...

"Lilong Sister!"

Seeing the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon diving down from the sky, Wang Zongkun instinctively shrank his head and wanted to slip away.

However, halfway through, he remembered that he had just offended his father. Now was the time to prove himself. If Wang Lilong took the credit, he'd be in trouble.

He immediately stopped, turned around, and rushed back. "Jingjing, help us! We need to claim the first credit!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a massive shadow appeared in the sea below.

The next moment, the sea surged violently, and a gigantic Dragon Whale emerged swiftly.

Its size was much larger than any other Dragon Whale, with a broad back like a towering mountain, bringing an unparalleled impact to everyone.

This Dragon Whale was naturally the Dragon Whale King, Long Jingjing.

In terms of size alone, her body was over thirty meters long, only slightly smaller than the Kunwu Giant Ship.

The contrast was truly shocking.

"Zongkun, take a break. Watch your sister earn the first credit for you!" Long Jingjing let out a long cry, and her strong body slammed fiercely into the Kunwu Giant Ship.

"Boom!"

A terrifying roar exploded on the sea surface.

The brute force of the Dragon Whale was terrifying. With one hit, the massive Kunwu Giant Ship was pushed sideways by more than ten meters, the ship shaking violently. The unprepared cultivators on board rolled into a chaotic mess, and several nodes of the ship's defensive array burst again.

"An eleventh-tier Dragon Whale King!"

Sun Yaowu barely stabilized himself with his Purple Mansion Realm strength, but he couldn't care about anything else at the moment. His eyes were fixed on the colossal creature on the sea, his expression filled with terror.

What kind of fleet was this? They could even command a Dragon Whale King!

In the vast ocean, there were many Dragon Whales, but those that could ascend to become Dragon Whale Kings were few and far between, ruling over various sea regions.

Moreover, they were dominant sea creatures, usually without a fixed abode. Once they dove into the deep sea, even strong beings like the Immortal Emperor or Demon Emperor had no good way to deal with them.

For humans to command a Dragon Whale King was nearly impossible.

Sun Yaowu racked his brain but couldn't understand how such an absurd thing could happen in reality. How did they manage it?

However, what shocked him even more was yet to come.

Before Long Jingjing could revel in her success for a few seconds, Wang Lilong in the sky saw the situation was not right and quickly called for help: "Ancestor, help!"

Wang Lilong was also eager to earn credit. She had just returned from a retreat at the Dragon Clan's sacred land in the Great Swamp, and her father had talked to her, thinking she was too young to be running around.

He said that since she was idle, she might as well get a high-level clan school diploma to increase her cultural foundation.

"You are the future leader of the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon clan. Without enough cultural foundation, how will you lead the clan to soar in the future?"

After hearing Wang Shouzhe's words, she felt terrible.

She had finally escaped from that dreadful clan school, enjoying her freedom, and now she had to go back to school? It was killing her.

Moreover, the clan school's knowledge updated too quickly. Even though she had graduated years ago, she might not keep up with the so-called hell-level high-level clan school. Just thinking about it made Wang Lilong shiver.

And although her father seemed to be discussing it with her, she knew his temper well. If she didn't agree, she might face a mixed beating from her parents.

The only way now was to earn more credit to prove to her father that she had grown up and could handle things on her own.

Maybe then she wouldn't be dragged back to school.

With Wang Lilong's shout, an affectionate and ancient dragon roar came from the sky: "Haha~ Ancestor is coming!"

With that dragon roar, the Yuan Shui Old Dragon soared into the sky, transforming into a forty to fifty-meter-long Yuan Shui Old Azure Dragon, pouncing toward the Kunwu Giant Ship.

The massive dragon shadow swept across the sky, stirring the dense clouds, causing the heavens and earth to change dramatically.

Under the haze of demonic energy, its deep green scales seemed to be covered with a layer of black aura, and even its fierce dragon claws seemed to exude a sinister aura, adding a touch of ferocity and menace. As it dove down, its terrifying might was enough to make one's heart tremble.

In terms of size, the Yuan Shui Old Dragon was much longer than the Dragon Whale King. However, the dragon clan was always slender, and although it exceeded in length, it was far less massive than the Dragon Whale King.

In the blink of an eye, the Yuan Shui Old Azure Dragon had already swooped down above the Kunwu Giant Ship, its gleaming dragon claws reaching out to grab fiercely.

"Boom!"

A deafening roar exploded in the heavens and earth.

A claw imbued with the powerful laws of the heavenly way struck the Kunwu Giant Ship's defensive array hard.

