To imprint another's ultimate secret into one's own Soul Altar was an undertaking fraught with peril.

The Sea Shark Emperor’s willingness to divert his Aoyi [Ultimate Secret] demonstrated profound trust in Shi Yan. Conversely, for Shi Yan, an Immortal Peak expert, to invite this power into his Altar was surely an equal testament of faith in the Sea Shark Emperor.

Should the Emperor harbor ill intent and wreak havoc within his Soul Altar, Shi Yan would undoubtedly suffer grievously; soul injury was a very real possibility.

As that colorless, transparent droplet descended into Shi Yan’s Sea of Consciousness, the Soul Pond within began to emit a faint, shadowy energy power. The various secrets dwelling at his Aoyi level sensed the interloper’s presence, growing intensely alert, poised to resist the thumb-sized drop.

Focusing his mind, he continuously fed soothing, calming thoughts into himself, trying to quell the restless state of his Aoyi, urging them not to become anxious or tense.

Slowly, the droplet drifted across the Sea of Consciousness, gliding past the Soul Pond, eventually arriving near the Aoyi Talisman Pagoda, hovering and swaying above its spire.

Shi Yan had claimed a seventy percent certainty; this was no lie. Through the memories he inherited from the Wastrel, and through his own meticulous observation, he was certain the Source Talisman Embryo atop the colossal tower could indeed crystallize into a Source Talisman of the Aoyi. Whether he could successfully forge one for an outsider, however, he could not fully guarantee.

Hence, only seventy percent confidence.

The droplet swayed languidly, enveloped by his soul, and finally settled upon the peak of the great tower, attempting to merge with the Source Talisman Embryo—Boom!

A surge of resistance emanated from the Embryo. It felt as though the Embryo possessed a breath of life, a vital aura subtly connected to him, seeming to recognize that the droplet's Aoyi was not one he had painstakingly cultivated, instinctively repelling it.

Shi Yan’s soul recoiled in shock; he muttered a curse inwardly, realizing the danger. He swiftly diverted his consciousness.

He infused a thread of his soul consciousness into the Sea Shark Emperor’s droplet Aoyi, simultaneously using subtle fluctuations to placate the Emperor, preventing him from suspecting foul play and unleashing a surge of anger that might halt his penetration.

Outside, the Sea Shark Emperor’s face had turned ashen, and his heart clenched. His expression grew increasingly dark and unsettling.

Hu Jiao, Mei Ji, and the others raised their eyebrows, all becoming visibly tense and uneasy, unsure what sudden complication had arisen.

Mei Ji instinctively moved closer to Shi Yan, secretly condensing her divine power, ready to protect him at all costs should the situation take a dire turn.

Likewise, Hu Jiao, Shen Cong, Nadu, and the other Sea Clan powerhouses silently converged around the Sea Shark Emperor. A single instruction from him, and they would strike immediately.

Everyone looked toward the Sea Shark Emperor while watching Shi Yan’s movements. Then they noticed that after his brow tightened, the Emperor suddenly relaxed. The Emperor’s easing tension also calmed the atmosphere, causing everyone to secretly exhale in relief, their expressions growing strangely complex.

“It should be fine,” Shen Cong feigned ease, shrugging his shoulders with a forced smile. “Lord Mei Ji, the fact that you and Shi Yan are united is enough to drive countless men in the Domain Sea to madness.”

Mei Ji was the pinnacle of beauty even within the Phantom Beauty Clan, a race recognized throughout the Domain Sea as the gathering place for the most exquisite women. Countless men across the Shattered Sea adored Mei Ji; if they knew she had yielded herself to Shi Yan and served him with utmost devotion, they would likely erupt in fury.

“It is my honor that he desired me,” Mei Ji curved her lips, gracefully sweeping back a stray lock of hair with a smile. “The mystery surrounding him is something no woman can resist—it can drive any woman wild.”

Before truly understanding Shi Yan, she, too, was at the Immortal Peak realm, though regrettably, she had yet to grasp the profound secrets of dark energy and was severely wounded.

In just a century, she had broken through to the Domain Ancestor realm, and now her divine power within her [Body] was significantly condensed. Such miracles—who else but Shi Yan could have provided them?

She still recalled those difficult days struggling to comprehend the profound mysteries of dark energy, even being treated as a bargaining chip by Mandis within the clan. Had Batu Mu not been killed, causing her to grasp dark energy much earlier, she might have tragically been forced into union with him. While grateful to Mandis, she knew that everything she possessed today was primarily thanks to Shi Yan!

Without Shi Yan, there would be no new Domain Ancestor for the Phantom Beauty Clan, no ‘her’ of today!

Without comprehending the Dark Energy realm, Mandis would not have been willing to pour the Phantom Beauty Clan’s vast resources into nurturing her into a Domain Ancestor powerhouse. After all, within the clan, several others had reached the same Third Heaven of Immortality as her previous self; she wasn't their only option.

Just as Mei Ji was lost in thought, the Sea Shark Emperor suddenly convulsed, his eyes blazing with blinding light!

Simultaneously, a clear gurgling sound emanated from Shi Yan, as if rivers were rapidly flowing through his [Body]. That profound mystery of the Water Aoyi—the ever-changing flow—was being perfectly enacted upon his form!

Everyone stared intently and discovered that divine power flowed like water through Shi Yan’s meridians. A strange, watery vapor puffed from his seven orifices, astonishing the onlookers.

The Sea Shark Emperor breathed heavily, unable to suppress the excitement welling up inside him. He choked out in a trembling voice, “It worked! It worked!”

