Chapter 302: Purebred Merfolk
Chapter 302: Purebred Merfolk
When it came to fishing for sea beasts, a hint of fanaticism flashed in Shi Zhong's eyes, indicating his deep passion for angling.
"So, you're a veteran angler in the cultivation world."
Lu Xuan sighed inwardly. After a moment of contemplation, he said:
"Since Brother Shi has kindly invited me, I won't decline. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to learn from Brother Shi's experience in fishing for sea beasts."
"Of course, I'll teach you how to catch the Dragon Carp."
Seeing Lu Xuan's prompt acceptance, the lazy young man's impression of him improved somewhat.
Initially, upon hearing that a new Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Sky Sword Sect had been stationed on the Empty Abyss Island but rarely appeared, spending his days with spiritual plants, Shi Zhong had held some disdain.
However, upon meeting Lu Xuan, his straightforwardness endeared him somewhat, and the fact that they were both disciples of major sects residing on such a desolate island fostered a sense of camaraderie between them.
"Lu Xuan, here's my communication talisman. If you ever want to experience fishing for sea beasts, you can contact me anytime."
He handed Lu Xuan a white jade talisman before departing gracefully.Lu Xuan accepted the talisman, feeling a slight intrigue stirring within him.
He was curious about the variety of sea beasts in the Boundless Sea. As long as he stayed in the shallow waters, it should be difficult to encounter third or fourth-grade sea beasts, ensuring his safety.
Lost in thought, another elder entered the room.
The elder was thin and had a gloomy appearance, emitting a faint aura of decay.
"Lu Xuan, I've heard of your name for a long time. Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet you."
"I am Ning Deshan, a dying member of the Ning family on Zhongning Island."
The elder bowed respectfully.
"So, you're Brother Ning." Lu Xuan returned the gesture with a nod and replied nonchalantly.
"This time, I've come to ask for your help, Lu Xuan."
Ning Deshan's triangular eyes squinted as he looked at Lu Xuan.
"Ning, please speak. If I can help, I will do my best."
"It's like this. I heard that some time ago, the Empty Abyss Spirit Fish on the Empty Abyss Island exhibited abnormal behavior, but it was ultimately resolved by you and the Song Family working together."
"Unfortunately, the abnormality of the spirit fish spread to the waters surrounding Zhongning Island, causing a large number of the cultivated spirit fish on the island to go into a frenzy."
"I wonder if Lu Xuan could inform me of a way to resolve the abnormality of the spirit fish. I can swear a heart demon oath to ensure that it will not be disclosed, and I will also reward you handsomely."
Ning Deshan pledged earnestly.
Initially, he had not wanted to directly contact Lu Xuan, but as the losses of cultivated spirit fish on Zhongning Island continued to mount, he had to hold his nose and come to Lu Xuan for help.
After the cultivated spirit fish on Ning family's island also exhibited abnormal behavior, Lady Ning immediately controlled the one-eyed cultivator who was most suspected, interrogating him severely but failed to extract the method of separating the Formless Algae from the spirit fish.
Although the one-eyed cultivator had accidentally obtained a large amount of Formless Algae and understood their nearly invisible characteristics, he did not have Lu Xuan's in-depth knowledge.
Under various coercion from the Ning family, several methods concocted were immediately proven ineffective, leading to even more sinister and terrifying forms of torture.
During this period, the Ning family attempted several times to contact their undercover agents left on the Empty Abyss Island but received no response for a long time.
Shortly after, the Song family lifted the blockade on the waters, informing the surrounding forces that the Empty Abyss Spirit Fish had completely returned to normal.
The Ning family speculated and imagined endlessly, finally pinpointing Lu Xuan as their target.
Lu Xuan's reputation as a lover of spiritual plants had already spread widely on the Empty Abyss Island. Coupled with his background in the Sky Sword Sect, which might contain knowledge about the Formless Algae, it was highly possible that he could resolve the abnormality of the spirit fish.
Although the spirit fish were not the mainstay industry of the Ning family, the income from the spiritual stones they brought was not a small amount. Additionally, if the waters were left desolate, it would only bring more adverse effects. After weighing the options, Ning Deshan decided to seek help from Lu Xuan.
"What spirit fish? I don't understand what you're talking about, Brother Ning."
Lu Xuan furrowed his brows, questioning with confusion.
"Lu Xuan, leaving a way out for yourself will make it easier for us to meet again in the future. You helped the Song family resolve the problem of the Formless Algae. Why are you unwilling to help the Ning family? The Ning family will offer you a satisfactory reward!"
Ning Deshan's tone became somewhat urgent.
"Brother Ning, although many people know about the abnormality of the spirit fish in the Song family's waters, only a few know that the root cause is the Formless Algae. Where did you hear about it?"
"Could it be..."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Lu Xuan's mouth, carrying a hint of ambiguity.
"If Lu Xuan is unwilling to help, there's no need to resort to baseless accusations against the Ning family."
Seeing Lu Xuan's attitude, Ning Deshan's eyes flashed with a hint of viciousness before he left in a huff.
Lu Xuan lay back in his spirit wood chair, closing his eyes to rest, unperturbed by Ning Deshan's reaction.
Since he had chosen to release a large number of Formless Algae into the Ning family's waters, he naturally wouldn't go to resolve them again.
Lost in thought, a clear voice rang out from below.
"Friends, welcome to Aurora Island and to our auction hosted by the Aurora Merchant Association."
"I believe you're all familiar with the relevant rules, so I won't go into detail. Now, I wish you all success in acquiring your desired items."
"The auction begins!"
The middle-aged cultivator below spoke with enthusiasm, and immediately, a beautiful girl walked up to the stage carrying a pale blue flying sword.
"The Azure Wind Sword, a second-grade flying sword inscribed with wind-based runes. When activated, it moves as fast as lightning, ranking among the top in terms of attack speed among the same grade of artifacts. Starting bid..."
As Lu Xuan listened to the introduction by the middle-aged cultivator below, he observed the entire auction venue.
There were over two hundred cultivators seated in the venue, most of whom were at the Qi refining stage, with fewer than twenty at the Foundation Establishment stage.
Among them, there were three or four like Lu Xuan, disciples of major sects stationed on individual islands, a few Foundation Establishment cultivators from families similar to the Ning family on the archipelago, and possibly scattered Foundation Establishment cultivators hidden on deserted islands. The rest of the Foundation Establishment cultivators had come from nearby areas.
One treasure after another was brought onto the stage, causing many Qi refining cultivators
in the venue to clamor, with fierce bidding wars breaking out from time to time. However, Lu Xuan showed little interest.
Most of the treasures were artifacts, talismans, and pills, with second-grade items being the mainstay, which held little appeal to Lu Xuan, who was about to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
Occasionally, there were spiritual plants and spirit beasts, but they were all mature individuals, not the species or the embryonic forms of beasts that Lu Xuan desired.
"Next up for auction is a rare merfolk."
"The merfolk was captured from the deep sea by a senior cultivator before Foundation Establishment. Unlike other hybrid merfolk, this female merfolk is of superior appearance and physique, with pure bloodlines and extremely high intelligence. When kept in a cave, it can be admired and played with at any time."
The middle-aged cultivator's voice was full of allure.
Lu Xuan looked over and saw two burly men carrying a huge transparent water tank onto the stage.