The defensive array shook violently, and the massive impact even caused the entire Kunwu Giant Ship to sink heavily into the sea, taking a while to rebound back up.

The Kunwu Giant Ship's defensive array suffered another severe blow.

"An eleventh-tier Yuan Shui Azure Dragon!" Sun Yaowu's eyes were filled with horror, almost scared out of his wits.

He hadn't checked the almanac before leaving home this time~ What kind of enemies were these? Even if the Xia Prince's Ancestor were here, they wouldn't have a good outcome today.

"Young Master, surrender!" Sun Dahai was also filled with panic, his old face pale as a sheet. "The strength gap is too big. Continuing to fight will only lead to the ship's destruction and loss of life."

"Surrender!" Sun Yaowu, with tears in his eyes, pulled out a white cloth and waved it vigorously at the sky, shouting loudly, "Brothers from the Tianji Continent, we surrender! Please treat the prisoners well~~!"

Uh?

That's it?

Wang Lilong and Wang Zongkun both looked unsatisfied.

They hadn't even gone all out, and the enemy had already surrendered. How weak~

"Haha, if I had known this, why save those five million immortal crystals?" Long Wuji even sprinkled salt on the wound before giving a deep order, "All surrendering ships, immediately disable the defensive arrays and accept our boarding. Any resistance will be met with death!"

"The Xia Prince's fleet, obey orders and disable defenses." Sun Yaowu hurriedly followed with an order.

He also shed tears of regret in his heart. If he had known, he would have scraped together five million immortal crystals, even if it meant selling everything, to smooth things over.

But he had no idea that they had long set their sights on this Kunwu Giant Ship and wouldn't let him off so easily.

With Sun Yaowu's order, the defensive arrays on the Kunwu Giant Ship and the Three-Eyed Treasure Ships stopped operating, and the ships came to a halt. Naturally, the Wang's Clan army boarded and took control of the Xia Prince's fleet.

Under the deterrence of the eleventh-tier Dragon Whale King and the eleventh-tier Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, the process went exceptionally smoothly, without a ripple, and there's no need to elaborate further.

A naval battle that started hastily ended just as quickly.

But it's no wonder.

With the luxurious configuration of Wang Shouzhe's expedition team, although they couldn't claim to single-handedly challenge the entire Demon Zhao Kingdom, they had more than enough firepower to pierce through it. Facing them with just the Xia Prince's fleet was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

On the deck of the giant armored ship.

The rescued Princess Haige and the old servant Yang were shivering as they thanked Long Wuji.

Behind them were a few miserable-looking death warriors, all pale and tense.

There was no choice; this fleet was too powerful, crushing them like ants.

Long Wuji exchanged pleasantries with them, feeling somewhat helpless.

The big shots had returned to the cabin to continue playing mahjong, having lost interest in the battle, and had no intention of participating in the aftermath.

Although Wang Shouzhe hadn't left, he had stepped back a few steps, appearing very low-key, as if he were just one of Long Wuji's subordinates.

It was clear he intended to leave the cleanup to Long Wuji.

As per usual, after a few words of concern, Princess Haige spilled the beans about the whole story, then earnestly requested Long Wuji's help in restoring her kingdom, promising various benefits.

Long Wuji, following Wang Shouzhe's instructions, firmly refused: "We are a fleet from the Tianji Continent. We have always maintained neutrality and will not get involved in the Immortal and Demon Dynasties' disputes."

Before Princess Haige could persuade further, Long Wuji escorted her and her subordinates back to the armed merchant ship, providing them with enough medical supplies and food to last a long time, then led the fleet and the captured Kunwu warship and Three-Eyed Treasure Ships away.

From start to finish, he didn't ask for any benefits, nor did he agree to get involved in the restoration of her kingdom.

On the armed merchant ship.

Princess Haige, the old servant Yang, and the death warriors returned, watching the receding armored ship fleet in bewilderment.

The scene just now felt like a nightmare, only now did they wake up.

It was only now that Princess Haige realized her status as a princess of a fallen kingdom was worthless.

"Princess, what do we do now?" asked the Sima Clan death warrior.

"We go to the Immortal Dynasty." Princess Haige took a deep breath, quickly regaining her composure, her expression becoming calm and sharp again. "Since the heavens haven't abandoned Sima Haige, there's still a chance. We will seek the Immortal Emperor's help and those Sima clans and families who fled to the Immortal Dynasty. At the very least, we must raise the banner of restoration and plan slowly."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The death warriors and the old servant Yang were invigorated, hope rekindling in their eyes.

