, and she reached out to take it.
She failed to notice an ink-black tentacle rising from the white sand behind her, straight as a spear.