Previously, Shi Yan had messaged him, asking him to release his restraint on the Aoyi droplet, to allow his soul aura to flood into it. At that time, the Emperor had hesitated, pondering for a moment before agreeing. Now, he understood; he realized that only by having Shi Yan's energetic fluctuations present within his Aoyi droplet could it truly integrate with the Aoyi Talisman Pagoda!

“Swish! Swish! Swish!”

Amidst the sound of rushing water, the transparent, five-colored droplet, encasing a marvelous rune, floated out from Shi Yan’s left eye.

The droplet was crystalline and brilliant; the rune within was a Primal Source Talisman—an imprint of the Primal Text for the character 'Water.' As the droplet emerged, every river, lake, and ocean in the Sea Shark Emperor's domain seemed to instantly erupt with vital energy, causing the Emperor to shudder violently.

He gazed at the droplet with avarice, overcome with uncontrollable excitement, murmuring repeatedly, “Water Aoyi Source Talisman, a divine ability, a true divine ability!”

Hu Jiao, Nadu, Shen Cong, and the numerous Sea Clan warriors all had eyes shining, their hearts surging with elation. They knew that once the Sea Shark Emperor integrated this Source Talisman, his strength would immediately surge, giving him a much greater chance of breaking through to the Second Heaven of the Domain Ancestor realm in the future!

A single Primal Source Talisman was enough to propel the Sea Shark Emperor's future towards a higher plane!

The Sea Shark Emperor was their hope; his boundless future was their future too!

How could they not be ecstatic?

Hu Jiao, Nadu, and some younger clan members had previously harbored resentment toward Shi Yan. Even after Shi Yan had slain many members of the Ancient Demon Clan and the Soul Clan, their hatred did not easily dissipate, and they disdained even acknowledging him.

Yet now, as the manifestation of the Aoyi Talisman Pagoda appeared, all those who had felt dissatisfaction toward Shi Yan instantly found their hatred vanished!

When they looked at Shi Yan again, the glint in their eyes was gratitude, admiration, reverence, and acceptance!

Only now did they truly regard Shi Yan as someone worthy of trust, as a friend, perhaps even as a benefactor!

Amidst the surging, passionate gasps of the crowd, the Sea Shark Emperor slowly reclaimed the droplet he had produced and placed it onto his Altar. The droplet now contained a Source Talisman of an Aoyi, a divine ability. Once the droplet entered his Soul Altar, it seamlessly merged into an even larger drop of water.

A divine law concerning the ultimate truth of Water Aoyi rapidly took shape within his soul; his very soul trembled, as if receiving an entirely new inheritance of secrets.

The Sea Shark Emperor’s eyes gradually brightened, shining like constellations. He was silently absorbing the profundity of the Aoyi, marveling at the wondrous growth of his realm, as everyone watched him intently.

Only Mei Ji gently grasped Shi Yan’s hand and softly asked, “Are you alright?”

Shi Yan smiled and shook his head. “Fine, very interesting, felt quite profound. It’s as if I managed to grasp the subtleties of Water Aoyi myself during the process. With this experience, next time, I can temper even more Source Talismans. Heh, I never realized this Aoyi Talisman Pagoda was so fascinating!”

Mei Ji was secretly thrilled as well.

If Shi Yan could nurture the Source Talisman of Water Aoyi through the Sea Shark Emperor, then in the future, once he had sufficient energy, he could also refine a Source Talisman of Ice Aoyi suitable for Mei Ji!

One Source Talisman equated to one power-based divine ability. If Mei Ji could obtain the Source Talisman of Ice Aoyi, her power would also see a massive leap!

After a considerable pause, the Sea Shark Emperor stabilized somewhat. His gaze was luminous, and for the first time, a smile touched his lips, banishing the shadows of past years from the depths of his heart. He opened his mouth and boomed with magnificent spirit, “Hu Jiao! Bring out the wine! Bring the best vintage we have cherished! Today, Shi Yan and I shall drink until we drop!”

“Wonderful!” Hu Jiao, who had always been unimpressed with Shi Yan, completely changed his demeanor. He actively and warmly clapped Shi Yan on the shoulder, laughing, “Little brother, you absolutely must grace us with your presence today. I intend to drink my fill with you!”

“And me!” Nadu roared with laughter.

Their reservations about Shi Yan had now been thoroughly swept away, leaving only gratitude and admiration.

“Good, let’s all drink heartily!” Shi Yan grinned widely. “And then let’s go fight to our heart’s content at the Domain Gate!”

“Fight to our heart’s content!” the crowd cheered.

Mei Ji’s beautiful eyes held a smile. Seeing everyone in high spirits, she offered no persuasion, tactfully saying, “You all drink well, I will remain vigilant around the perimeter and alert you immediately if anything arises.”

“What a capable partner,” the Sea Shark Emperor teased Mei Ji for the first time. At this moment, everyone looked pleasing to his eye, all thanks to one Aoyi Source Talisman.

Mei Ji smiled sweetly and quietly departed from the scene. She knew that given the cultivation levels of the Sea Shark Emperor and Shi Yan, even if they drank excessively, regaining sobriety would only take an instant. Thus, she wasn't worried; as long as she could offer a timely warning before any real trouble emerged, that would suffice.

In the center of the kelp forest, the Sea Clan members brought out their most treasured wines, taking turns challenging Shi Yan to drink deeply.

Shi Yan refused no one, draining the potent spirits. For now, he pushed everything else aside, choosing not to dwell on worries, drinking purely for the sake of drinking, embracing the present moment fully.

When one lives, one should delight in delight; there is no need to burden oneself with excessive pressure.