Meanwhile, inside the giant armored ship.

Wang Shouzhe glared at Long Wuji: "Such a good opportunity, and you're not going to seize it?"

"Shouzhe, spare me~" Long Wuji's face was full of "thanks, but no thanks," "I'm a man destined to roam the seas. If I get involved with a fallen princess, can I ever get rid of her?"

"But Shouzhe, are you really not going to get involved in her restoration? If it succeeds, our Wang's Clan and the Great Qian will both prosper."

"This seems like a juicy piece of meat, but it's not that easy to eat." Wang Shouzhe shook his head. "The Yan Sea Continent is too close to the Red Moon Demon Dynasty. If we stir things up here, the Demon Emperor won't let it slide."

"Moreover, small-scale actions are fine, but if we cause a huge commotion, it will affect the current relatively stable situation, and in turn, the outer region battlefield's dynamics. A misstep could affect the overall situation of the human race."

"Therefore, maintaining overall peace between the Immortal and Demon Dynasties is necessary until the outer region battlefield stabilizes. Even if we stir things up, we must do so with restraint."

Wang Shouzhe's words made Long Wuji's head spin, and he waved his hand repeatedly: "Alright, alright~ Leave such matters to you tall folks to worry about. I'm just a rough guy, responsible for fighting."

Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but smile.

Given that Long Wuji had roamed the seas with his fleet for so many years without mishap, it was clear he was a shrewd person. Anyone who truly believed Long Wuji was a rough guy would probably be sold by him without realizing it.

"Oh, by the way~" At this point, Long Wuji remembered something and asked, "What do you plan to do with those ships and prisoners?"

"The Kunwu Giant Ship and the Three-Eyed Treasure Ships must be taken with us. Assign some crew to familiarize themselves with the operation and have them follow us." Wang Shouzhe was in a good mood thinking about the captured ships.

In truth, he wasn't fond of going out. If it weren't for the matter of inheritance, he wouldn't have come this time.

Who would have thought that before even entering the dungeon, they would have picked up a Kunwu Giant Ship and seven or eight Three-Eyed Treasure Ships?

Just with these, this trip was already a great success.

When they returned, he planned to hand these ships over to his second daughter for research. If they could unlock a new tech tree or illuminate a special skill map, it would be a huge gain~

Even if there were no special gains, just analyzing the data of the Kunwu Giant Ship and the Three-Eyed Treasure Ships would give them an edge in future encounters.

"As for the prisoners, confiscate all their weapons and equipment, then drop them on a deserted island and have the Dragon Whale group guard them temporarily. Ensure no information leaks, and we can decide on their fate when we leave." Wang Shouzhe added.

"Alright."

Long Wuji nodded and sent someone to arrange it.

Wang Shouzhe didn't concern himself further.

To him, this was just an interlude on the journey, and the prisoners weren't very important. The upcoming Demon Plant Venerable's dungeon was more critical.

With the addition of the Kunwu Giant Ship and the seven or eight Three-Eyed Treasure Ships, Long Wuji's fleet more than doubled in size. Due to unfamiliarity with operating the Kunwu Giant Ship and the Three-Eyed Treasure Ships, the fleet's speed slowed considerably.

Fortunately, the journey ahead was smooth.

In just a few days, the fleet reached the designated sea area.

According to the plan, Wang Shouzhe needed to meet up with Ancestor Long Yan first.

However, before the rendezvous, he made some arrangements, hiding the fleet and accompanying personnel, including the Chaoyang King and others, as reinforcements in the fleet, ensuring that if Wang Shouzhe encountered danger, these reinforcements could quickly come to his aid.

Additionally, Wang Shouzhe carried a Soldier-Hiding Tower with him, containing over a thousand elite militia members from the Wang's Clan.

As for his companions, he only brought three people: Senior Sister Lu Wei, who came to share resources, the Nine Yin Demon Envoy who misunderstood Wang Shouzhe by accident, and the Yin Snake Demon Concubine Ji Yue'er.

For this operation, Ji Yue'er dressed more maturely, even disguising her hair color. After some "renovation," her appearance was quite mysterious.

Basically, unless she fought with someone familiar, her identity wouldn't be easily exposed.

The Nine Yin Demon Envoy was disguised as a maidservant, timidly following Wang Shouzhe, truly resembling a little wife.

Once all arrangements were in place, Wang Shouzhe followed the secret signs left by Ancestor Long Yan and found the hidden uninhabited island, successfully meeting up with Ancestor Long Yan and others.

