"So, this Yue Guanyun is allegedly preparing to formally establish a kingdom and claim a throne. How ludicrous."

As Hu Zhongyuan walked, his eyes were laced with scorn. "He controls barely four provinces! When my late sovereign reigned, he commanded nine provinces and never bothered with establishing a formal kingship. Yet this Yue Guanyun dares to rush ahead? His arrogance knows no bounds!"

Upon hearing this, although the others present remained silent, their faces clearly conveyed agreement. The recent encounter had truly fostered a shared sense of outrage among them.

Zong Shou paid them no mind, his thoughts racing internally. His original intent was merely to secure enough beast cores this time; he hadn't planned on involving himself with the allied fleet of the three Taoyun cities.

However, Yue Guanyun’s actions just now had genuinely infuriated him. This plan, therefore, naturally needed some revision.

He could only hope that this Spirit Summoning Island possessed the necessary items for such a venture.

The reporting station for the Cloud Sea Hunt was located not far from the docks, within a small pavilion. When Zong Shou arrived, he was met with a slight surprise.

The person manning the station was none other than Long Ruo of the Lingyun Sect.

More surprisingly, Lei Dong and Zhao Yanran were also present. Though filled with questions, Zong Shou showed no outward sign of his confusion.

After exchanging formal courtesies with meticulous precision, they proceeded directly to the matter at hand.

"You from Qiantian Mountain and Xuanshan City require access to that Cloud Sea Vortex Elevator near Spirit Summoning Island?"

Long Ruo seemed to have expected this and showed no astonishment. He intently observed Zong Shou, yet no matter how closely he looked, aside from the occasional flash of electrical light around Zong Shou—likely caused by some spiritual artifact—there was nothing else remarkable.

The slight traces of vital energy and soul power he had cultivated previously had vanished without a trace. His divine spirit and physical body seemed shielded by something, making them impossible to see clearly.

After a moment of puzzlement, Long Ruo dismissed his concerns, completely putting aside his previous thoughts. He had specifically come here to see Zong Shou.

Whether the rumors about him were true. At this moment, he felt both disappointment and relief.

"There are quite a few open slots there, but City Lord Zong Shou should know the rules. Ten fourth-tier beast cores per Cloud Vessel. Five additional cores for the Five-Tusked Battleships! If you opt for the share system, payment is waived."

Zong Shou’s lips curled in disdain. It was precisely because these hidden sects occupied the dozen or so Cloud Sea Vortex Elevators leading beneath the sea that the myriad powers in the world were forced to report to these sects whenever they went hunting below the sea cloud. Over the years, countless fortunes had been extorted from them.

But under the current circumstances, with others holding the advantage, he had no choice but to yield. He dared not choose the share system, instead producing a pouch containing exactly one hundred and ten sixth-tier beast cores.

Long Ruo glanced briefly and, satisfied, accepted them. Then he heard Zong Shou state, "I wish to hire some inner disciples from the Lingyun Sect to come aboard."

"Hire disciples from our Sect?"

Long Ruo raised an eyebrow but quickly grasped Zong Shou's intent. This was indeed an excellent way to guard against the three cities of Taoyun Lieyan taking any underhanded action. With Lingyun Sect disciples present, the three of them would be unable to use whatever tricks they possessed.

He couldn't help but smile again. "That can be arranged! However, engaging the services of our Sect’s disciples comes at a considerable price."

Zong Shou remained silent, directly producing another satchel. Long Ruo’s gaze swept over it, revealing two hundred sixth-tier beast cores within.

Although the price of beast cores had depreciated by more than tenfold recently, this sum was still quite substantial. He immediately nodded slightly. "Agreed! I will dispatch forty Lingyun Sect disciples to your vessel half a day from now. However, they will only assist in hunting refined beasts; in the event of a life-threatening danger, they are free to choose whether to stay or leave."

Those accompanying Zong Shou showed mixed emotions—some joy, some worry. Joy because Zong Shou’s methods were indeed formidable; utilizing the influence of the Lingyun Sect disciples could largely neutralize the threat of the four thousand Cloud Vessels. Worry because, before even descending into the Cloud Sea, they had already spent over three hundred sixth-tier beast cores.

They wondered if they could recoup this expense from the hunt.

The essential business concluded, Zong Shou wasted no more words and took his leave. However, as he departed, Long Ruo suddenly addressed Xuanyuan Yiren, saying, "Is this not Junior Sister Xuanyuan? Senior Brother Han Nishui of the Shangxiao Xuanling Sect and I are close friends. I have heard of your situation; the engagement between you two holds great significance, so I urge Junior Sister Xuanyuan to consider it carefully!"

Xuanyuan Yiren immediately frowned slightly, and Zong Shou’s expression darkened, causing the little goodwill he held for Long Ruo to vanish entirely. He wondered inwardly why this man felt the need to meddle.

Not wanting to engage further, he walked straight out. If not for the lingering favor from the twelve Heavenly Talisman Seeds and the Exalted Cloud Divine Annihilation Sword Intent, he would certainly have fought Long Ruo at any cost today.

At this moment, both Zhao Yanran and Xuanyun Lan looked extremely displeased.

They were already aware of the dispute over Junior Sister Xuanyuan's marriage. Long Ruo's words could be seen as a humiliating provocation against the three main sects and six branches of their Cangsheng Dao!

Zong Shou, as a second-generation direct descendant of the Cangsheng Dao, held a status even higher than several generations of sect masters from the three sects and six branches! He was true core lineage.

Who was Han Nishui to warrant such attention, and what right did Long Ruo have to comment on this matter?

Even if the two women held little regard for Zong Shou, in a situation like this, they were obliged to support him wholeheartedly.

