Shell Pearl... It seems that these celestial markets are indeed unavoidable on the sea.
"Then let's exchange it for Shell Pearl."
The maid then took out a Storage Bag and respectfully handed it to Chen Shuangbai. Upon opening it, she found that the Shell Pearl inside were all lustrous, full, and round, containing pure water elemental Spiritual Qi. Even if they were not used as currency, they could be used for refining and cultivation.
Chen Shuangbai decided to sell the stomach pouch as well, and received another bag of Shell Pearl in return.
Gao Hao took the Demon Core and stomach pouch presented by the maid, handed them to another servant without even looking at them, and instructed, "Keep them safe."
"Yes, young master."
The attendant respectfully agreed.
Chen Shuangbai briefly sensed the pure water Spiritual Qi contained in the Shell Pearl in the Storage Bag and nodded, saying, "Brother Gao is generous, and the market price is fair."
"Haha, I'm glad you're satisfied, Brother Chen."
Gao Hao seemed very pleased. He waved for the servants to leave and then personally poured Chen Shuangbai a full cup of spirit wine.
The wine has an amber color, clearly indicating it's a rare and fine brew.
Even Chen Shuangbai, who doesn't drink much, couldn't help but drink a couple more cups. He felt a surge of heat flowing through his body, and it seemed that even his Law Power flowed more smoothly.
The two then engaged in another long conversation.
After several rounds of drinks, Gao Hao gradually revealed his true intentions.
"Brother Chen, have you ever heard of my family's ' Pearl-Seeking Contest '?"
" Pearl-Seeking Contest?"
Chen Shuangbai put down her wine glass, looked at Gao Hao, and pretended to listen.
"Good!"
Gao Hao put down his wine glass, the carefree and nonchalant air of a playboy vanishing from his face, replaced by a wry smile, "You should know that, whether it's a sect or a clan, once the number of people increases, resources will never be enough to go around."
"My Azure Wave Gao Household, has been running this Jade Wave Immortal Market for generations. My ancestor spent most of his years in seclusion cultivating, and now it is mostly managed by my father and several uncles."
"My family has many descendants; over the past few generations, there are dozens of my siblings and cousins alone."
"The number of offspring is increasing every day, but the available positions are indeed limited."
"Therefore, in order to encourage future generations and to select truly capable individuals to manage the family business and expand trade routes, a rule was established a century ago—"
"Every sixty years, any member of the Lineage whose cultivation has reached the Foundation Establishment Realm and who is under one hundred years old can participate in a Pearl-Seeking Contest."
Chen Shuangbai wasn't particularly surprised.
He also wanted to help his Lineage rise to prominence, and having seen many examples of cultivation Lineage, he knew this was an unavoidable situation.
This Gao family was quite enlightened and did not directly arrange heirs by direct concubine.
As for this Pearl-Seeking Contest...
This refers to a secret realm controlled by the Gao Household, which nurtures many shellfish and clams, including demons that can produce Shell Pearl.
It opens once every twenty years, allowing the heirs to enter and search for the most valuable pearls!
Whoever finds the most precious pearl will receive more support and guidance from the Lineage.
Although Gao Hao has considerable potential and influence within his family, he also faces several competitors. Furthermore, the Gao Clan family, which made its fortune through commerce, not only does not forbid its members from using external resources, but actively encourages them to do so and to make friends with heroes and powerful figures.
Upon hearing this, Chen Shuangbai finally understood why Gao Hao was so eager to befriend her; it turned out that he had this in mind from the moment he saw her.
"Brother Gao, are you planning to use me, Chen, as your ally in this Pearl-Seeking Contest contest?"
That's exactly what I meant!
Gao Hao readily admitted it.
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sincere, his tone earnest, and said, "Although I, Gao Hao, have some family wealth and have made many friends among those who have reached the Foundation Establishment, someone like Brother Chen, who at such a young age is already True Disciple the Jade Spring Sect, with a solid foundation and superb swordsmanship... is truly rare. Therefore, I first ask Brother Chen to lend me a hand and help me!"
Chen Shuangbai did not answer immediately, but simply looked quietly at this member of the Gao Clan.
Gao Hao, understanding the implied meaning, said, "Of course I won't let Brother Chen help me for nothing."
"In my family's secret realm, there is a spiritual water called Mystic Origin Heavy Water, which is extremely powerful whether used for cultivating techniques or refining pills and weapons."
"If we can win first place, my family will bestow two portions upon us, one for you, Brother Chen, and one for me... How about it?"
Mystic Origin Heavy Water!
Chen Shuangbai was now somewhat tempted.
Just like the Divergent Flame scattered across the heavens and earth, different kinds of Divergent Water will also be born under different environments in this world.
This Mystic Origin Heavy Water is one type of Divergent Water.
As its name suggests, it is extremely heavy; a single drop can pierce through gold and iron. It is an excellent auxiliary material for refining water-attribute Law Treasure or cultivating certain special water-based Secret Method. For the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators, it is an invaluable treasure.
Seeing that Chen Shuangbai remained silent, Gao Hao knew that this item would be of good use to him.
Gao Hao is going out on this trip.
Ostensibly, it was a trip for leisure, but in reality, it was an act for his rivals at home. In fact, he met many talented young people in the Foundation Establishment Realm along the way, and among these people, Chen Shuangbai was among the most outstanding.
Whether in terms of age or ability...
Therefore, Gao Hao was determined to accomplish this.
His mind raced, and in a short moment he made up his mind. He then said, "If Brother Chen is willing to help me this time, after the matter is accomplished, I will also give you my share of Mystic Origin Heavy Water. Furthermore, I, Gao Hao, will cover all your expenses in the Jade Wave Immortal Market on this trip!"
"If Brother Chen wishes to purchase anything or inquire about any information, I, Gao Hao, have been operating in the Jade Wave Immortal Market for many years. My channels and connections are all at your disposal!"
This is already an extremely tempting offer.
Chen Shuangbai had originally planned to agree to this person's offer, but she hadn't expected this member of the Gao Clan family to think so highly of her, decisively increasing his offer while she hesitated for a moment...
Chen Shuangbai put down his wine cup, feigning that he had finally been moved. "To be honest, this Mystic Origin Heavy Water is indeed very useful to me... Since the conditions are so generous, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse."
"Okay, okay!"
"With Brother Chen's words, I Gao Hao, am relieved!"
The two exchanged a smile and downed their drinks in one gulp.
Not long after.
The number of ships on the sea below gradually increased, carrying large quantities of spiritual materials. The number of flying magical Law Artifact in the sky also gradually increased, and Chen Shuangbai even noticed the presence of many Foundation Establishment cultivators.
What they all have in common is a continuous archipelago.
"Brother Chen, we're almost at the Jade Wave Immortal Market."
Gao Hao's voice was tinged with laughter as he pointed to the sprawling islands below, shrouded in a misty aura of Spiritual Qi.
The islands, large and small, were scattered like stars, with several larger main islands at their core. They were connected by rainbow bridges, boats, and even various Law Artifact that flew at low altitudes, allowing people to come and go in an endless stream.
On the island, pavilions and towers are built against the mountains and by the water, standing side by side, with flying eaves and brackets appearing and disappearing in the light and sea mist.
It truly is a lush and beautiful sight!