Chapter 1280: Terrifying Connections

For a long time.

Humans and the sea clans had absolutely no interactions, and there were even many regions where they harbored deadly enmity. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were as incompatible as fire and water. Against this backdrop, it was hard to believe that my father, a man of extraordinary status, had such a close relationship with a leader of the sea clans.

Liu Runan, however, had already regained his composure, his eyes reflecting a detached understanding of everything.

"Changfeng, you're still too naive."

"In this world, there are no eternal enemies, nor can there be permanent friends. Only interests are the eternal truth. The conflicts and killings you see are nothing more than petty skirmishes among the lower ranks."

"When you reach a certain level, you'll understand that the apparent stability and strife are merely a balance tacitly agreed upon by the powerful. Life, death, glory, and humiliation are all just moves in a game driven by interests."

"And I, old as I am, am one of the players in this game!"

Boom!

With his deep voice, an overwhelming aura of authority surged forth!

Even the unintentional release of his power caused Liu Changfeng's soul flame to flicker, and the shock in his eyes surpassed anything he had ever felt before. A strange sense of pride suddenly filled his face.

No wonder his father had always been so domineering, even looking down on the elders of the outer sect. That superior pressure had always seemed somewhat unreasonable.

Now he understood—his father's connections and influence had reached such heights!

At this level, manipulating a mere cultivator was nothing!

He was still too young!

After a moment of shock and self-reproach, Liu Changfeng finally regained his composure and nervously bowed.

"Father's vision is truly extraordinary, far beyond what I can comprehend!"

"But that Sea Lord holds an exalted position. Ordinary treasures and techniques likely won't move him. What price must we pay to gain his assistance?"

Seeing his son's nervous yet expectant gaze, Liu Runan shook his head helplessly.

"Ah..."

"You've finally grasped a sliver of understanding, but your perspective is still somewhat naive."

"By now, you will inevitably step into the Desolate Realm and come into contact with higher levels. It's time I told you a few things."

"For a long time, the Ancient Sea Clans have been able to dominate the vast seas because of an agreement with the Divine Land. No matter how much the sea clans and human cultivators fight, they must never cross the seas to land en masse. The treasures and resources of the deep seas belong to them, while the shallow seas and the Divine Land are for humans. This is the true nature of the stable balance."

"If the sea clans wish to land, they must obtain a Celestial Order issued by the Fallen God Palace. If humans wish to venture into the deep seas for treasures, they must receive the Ice Silk Jade Belt from the sea clans. This is the exchange of interests that only the higher-ups can access. Such precious opportunities to seek treasures are not available to ordinary people."

"Coincidentally, I am one of the human representatives who issue Celestial Orders, and I still have five of them in my possession!"

By this point, Liu Changfeng was utterly stunned.

The constant strife between the two races was all about seizing treasure-rich lands and enjoying the resources of heaven and earth. Yet, all of this was merely tacitly permitted conflict. In reality, there had long been a hidden agreement. The ordinary feuds and battles were just the desperate struggles of the lower ranks. To the higher-ups, it was all just a matter of a few words.

So, the truth was this cruel.

As Liu Changfeng was lost in thought, his old father waved his sleeve.

Five jade tokens, glowing with a gentle light, appeared in the air!

Looking at these incredibly precious Celestial Orders, Liu Changfeng's soul flame trembled as if he were seeing countless treasures. The opportunities represented by these five tokens were beyond measure.

When he looked back at his father's weathered face, he felt even more awe and respect.

"I have learned much, Father!"

"If not for your high position, I would surely be like those lower-ranked cultivators, perhaps struggling desperately to find some rare treasure, paying who knows what price, like an ant fighting against fate. It truly is fate that cannot be resisted."

Even though his soul flame still had the outline of a child's face, his expression now carried a hint of maturity.

Liu Runan finally nodded slightly and put away the Celestial Orders.

"The path of the Great Dao is merciless, and the world is cruel. Only the strong can endure. You should be grateful for your fate. In the future, cherish it, strive to cultivate diligently, and reach the peak. Do not disappoint my expectations!"

Liu Changfeng bowed respectfully, his demeanor completely transformed.

"I will remember your teachings, Father!"

At this moment.

His perspective had elevated.

The superficial superiority he once felt had completely dissipated, replaced by a profound understanding that came from deep within. Liu Changfeng had now separated himself from the masses, looking toward a higher plane.

Now, he understood his father's capabilities and the true nature of the world.

The once unreachable Desolate Realm no longer filled him with anxiety. It was now something he could grasp with ease, as if it were just a trivial matter awaiting its inevitable outcome.

Seeing his son's transformed demeanor, Liu Runan's eyes finally showed a hint of peace.

The two of them then tore through the void, heading straight for the southern seas.

Not long after.

Standing in mid-air, the father and son looked out at the vast sea with calm expressions. But after Liu Runan sent a message, a trace of doubt appeared in his eyes.

"The East Sea?"

"What is Gui Shounian up to? Why has he suddenly gone to the East Sea..."

After murmuring a few words, Liu Runan didn't dwell on it and continued toward the East Sea.

After more than half an hour.

Having traveled through the void, the father and son finally arrived at the somewhat barren East Sea.

Looking down from above the sea.

Aside from some insignificant sea clans, there were indeed the massive forms of ancient sea beasts. In the small East Sea, it already felt a bit crowded.

Guided by a few sea clansmen who had taken human form.

The father and son stepped into a deep-sea palace. The words "Dragon Mermaid Clan" were somewhat prominent, but it paled in comparison to the former center of the ancient sea clans. The ten-thousand-foot palace seemed increasingly shabby.

Preoccupied with the important matter at hand, Liu Runan didn't pay much attention to it.

Upon entering the main hall.

They finally met their old friend, Gui Shounian.

With white hair, a hunched figure, and a face etched with the marks of countless years, he still exuded a vigorous and low-key demeanor.

But this once-dominant giant turtle of the deep sea had now taken on a human form, sitting quietly by a tea table in the East Sea palace, which felt somewhat out of place.

Liu Runan smiled, clasped his hands, and stepped forward, greeting him.

"Brother Gui, it's been a while."

"The vast seas are so rich and abundant. Why have you come to this small East Sea to stay? It wasn't easy for me to find you."

Gui Shounian slowly stood up, clasped his hands in return, and gestured for them to sit.

"Brother Liu, please take a seat."

"I've recently... had some insights, so I wanted to find a quieter place to stay. If not for your visit, I wouldn't have come out to meet anyone."

This old turtle was indeed a seasoned veteran, casually brushing off the question while still showing proper respect.

Liu Runan smiled and took a seat.

With a glance from him, the old turtle dismissed the others and got straight to the point.

"Brother Liu, what brings you here in such a hurry?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Runan waved his sleeve, and a soul flame flew out, landing on the table, taking the shape of a child.

"Brother Gui."

"To be honest, my son was ambushed by a villain. His body was destroyed, and only his second soul remains. The perpetrator is quite powerful, and I alone am not strong enough to deal with him..."

"I've come to ask for your help, Brother Gui!"