Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:
patreon.com/ZeroMoney
I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated.
******
Faced with the chain suspension bridge made of a single iron link, Tang San once again unleashed his Blue Silver Emperor. This time, he extended it across the chasm, creating a Blue Silver suspension bridge about ten meters wide.
While it was certainly wider than the chain bridge, it paled in comparison to the several hundred meters of length it needed to span. Additionally, the strong winds that swept through the mountains caused the Blue Silver bridge to sway precariously.
Still, it offered a more stable crossing, complete with handrails on either side. For those climbing up via the Blue Silver rope ladder later, crossing the swaying bridge would undoubtedly be nerve-wracking, with fears of a fatal fall lingering in their minds.
Tang Long and Tang Hu exchanged a glance, both feeling a twinge of discomfort. They hadn't expected Tang San's Blue Silver abilities to be this versatile, capable of creating such intricate constructs.
Tang San then led Hu Liena and the others across the Blue Silver bridge. The rest followed, choosing either the chain bridge or the Blue Silver bridge. Not a single person opted to fly across.
After all, the opposite side was the true entrance to Haotian Sect, and even the most powerful individuals knew to show a degree of respect. Flying over…
Wouldn't be appropriate.
Approximately ten minutes later, Tang San arrived at the gates of Haotian Sect. This area was a flat expanse about a kilometer wide, seemingly hewn directly from the mountain. The surface was solid and sturdy underfoot, with no decorative tiling to detract from its natural grandeur.
"Welcome to Haotian Sect!"
The Second Elder of Haotian Sect approached with a group of disciples. He was slightly surprised to see Tang San, not expecting Spirit Hall to send him of all people. However, upon noticing Hu Liena alongside him, he quickly understood: the Holy Son and Holy Maiden, of course.
"Please, follow me to the guest hall to rest for a while. We've prepared refreshments and wine. You're welcome to enjoy them before the wedding begins."
When they reached the guest hall, the group found that it was already occupied by several others—specifically, six of the Seven Sacred Pillar Guardians of Sea God Island and a human-formed Demon Spirit Great White Shark King!
Since Bo Saixi's wedding was a major event, they naturally came to offer their congratulations. However, as Sea God Island could not be left unguarded, the most powerful among them, Sea Dragon Douluo, stayed behind to oversee the island.
As for the Demon Spirit Great White Shark King accompanying them, it was because she wanted to witness the wedding of Sea God Island's High Priest and a hundred-level powerhouse. She knew it would become one of the most unforgettable memories of her life.
That said, the Demon Spirit Great White Shark King, Xiaobai, made no effort to conceal her soul beast aura. This immediately drew the attention of the Titled Douluo present, including Yu Yuanzhen and Gu Chen, who couldn't help but feel tempted.
After all, she was essentially a walking 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone.
Noticing the brewing tension, Sea Horse Douluo rose to address the room. "Everyone, I must ask you to refrain from such gazes toward Xiaobai. She is the Sea God's mount, not an ordinary 100,000-year soul beast. Any attempt to covet her soul ring or soul bone would be tantamount to declaring war against the entirety of Sea God Island."
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward with a polite smile. "Please forgive us, sir. We were simply surprised, nothing more. Moreover, a 100,000-year soul beast, having gained human-like intelligence and emotions, should not be hunted so easily."
Xiaobai let out a cold snort. "Land-dwelling humans are nothing but greedy!"
"Miss Xiaobai is so lively and endearing, with such a spirited personality," Ning Fengzhi replied with a gentle smile.
"Is that a compliment?" Xiaobai tilted her head, looking adorably confused.
"Yes," Ning Fengzhi nodded, though in his heart, a thought arose: A 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form… they seem somewhat simple-minded and naive. Could they perhaps be manipulated…?
But after exchanging glances with Sea Horse Douluo and the others, Ning Fengzhi abandoned the idea.
Risking hostility with six Titled Douluo over a mere 100,000-year soul beast was unwise. Moreover, given the tension between the Haotian Sect and Spirit Hall, it wouldn't be appropriate to forge too close a relationship with the Sea God Island guardians either. A superficial acquaintance would suffice.
Having made up his mind, Ning Fengzhi began introducing himself. Sea Horse Douluo and the others also provided brief introductions about themselves. However, after that…
The conversation quickly stalled.
Ning Fengzhi found it hard to engage with the six guardians. He wanted to discuss Sea God Island's unique products or possible trade opportunities.
But the guardians spoke only of their faith in the Sea God, emphasizing that Sea God Island was entirely self-sufficient and had no need for large-scale trade with the mainland. When they learned of Ning Fengzhi's identity, they even expressed hope that he, too, would revere the Sea God and spread word of his greatness.
In the end, it was clear: waking a group of devout zealots from their faith was an impossible task for a pragmatic individual.
Even so, throughout the conversation, the Sea God Island guardians frequently glanced at Tang San, as if trying to confirm something.
Noticing their behavior, Tang San did not try to eavesdrop. Respect was paramount, and showing courtesy was simply good manners.
"You are the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, Tang San, correct?" Sea Witch Douluo approached, pulling out a chair next to him and gracefully taking a seat. "I've watched your performance in the Continental Elite Tournament. That was five years ago, wasn't it? At the time, you were already a Soul King and even possessed a 100,000-year soul ring."
"It's nothing noteworthy," Tang San replied humbly, though curious. "I've heard that Sea God Island is nicknamed 'Devil's Island.' Coastal residents avoid it at all costs, and there's no communication between them. Did you learn about me on your way to this wedding, perhaps through soul-guided recording devices?"
"No," Sea Witch shook her head, offering an explanation. "Though our island is isolated, there are still trade caravans that travel to and from the mainland. Children born on Sea God Island must undergo the Sea God's trials at the appropriate age. Those who fail are required to leave the island. Many settle on nearby islands or form seafaring trade groups that travel to the mainland, bringing back materials we need. Through them, we learn about the outside world."
"I see." Tang San nodded slightly. It seemed that Sea God Island wasn't as isolated as he had initially thought. There was at least some degree of interaction with the outside world—though only minimal.
However, it also became evident that their knowledge of the mainland was limited. For example, they appeared completely unaware that the current Continental Elite Tournament had already concluded. Even on their way to Haotian Sect, they didn't seem interested in gathering such information.
"Hey! Where did you get that 100,000-year soul ring?" At this moment, the Demon Spirit Great White Shark King, Xiaobai, walked over with an unrestrained tone. As a 100,000-year soul beast herself, she despised soul masters with such soul rings, as it usually meant that a 100,000-year soul beast had been killed.
While Xiaobai understood that human soul masters needed soul rings to advance, she couldn't comprehend why they had to hunt 100,000-year soul beasts. Such creatures had already developed intelligence akin to humans and deserved respect!
"Luck. A soul beast voluntarily sacrificed itself," Tang San replied calmly. Despite Xiaobai's aggressive tone, he didn't take offense. Unless someone crossed his bottom line or caused trouble, he was generally tolerant. He then summoned Xiao Wu and Wang Dong, introducing them. "They're in a symbiotic relationship with me now."
Xiao Wu tilted her head. "A shark, huh?"
Wang Dong added, "Its skin looks kind of creepy."
Xiaobai had initially found the two intriguing, but their comments annoyed her, causing her breathing to grow heavy. "These two brats are so unlikeable!"
(End of Chapter)