Zhao Yanran almost drew her sword on the spot but was restrained in time by Lei Dong. She then scoffed lightly, "I think Senior Brother Long should choose his words more carefully. Do not bring about the destruction of your Lingyun Sect with your recklessness!"

With that, she turned with a stern face and walked out of the pavilion.

Zong Shou’s accompanying entourage also looked grim. However, since Zong Shou had not erupted, they dared not intervene forcefully, leaving in silence.

Nearby, Lei Dong sighed and stood up. "Brother Long, you have always been clever. But today's actions will surely cause you lifelong regret! As that girl Yanran said, it is best to watch your words and actions going forward. Your Lingyun Sect has stood in Donglin for ten thousand years of inheritance; achieving that was not easy..."

Long Ruo was slightly taken aback. He could afford to disregard Zhao Yanran's words, but the counsel from Lei Dong, who belonged to the same righteous lineage, could not be ignored. He spoke with surprise, "Brother Lei, for what reason do you value Zong Shou so highly and offer him repeated protection? Could this fellow have already entered the Taiyuan Sect?"

Even if he had joined the Taiyuan Sect, Long Ruo wasn't overly concerned. Given Zong Shou's current condition, he couldn't possibly achieve much. Or perhaps, the person in Taiyuan Sect who accepted him was still unaware of the truth regarding Zong Shou’s shattered soul and the Heavenly Human barrier.

Lei Dong was speechless for a moment, thinking that Zong Shou’s current status was far higher than his own. However, due to the pact between the Sword Sect and the Cangsheng Dao, the Sword Sect was obligated to keep this secret for at least the next few years.

"Due to certain reasons, I cannot fully explain matters concerning my sworn brother. But I will tell you this today: if your Lingyun Sect or the Shangxiao Sect intends harm toward my sworn brother or sister-in-law, I, Lei Dong, will definitely fight to the end."

As his words fell, Lei Dong did not linger, stepping out of the pavilion.

Only Long Ruo remained, utterly bewildered. He had an almost intuitive feeling that Zong Shou's situation was far from simple as it appeared on the surface. Walking down the street, Zong Shou held Xuanyuan Yiren's hand, taking a few steps before taking a deep breath to calm himself. Though still intensely irritated, he was no longer consumed by murderous rage, the desire to draw his sword gone.

Lei Dong and Zhao Yanran followed shortly after. The latter remained silent, while Lei Dong chatted convivially with Zong Shou, complaining incessantly about the several jars of fine wine he’d been extorted out of previously. He then sighed, "The greatest regret of my life, having lived this long, is failing to bring my brother Shou to join my Five Absolutes Villa. Sword Venerable was brilliant his entire life, but he made a profound mistake regarding this one matter."

Zong Shou smiled but offered no comment. Lei Dong didn't press further, his expression profoundly wistful. "It’s truly a pity that after becoming sworn brothers, we haven't had a chance to truly gather and share a drink. Originally, everything was settled today, and I had free time, but your big brother has to rush back to see Miss Zhenru, so I can't keep you company. If we have a chance to meet again in the future..."

His eyes betrayed a boundless joy; he seemed ready to leave at any moment. After giving a few final instructions, he departed in a hurry.

Zong Shou watched his convenient elder brother depart, then shot a sidelong glance at Zhao Yanran.

Though he didn't speak, his eyes conveyed the message: Why aren't you leaving? Are you just getting in the way?

Zhao Yanran felt a surge of mixed anger and shame. After a long pause, she finally spoke, helpless, "Do you think I want to be with you? My Martial Aunt ordered me to follow and guard you. And my Master also said I must use the Reverse Cauldron Fetal Technique on you..."

Zong Shou paused in surprise before realizing.

The Cauldron Yuan Fetus was a common cultivation method used by the Seven Spirits Sect. Disciples of the sect didn't show rapid advancement initially, but once they found a suitable cauldron, having it refine their own fetus would cause their cultivation to soar instantly.

The Reverse Cauldron Fetal Technique, as the name suggested, was the opposite: using the practitioner's own fetus to strengthen the cauldron.

Naturally, the female disciples of the Seven Spirits Sect wouldn't truly sacrifice themselves to help others without gaining any benefit. As the cauldron was strengthened, it could, in turn, nourish the original fetus—a win-win path of cultivation. This differed from the Cauldron Yuan Fetus method, which directly plundered the vital essence of others.

However, the requirements for this 'cauldron' were several times stricter; otherwise, it would not only yield no benefit but actively hinder the cultivation of both parties.

Clearly, Zhao Yanran's master believed Zong Shou could serve as such a 'cauldron.'

Zong Shou already looked down on Zhao Yanran's meager cultivation level; the talk of accompanying guards was secondary. The Reverse Cauldron Fetal Technique was the crucial part.

Yet, for him, this was not entirely unwelcome. The technique was exquisite and didn't require bedding down for dual cultivation.

Furthermore, the Reverse Cauldron Fetal Technique would offer him immense assistance. He immediately laughed, "That will require asking my Yiren first. Besides, do you know that after the Reverse Cauldron Fetal Technique, if you, Zhao Yanran, develop emotional dependence on my Zong Shou, your life and death henceforth will rest entirely within my thoughts—a massive inner demon?"

"I know. What is there to fear?"

Zhao Yanran provoked him with a slight lift of her brow, then looked towards Xuanyuan Yiren, who seemed somewhat expectant, but she ultimately couldn't bring herself to plead. Frowning slightly, she tossed an embroidered sachet towards Zong Shou. "This is my Yuan Fetal Spirit Seed. Take it or leave it..."

After speaking, she fled as if running for her life. Zong Shou chuckled behind her, and his mood instantly improved considerably. (To be continued)