Chapter 302: Pure-Blooded Mermaid
Chapter 302: Pure-Blooded Mermaid
When it came to deep-sea fishing, Shi Zhong's eyes lit up with a fervent passion, indicating a deep love for the art of angling.
"So, you're quite the fishing enthusiast in the cultivation world," Lu Xuan remarked with a quiet awe.
After a moment's thought, he continued, "Since Brother Shi has extended such a warm invitation, I wouldn't dream of refusing. If the opportunity arises, I'd be delighted to learn from you about your experiences in fishing for sea beasts."
"It's a deal, then. I'll teach you how to hook a dragon carp," the laid-back young man replied, his impression of Lu Xuan improving with the latter's straightforward agreement.
Initially, upon hearing that a new Foundation Establishment cultivator from Tianjian Sect would be stationed on Kongming Island, he had felt a touch of disdain, given the newcomer's reclusive nature and preference for spending his days among spiritual plants.
However, Lu Xuan's amenable nature had won him some favor, and the fact that they were both core disciples of their respective sects fostered a sense of camaraderie, given their shared circumstances on this desolate, frigid island.
"Brother Lu, here's my communication talisman. Feel free to contact me anytime you wish to try your hand at sea beast fishing," he said, handing Lu Xuan a white jade talisman before taking his leave with a flourish.
Lu Xuan carefully tucked away the talisman, a spark of interest igniting within him. He was curious about the variety of sea beasts in the boundless ocean. As long as they stayed in the shallower waters near the coast, the chances of encountering third or fourth-grade sea beasts were slim, ensuring a relatively safe endeavor.
As he pondered this, an elderly man entered the room. Lean and sinister-looking, he exuded a faint air of decay.
"Brother Lu, your reputation precedes you. It's an honor to finally meet you in person," the elderly man said, bowing courteously.
"I am Ning De Shan, a man nearing his end from Zhongning Island's Ning family," he introduced himself.
"So, it's Brother Ning," Lu Xuan replied with a polite return bow, his tone indifferent.
"I've come to seek your help regarding a matter, Brother Lu," the sinister-looking elder said, his triangular eyes narrowing as he regarded Lu Xuan.
"Please speak freely, Brother Ning. If it's within my capabilities, I'll do my best to assist," Lu Xuan assured him.
"It's like this," Ning De Shan began. "I heard that recently, the Kongming spirit fish on Kongming Island exhibited strange behavior, but it was eventually resolved thanks to your efforts, Brother Lu, along with those of the Song family. However, our spirit fish on Zhongning Island have also been affected, driving a large number of them into a frenzied state.
"Could you share with me the method you used to calm the spirit fish? I'm willing to swear a heart demon oath to keep it secret and will also offer a generous reward for your help." Ning De Shan pled his case earnestly.
He had initially been reluctant to approach Lu Xuan directly, but with the losses on their island mounting, he had been forced to swallow his pride and seek the younger man's aid.
Ever since the Ning family's spirit fish had started behaving erratically, Madam Ning had immediately detained the one-eyed cultivator, suspecting him of being responsible. However, despite subjecting him to harsh interrogation techniques, they had been unable to extract any information about how to separate the wu xiang algae from the fish.
While the one-eyed cultivator had stumbled upon a large quantity of wu xiang algae and was aware of its near-invisible nature, he lacked Lu Xuan's profound understanding of it.
Under intense pressure from the Ning family, he had fabricated several methods, only to have them proven ineffective, leading to even more cruel and sinister forms of torture.
During this time, the Ning family had made repeated attempts to contact their informant on Kongming Island, but their efforts had gone unanswered.
Soon after, the Song family had lifted the blockade on the waters, announcing to the surrounding forces that the Kongming spirit fish had returned to normal.
The Ning family had racked their brains, eventually settling on Lu Xuan as the most likely culprit.
Lu Xuan's reputation as a lover of spiritual plants had already spread throughout Kongming Island, and given his affiliation with Tianjian Sect, it was possible that their records held knowledge about wu xiang algae.
"What spirit fish are you talking about, Fellow Daoist Ning? I don't understand what you mean."
Lu Xuan frowned, his tone filled with confusion.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, it's best to leave some room for the future. You helped the Song family resolve the issue with the invisible algae, so why are you unwilling to help my Ning family? We are willing to offer a generous reward that will surely satisfy you!"
The sinister-looking elder, Ning Deshan, spoke with a hint of urgency in his voice.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, while many people know about the abnormal behavior of the spirit fish in the Song family's waters, only a handful are aware that the root cause is the invisible algae. How did you come to know about this?"
"Could it be..."
A slight smile played at the corners of Lu Xuan's mouth, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"If you're not willing to help, then forget it, Fellow Daoist Lu. There's no need to slander and falsely accuse my Ning family."
Seeing Lu Xuan's attitude, a flash of maliciousness appeared in the sinister elder Ning Deshan's eyes, and he turned and left in a huff.
Lu Xuan lay on the spirit wood chair, his eyes closed as he rested, unmoved by Ning Deshan's reaction.
Since he had chosen to release the invisible algae into the Ning family's waters, he naturally wouldn't take responsibility for resolving the issue.
Just then, a clear and resonant voice echoed from below.
"Welcome, everyone, to Aurora Island, and to the auction held by our Aurora Chamber of Commerce."
"I believe you are all familiar with the rules, so I won't elaborate further. I wish you all the best in acquiring the items you desire."
"Let the auction begin!"
A middle-aged cultivator on the stage spoke with enthusiasm, and soon after, a stunning young woman walked onto the stage, holding a pale green flying sword.
"The first item up for auction is the Qingfeng Sword, a second-rate flying sword. This sword is inscribed with wind-based talismans, making it as swift as lightning in battle. Its attack speed is among the best in its tier. The starting bid..."
As the middle-aged cultivator introduced the sword, Lu Xuan surveyed the auction hall, taking in the atmosphere.
There were over two hundred cultivators present, most of them in the Qi Refining realm, with less than twenty having reached the Foundation Establishment realm.
Among them were three or four individuals like Lu Xuan, who hailed from major sects and were stationed on their own islands. There were also several cultivators from families like the Ning family, who had achieved the Foundation Establishment realm, as well as a few rogue cultivators hiding on desolate islands. The rest of the Foundation Establishment cultivators were likely visitors who had come specifically for the auction.
One after another, treasures were presented on stage, sparking frenzied bidding from the Qi Refining cultivators. Lu Xuan, however, remained largely uninterested.
Most of the items up for auction were common artifacts, talismans, and pills, mostly of the second tier, which held little appeal for Lu Xuan, who was on the cusp of breaking through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
Occasionally, spiritual plants and beasts were offered, but they were all mature individuals, neither the spirit herbs nor beast eggs and cubs that Lu Xuan sought.
"The next item up for auction is a rare mermaid."
"This mermaid was captured by a senior cultivator in the deep sea. Unlike other hybrid mermaids, this female mermaid possesses exceptional beauty and a pure bloodline. She is highly intelligent and can be kept in your cave abode for your enjoyment and amusement."
The middle-aged auctioneer's tone was filled with enticement.
Lu Xuan looked up at the stage as two burly men carried a large transparent water tank onto the platform.
(End of Chapter)
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