Far beyond the shattered stars, a large fleet of ships sped through the sea. Each of these majestic vessels bore the symbol of the Exquisite Treasures Alliance emblazoned on their hulls, with the Alliance's great flag proudly flying from their masts. Beneath the flag, a smaller emblem of a four-clawed black dragon revealed the fleet's identity: the Black Dragon Merchant Fleet.
On the deck, a figure cloaked in black stood silently, gazing out at the starry sea. The light of the stars revealed a weathered, aged face beneath the hood—the face of True Master Tiancang.
True Master Tiancang had once been a Deity Transformation Elder in the Reincarnation Divine Sect. However, upon the news of the Reincarnation Divine Sect's demotion, he immediately severed his ties with them. After some deliberation, he boarded the fleet heading to the Starshatter Sea.
The Exquisite Treasures Alliance happened to have a merchant fleet making a trade run to the region, and he joined the Black Dragon Merchant Fleet without hesitation.
True Master Tiancang suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "The Exquisite Treasures Alliance is so ostentatious. Aren't they afraid the bandit cultivators in the Starshatter Sea will covet their wealth?"
Beside him, the fleet's chief steward, Huo Rui, smiled faintly. "The Exquisite Treasures Alliance has a vast business network. Our stores are scattered all over the Starshatter Sea. Even the bandit cultivators rely on our stores to offload their stolen goods."
True Master Tiancang gave a faint smile. "If I'm not mistaken, the Exquisite Treasures Alliance must have quite a few 'gloved hands' in their employ, don't they?"
Huo Rui laughed heartily. "Senior's words are indeed accurate. Of course, in order to do business in the Starshatter Sea, one needs 'gloved hands.' They can both intimidate the bandit cultivators and, at times, be used for... less honorable tasks. Many things are already understood without the need for words. It's not just us—other sects do the same."
True Master Tiancang chuckled softly but chose not to respond.
After a moment, Huo Rui suddenly asked, "Senior, what made you decide to come to the Starshatter Sea? With your level of cultivation and strength, either the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect or the Exquisite Treasures Alliance would gladly welcome you."
True Master Tiancang casually replied, "The Starshatter Sea has long been rumored to be home to rare and precious treasures. I came here because of those rumors."
Huo Rui chuckled wryly. "Senior believes in such rumors? The rumors of precious treasures in the Starshatter Sea have persisted for nearly a thousand years, yet no one has ever found anything. I suspect some bandit cultivators are just spreading false information, luring cultivators to come to the Starshatter Sea."
True Master Tiancang merely smiled and did not respond further.
Huo Rui cupped his hands in a polite gesture. "Forgive me, Senior, I must check the cargo before we reach the Starshatter Sea."
"Go ahead," True Master Tiancang waved dismissively.
After Huo Rui departed, True Master Tiancang turned his gaze toward the Starshatter Sea, his expression thoughtful.
"There must be a great treasure about to emerge from the Starshatter Sea. This time, it's likely to be real. My divination never fails."
A faint smile curled on his lips.
Suddenly, as though recalling something, his expression shifted to one of mild frustration. "...Although sometimes, it does mysteriously go wrong."
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At the Starshatter Sea, Moon Island, Chu Xuan once again found himself at the Moon Market. This time, he had a specific purpose in mind—he intended to see if he could procure the True Steel Centipede.
Additionally, he needed to buy some Purple Star Rhinoceros meat. After all, as a 33rd layer Body Refining Cultivator, he needed to maintain a proper appearance for the role.
The one welcoming him this time was, once again, Jin Yan. She greeted him with a wide, beaming smile. "Senior He, it's been so long since you last visited! I thought you might never return."
Chu Xuan sighed deeply. "My luck wasn't good. I nearly got targeted by some bandit cultivators. But now that I'm healed, I came straight here." He paused, adding, "I need fifty more pounds of Purple Star Rhinoceros meat. The batch I bought before is almost finished."
Jin Yan nodded eagerly. "Of course, Senior He. Please wait a moment while I prepare it for you."
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