In the courtyard of the portable mansion of the Demon Dynasty's Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, Wang Shouzhe finally met Ancestor Long Yan.

After many years, Ancestor Long Yan's appearance hadn't changed, but her gaze had become deeper and more restrained, with even more profound light in her eyes.

Clearly, the experiences over the years had impacted her significantly.

Wang Shouzhe's heart was restless, and he stepped forward to hold her hand, expressing his concern: "Ancestor, have you been well all these years? I'm sorry for the hardships you've endured."

For many years, Wang Shouzhe could only learn about Ancestor Long Yan's experiences through intelligence, understanding her situation in the Yinsha Sect and during her travels. Now that they finally met, his heart was both stirred and relieved.

Third Prince Shentu Jingming stared at Wang Shouzhe holding Wang Long Yan's hand, his face twitching.

If it weren't for the "Ancestor" title, he might have rushed up to show this kid how many eyes the King of Hell had.

"Zheme, don't worry, I'm fine." Ancestor Long Yan also patted Wang Shouzhe's head, her heart filled with emotion, her voice trembling slightly, "Is everything at home okay?"

Wang Zheme was Wang Shouzhe's current alias.

This name was given by Wang Mei, who arranged his alias, for her "selfish reasons" and beautiful wishes, taking the homophonic of "Wang Zheme."

Operating in the Demon Dynasty's territory, having a reliable identity that could withstand scrutiny was crucial.

Therefore, many years ago, Wang Shouzhe had Wang Mei make some preparations.

The [Wang Zheme] came from the Wang's Clan of Beishan Commandery in the Demon Qin Kingdom, a small fifth-grade family branch.

The relationships surrounding this identity had been arranged in secret, and Ancestor Long Yan, under the alias "Wang Ruobing," also came from this family but left due to various reasons to become a rogue cultivator.

After a series of events, the blood-related parties finally recognized each other.

This background story had been laid out by Wang Mei for many years, and there was even a real Wang Zheme living in the Wang's Clan of Beishan Commandery. That fifth-grade family had been secretly controlled and slightly supported by Wang Mei to make this alias more authentic.

Therefore, this identity was not easy to uncover.

Of course, why this fifth-grade family could have Divine Realm or Lingxu Realm offerings was another story.

"Everything at home is fine, and the children are doing well, many of them are quite accomplished." Wang Shouzhe continued to chat with Wang Long Yan about family matters.

After a stick of incense.

Seeing that the two showed no signs of stopping, Third Prince Shentu Jingming couldn't hold back any longer and came forward to greet: "Brother Zheme, I am Shentu Jingming, the Third Prince."

"Nice to meet you." Wang Shouzhe replied perfunctorily, then said to Ancestor Long Yan, "Ancestor, let's quickly explore this relic."

"Alright, follow me." Ancestor Long Yan led the group toward the relic.

The Third Prince eagerly followed, feeling quite displeased and secretly cursing.

Wang Zheme, you brat~ One day, this prince will make you willingly call me "Ancestor"!

As for the relic, the Third Prince didn't believe Wang Zheme and his group could truly obtain the inheritance.

This was the Demon Plant Venerable's relic.

The Demon Plant Venerable was a prominent figure among the top ten wanted, oh no, ten heroes, a top-tier True Immortal Realm expert. In the past, even their Shentu lineage's Ancestor, the Red Lotus Venerable, was wary of this "madwoman."

The relic she left behind couldn't be so easily cracked.

He was just humoring Ruobing~

When this kid failed to crack the relic, he could take the opportunity to comfort Ruobing and improve their relationship. He had already thought of the comforting lines~

"Third Prince, be cautious of this Wang Zheme." Zhuo Lao's voice suddenly sounded in the Third Prince's ear, "This person's aura is restrained, and even I can't see through his cultivation. He's likely wearing some high-end concealment treasure. The two demon cultivators with him are also not simple, one is at the early Divine Realm, and the other has a strong aura, not much weaker than me, likely a Lingxu Realm expert."

"No worries." The Third Prince remained calm, casually transmitting back, "Didn't we investigate Ruobing's background before? She's the Saintess secretly cultivated by the Yinsha Sect. After the Yinsha lineage failed to compete for the Demon Lord position, they were forced to relocate to the Frontier Continent, that rural backwater. Anyone would be unwilling and want to make a comeback."

