Chapter 298: Fighting Fire with Fire
Chapter 298: Fighting Fire with Fire
Lu Chen pondered for a moment before calling Song Yu over and casting a soundproof barrier with his spiritual energy.
"Head of the Song family, there's something I must make clear to you."
"This invisible algae usually only grows in the deep sea. Even if some sea creatures brought it to these waters, it's impossible for a large amount of invisible algae to appear here."
"So, this incident of the spiritual herb parasitizing the Empty Mystic Fish is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one."
Lu Chen stated with certainty.
"Do you mean, Master Lu, that someone deliberately sabotaged my family?"
Song Yu's expression changed.
"After going through so much trouble to obtain this rare spiritual herb, the main purpose was probably to harm the captive Empty Mystic Fish, alter the environment of these waters, and drive them to seek habitat elsewhere."
"Of course, it's also possible that an enemy holding a grudge against your Song family is taking revenge in this manner."
"Head of the Song family, how many other islands in the surrounding archipelago have similar waters capable of sustaining Empty Mystic Fish?" Lu Chen asked solemnly.
"There are two other islands capable of rearing Empty Mystic Fish—Heavy Peace Island and Spirit Turtle Island. However, neither their water quality nor unique terrain can compare to Empty Mystic Island, so their yields are far lower, and they are not well-known in the cultivation world. Outsiders only know of the Empty Mystic Fish," Song Yu replied.
"Don't tell anyone else about the origin of this invisible algae, including the two Song family cultivators currently with us," Lu Chen instructed.
"After returning to the island, secretly investigate and find the culprit, while temporarily blocking off these waters. I'll stay here and treat the infected Empty Mystic Fish, thoroughly eradicating any traces of the invisible algae hiding in the waters."
Lu Chen's tone brooked no argument.
"Yes, I will definitely find the cultivator or force responsible for spreading this invisible algae as soon as possible. Please rest assured, Master Lu," Song Yu nodded vigorously, his expression resolute.
The perpetrator's actions nearly ruined the Song family's years of hard work. If the waters had bred a large number of invisible algae, dispersing the Empty Mystic Fish would have uprooted the Song family. Song Yu's heart burned with rage, and he wanted to capture the instigator and make them pay dearly.
He gave a few instructions to the two Song family cultivators guarding the mystic fish before speeding off.
"You two, find the Empty Mystic Fish in the waters that are exhibiting violent behavior and self-harming tendencies. Leave the rest to me," Lu Chen instructed the pair.
"Yes, Senior!"
They replied in unison, donning water-type robes and diving into the water.
One after another, massive Empty Mystic Fish were brought up and presented to Lu Chen.
Unable to devise a more suitable method, Lu Chen resorted to using fire to force the invisible algae out of the fish.
He placed an Empty Mystic Fish before him, conjuring a massive water bubble to cover its head while slowly roasting its body with scorching flames.
With the knowledge he had gained about the invisible algae, Lu Chen didn't need to roast the fish as intensely as he had the first time.
Although the invisible algae resembled a blob of water, it was still a spiritual herb with an instinct for self-preservation. Under the searing flames, it caused subtle changes within the mystic fish's body.
Lu Chen, with his keen senses, detected these minute changes and traced them to the source, successfully identifying the invisible algae.
Due to the fire roasting, the Empty Mystic Fish sustained some burns. After applying the medicinal ointment provided by the Song family and allowing them to rest for a few days, they would recover to their normal state.
After treating dozens of fish in this manner, Lu Chen conducted a thorough inspection of the remaining fish to ensure that no immature invisible algae were lurking in their bodies.
Then, he dove deep into the waters, using the Greenwood source energy to weave a dense, giant net that combed through every inch of the seabed.
A beautiful woman lounged on a redwood chair.
The woman exuded residual charm, with a seductive look in her eyes and a curvaceous figure. She resembled a ripe peach, tempting one to take a bite, even if it meant being splashed with juice.
However, the men below didn't dare show the slightest bit of offense and kept their eyes fixed on their toes as if they were frozen in place.
"How is the situation on Kongming Island progressing?"
The beautiful woman, with her white fingers, plucked a bright red spiritual fruit and brought it to her luscious lips, taking a gentle bite.
"According to the information from our insider, a significant number of the Kongming Spirit Fish living in the island's waters have been parasitized, and many are exhibiting self-harming behavior. The waters have been sealed off, and the situation is estimated to be quite severe."
A middle-aged cultivator at the advanced Qi Refining stage took a step forward and reported to the beautiful woman.
"Oh?"
A hint of pleasure flashed across the woman's face as she lazily stretched, accentuating her voluptuous figure even more.
"We have Sun Daoist to thank for this. By providing such a peculiar spiritual plant, we were able to easily resolve the issue of the Kongming Spirit Fish without lifting a finger."
The beautiful woman turned her gaze towards a one-eyed cultivator in the distance. The cultivator, at the advanced Qi Refining stage, had one eye covered with a black cloth, from which a grayish-black mist occasionally seeped out.
The one-eyed cultivator felt his mouth go dry under the woman's gaze, and he moistened his lips before speaking.
"Congratulations, Madam Ning!"
"As the invisible algae enters the mature stage, more and more of the Kongming Spirit Fish will fall into madness as their life force and spiritual energy are continuously drained."
"With the waters overtaken by the invisible algae and the changing water quality, the Kongming Spirit Fish will naturally seek new habitats, leaving Kongming Island. Then, we can deal with the waters of Lingbie Island, and Chongning Island will become the new sanctuary for the spirit fish."
"From then on, the Kongming Spirit Fish will disappear from the cultivation world, replaced by the Chongning Spirit Fish."
"Hehe, if we can truly achieve that, Sun Daoist will have made an extraordinary contribution. My daughter will certainly reward you handsomely."
Madam Ning covered her red lips with her white, delicate hand and laughed softly.
In the spirit fields, Song Yu paid a visit.
It was evident that he had spent countless effort and energy during this period, and despite his advanced Qi Refining physique, he looked exhausted.
"Uncle Lu, I've found the mastermind behind this scheme."
"I set up a trap, and under intense interrogation, one of the Song family cultivators finally confessed. They revealed that the invisible algae came from the Ning family of Chongning Island."
"It's said that an overseas vagrant cultivator took refuge under the Ning family and offered them this unique spiritual plant. The Nings then seized the opportunity to spread the algae in Kongming Island's waters, intending to shift the spirit fish's habitat to Chongning Island."
Song Yu said gravely.
"The Ning family of Chongning Island? What's their background?"
"They're a local clan with a Near-Immortal elder in seclusion. He's a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the early stage and has numerous businesses across the Boundless Sea."
Song Yu explained.
"An early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator? Then we can repay them in their own coin."
Lu Xuan gazed at the giant wooden tub in the courtyard, reflecting light at various angles, and thought to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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