Chapter 298: Tit for Tat
Chapter 298: Tit for Tat
Lu Xuan pondered for a moment, then called Song Yu aside and set up a soundproof barrier with spiritual energy.
"Master Song, there's something I must make clear to you."
"This Formless Algae usually only grows in the depths of the sea. Even if sea fish or beasts bring it to this area, it's unlikely to see a large quantity of Formless Algae plants."
"So, the incident of the Formless Algae parasitizing the Abyss Spirit Fish this time is not a natural disaster but a man-made calamity."
Lu Xuan stated with conviction.
"Are you implying, Senior Uncle Lu, that someone intentionally harmed the Song Family?"
Song Yu's expression changed.
"Going through great lengths to obtain such rare spiritual plants, the main purpose may be to harm the Ling Fish raised here, changing the environment of this water area and forcing them to seek habitat elsewhere."
"Of course, it cannot be ruled out that enemies with grudges against your Song Family are seeking revenge in this way."
"Master Song, how many islands in the surrounding archipelago, similar to this water area, can rear the Abyss Spirit Fish?"Lu Xuan asked with a serious expression.
"There are two other islands capable of rearing the Abyss Spirit Fish, namely Zhongning Island and Lingbie Island. However, the water quality and special terrain of those two areas are not as good as those of Empty Abyss Island. Therefore, the output there is far lower than ours. They're not well-known in the cultivation world, and outsiders only know about the Abyss Spirit Fish."
Song Yu replied.
"Do not tell anyone else about the origin of the Formless Algae, including the two Song Family cultivators who are with us now."
"After returning to the island, investigate covertly to find out who's behind this, while temporarily blocking this water area. I will stay here to treat the Ling Fish that have been parasitized and thoroughly clean out the Formless Algae hidden in the water area."
Lu Xuan's tone brooked no objections as he commanded the refined cultivator.
"Yes, I will quickly find out the cultivator or force behind the spread of this Formless Algae. Please rest assured, Senior Uncle Lu."
Song Yu nodded heavily, resolutely stating.
This covert action nearly destroyed the Song Family's efforts over the years. If a large number of Formless Algae were to proliferate in the water area, dispersing the Ling Fish would uproot the foundation of the Song Family. At this moment, he was filled with rage, only wanting to root out the mastermind behind this and exact merciless revenge.
He instructed the two Song Family cultivators in charge of the Ling Fish for a few words and then swiftly left.
"You two, find the Abyss Spirit Fish in the water area that show signs of violent behavior and self-harm tendencies. Leave the rest to me to deal with."
Lu Xuan instructed the two.
"Yes, Senior!"
The two replied in unison, each donning a water-repelling robe and leaping into the water.
One by one, large Empty Abyss Spirit Fish were brought up and handed over to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan couldn't find a more suitable method for the time being, so he resorted to the method of roasting with fire to force out the Formless Algae fused with the Ling Fish.
Placing the Abyss Spirit Fish in front of him, he condensed a huge water mass to cover its head, while slowly roasting its body with scorching flames.
Once burnt, twice cooked; after understanding the origin and details of the Formless Algae, the flames didn't need to be as intense as the first time.
Although the Formless Algae appeared as a water mass, it was ultimately a spiritual plant with an instinct to seek benefits and avoid harm. Under the burning flames, subtle changes occurred within the Ling Fish's body.
Lu Xuan keenly noticed this slight change and traced it back to its source, pulling out the Formless Algae.
Due to the burning flames, the Abyss Spirit Fish suffered some burns. After applying the ointment provided by the Song Family, it would take a few days of rest to return to normal.
After treating dozens of Abyss Spirit Fish in this way, Lu Xuan thoroughly inspected the remaining fish to ensure that there were no Formless Algae plants in their bodies during their growth stage.
Then, he dived into the deep waters and formed a dense giant net with Green Wood Source Qi, sweeping through each area of the seabed.
If any abnormal reactions were detected in any area, he would be able to find the Formless Algae that had not yet parasitized the Ling Fish.
---
On a massive island, a majestic and luxurious building stood imposingly.
The building was located at the highest point of the island, and from inside, one could see the boundless sea, evoking a sense of magnificence.
A beautiful woman reclined on a redwood chair.
Despite still retaining her charm, her every gesture exuded allure. Her figure was graceful and enticing, like a ripe peach that one couldn't help but want to take a bite of, even if it meant getting juice splattered all over one's face.
However, the people below dared not offend her in the slightest, all staring at their own toes as if rooted to the spot.
"How's the situation on Empty Abyss Island?"
The beautiful woman picked up a ruby-red spiritual fruit with her delicate white fingers, placed it between her rosy lips, and gently bit into it.
"According to the information sent back by our insider, many of the Empty Abyss Spirit Fish living in the island's waters have already been parasitized, and there are quite a few fish showing signs of self-harm behavior. The water area has been sealed off, and it's estimated to be a very serious situation."
A middle-aged cultivator of the Intermediate Qi cultivation level stepped forward and reported to the beautiful woman.
"Is that so?"
A hint of pleasure flashed across the woman's face, and she lazily stretched, accentuating her exquisite figure.
"This time, thanks to Friend Sun's contribution of such a peculiar spiritual plant, we effortlessly resolved the issue of the Ling Fish on Empty Abyss Island."
The beautiful woman looked towards a one-eyed cultivator not far away. This cultivator had an Intermediate Qi cultivation level and one eye exposed, while the other was covered with a black cloth, with grey-black aura occasionally seeping out.
The one-eyed cultivator, upon being glanced at by the beautiful woman, felt his mouth dry and licked his lips before speaking.
"Congratulations, Lady Ning!"
"With the Formless Algae maturing and the Ling Fish on Empty Abyss Island constantly consuming their vitality, more and more of them will fall into madness."
"Once the water area is occupied by the Formless Algae, and the water quality changes, the Abyss Spirit Fish will naturally start to flee from there and seek new habitats. At that time, when we deal with the Ling Fish in the water area of Lingbie Island, Zhongning Island will become the new habitat for the Ling Fish."
"Hehe, if we can really accomplish that, Friend Sun's contribution will be magnificent, and I will naturally reward you handsomely, my dear friend."
The beautiful woman covered her delicate, rosy lips with her pure and soft hands and chuckled lightly.
In the Spiritual Field, Song Yu paid a visit.
It could be seen that he had spent countless efforts and energy during this period, and even with his Intermediate Qi cultivation level physique, his exhaustion was evident.
"Senior Uncle Lu, I've found out who's behind the scenes."
"I set up a trap and found that a Song Family cultivator had been subverted. After severe interrogation, he finally confessed that the Formless Algae was instructed by the Ning Family of Zhongning Island."
"Apparently, a rogue cultivator from overseas joined the Ning Family's side and offered this special spiritual plant. The Ning Family then took the opportunity to spread it into the water area of Empty Abyss Island, using it to move the habitat of the Ling Fish to the water area of Zhongning Island."
Song Yu said with a solemn expression.
"The Ning Family of Zhongning Island? What's their background?"
"They are a local family with a nearly thousand-year-old elder who rarely leaves seclusion. With a cultivation level at the Foundation Establishment stage, they have many businesses in the boundless sea."
Song Yu explained.
"A Foundation Establishment stage elder? Then we can use their own methods against them."
Lu Xuan gazed at the massive wooden basin in the courtyard, reflecting light from various angles, and silently pondered.