"Over the years, the Yinsha Sect has been secretly accumulating strength, likely having reached secret agreements with the Qin and Jin Kingdoms. Hehe, Little Demon Lord Chao Qianjue might have met his match this time."

"Should I send someone to further investigate Miss Ruobing's deep-level information?" Zhuo Lao continued to transmit.

"No need." The Third Prince shook his head secretly, "In the Yinsha Sect's territory, if they intend to lay low, we can't find out anything, and it might upset my dear Ruobing. Besides, it's not my headache, so why should we bother with Chao Qianjue's troubles?"

"Let's just observe today. If that kid really gets lucky and inherits the Demon Plant Venerable's legacy, we'll recruit him and make him one of us."

In a few words, they reached the relic's entrance.

The Third Prince and Zhuo Lao stopped discussing and focused on the relic.

With the same old tricks, the spatial portal of the relic quickly opened again, and the group entered the relic, arriving at the previous "reception room."

"Honored guests, please rest for a moment. The Spirit Artifact [Lanshan] has informed you. Researchers from the [Green Demon Institute] will soon come to receive you."

The familiar mechanical voice of the Spirit Artifact echoed again.

As previously mentioned by the Third Prince, this was just a formal reception, part of the Spirit Artifact's fixed lines, and no researchers would actually come.

"Honored Spirit Artifact Miss." Wang Long Yan politely addressed the Spirit Artifact, "As mentioned last time, I brought a young talent for you to review. Please see if he qualifies to inherit the Venerable's legacy."

In response, a light shone from a small box above the reception room, and a green beam scanned Wang Shouzhe.

Soon, the light retracted, and the Spirit Artifact's mechanical voice sounded again: "Bloodline is good, but the nature of the bloodline conflicts significantly with the Venerable's legacy, resulting in a low match."

"Impossible, right?" Wang Long Yan was anxious, "Could there be a mistake? Could you try again?"

It felt like not believing her child scored low and demanding a recheck.

"No mistake." The Spirit Artifact's tone carried a hint of displeasure, "Our Green Demon Institute's qualification scanning equipment uses a special technology independently developed by the Venerable, with a bloodline test accuracy of 99.95%. The Demon Plant Venerable had the purest wood-type talent, and he doesn't have wood-type talent. Don't toy with my feelings next time."

Hehe!

The Third Prince was secretly delighted.

This brat was also dismissed like the prince~

"What are you happy about?" Wang Long Yan glared at him, displeased.

"I'm not happy." The Third Prince immediately put on a bitter face, looking pitifully at Wang Shouzhe, "Brother Zheme, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Ancestor, don't worry." Wang Shouzhe comforted, "If we don't get the legacy this time, there's hope elsewhere."

"Indeed, indeed~ Brother Zheme, why not try the True Demon Hall? They have many legacies, and there might be something suitable." The Third Prince suggested, "Our royal family has some influence in the True Demon Hall, and I can guide Brother Zheme."

Wang Long Yan only felt sorry for Wang Shouzhe, but since there was no fate, she wouldn't force it.

Ignoring Shentu Jingming, she turned to Lu Wei: "Weiwei, since we're here, why not test yourself?"

This time, the Spirit Artifact Lanshan's tone was even more displeased: "I'm only giving you face because of your good bloodline. Don't think any random cat or dog can receive the Venerable's legacy. This is the last time."

The same green light scanned Lu Wei.

Suddenly.

Something miraculous happened.

The green light didn't disappear quickly but grew brighter, eventually becoming a dazzling green pillar.

Under the pillar, Lu Wei's body floated, her long hair spreading in all directions, and her aura began to surge and boil.

She frowned slightly, seemingly immersed in some indescribable special state.

Everyone present was bewildered, shocked, and confused, not understanding what was happening.

Suddenly.

Lu Wei's eyes snapped open.

A golden light flashed in her clear eyes, distant and cold.

The next moment.

A vast power surged from within her.

It was as if an unknown valve inside her had opened, and the surging pressure poured out like a torrent, enveloping the entire reception room in an unstoppable manner.

Under the pressure, even breathing seemed difficult.

"Hiss!"

Several Lingxu experts gasped, their expressions changing simultaneously, instinctively retreating while protecting their young masters.

"This aura, this aura is..."

The Spirit Artifact Lanshan's voice suddenly became trembling and sharp, its tone a mix of shock and disbelief, as if it had suffered a massive shock and froze.

After a while, it spoke again with a trembling voice, filled with excitement and solemnity: "Spirit Artifact Lanshan, greets, greets the Venerable! Congratulations on the Venerable's return!"