Serpent Ancestor

”Just to be clear, I’m not very strong, just the weakest at the Elemental Infant stage. If we run into trouble, I won’t be much help, and I didn’t kill Xu Fu—I just picked up a head,” Han Te quickly added.

”I understand,” Qin Xuanji nodded.

…………

Penglai Sea, on a full moon night.

Xu Hei returned to his cave dwelling once again.

At this moment, he had already finished studying the Azure Dragon Combat Technique in the first cave.

From the first to the seventh diagram, they depicted Dragon Tail Swing, Sky-Tearing Claw, Dragon Raising Its Head, Mountain Splitting Collapse, Coiling Dragon Formation, Space-Piercing Drill, and Earth Dragon Stab.

These combat techniques were arranged from easy to difficult.

The further you go, the harder they get, but not necessarily more powerful. For example, the Coiling Dragon Formation is a defensive combat technique designed to adapt to different battle environments.

If used properly, any of these techniques can be incredibly effective.Xu Hei observed them all from start to finish, then hurried to the second cave to study the Azure Dragon Immortal Spell.

From the first to the seventh diagram, they depicted Summon Wind, Call Rain, Summon Fire, Condense Ice, Lightning Induction, Yellow Spring, and Flame Flower.

These too were arranged from easy to difficult, with each move corresponding to a different elemental attribute.

However, the further you go, the more powerful they become, and the energy consumption increases exponentially.

Among them, Yellow Spring and Flame Flower require at least reaching the mid-Elemental Infant stage before Xu Hei could possibly execute them.

Xu Hei first committed these moves to memory, determined to master them thoroughly before the outer battlefield opened.

”No wonder Master is so formidable, able to achieve over a hundred stars. Once you master the entire Azure Dragon Combat Technique and Azure Dragon Immortal Spell, you can handle almost any type of opponent,” Xu Hei thought to himself.

There were still a few months before the outer battlefield would open.

The days ahead would be filled with relentless training.

Occasionally, he would visit the Simulated Combat Tower to test his progress. Although Xu Hei’s cultivation level remained unchanged, his combat skills were steadily improving.

The only thing that puzzled Xu Hei was that his dragon blood showed no signs of stirring.

He couldn’t comprehend the meaning of creating dragon blood and could only wait to explore it slowly once he reached the outer battlefield.

Other Chosen were also diligently training, more aware of their shortcomings compared to Xu Hei, all striving to become stronger, whether for the outer battlefield or the Western Cang Realm.

And so, two months of peaceful days passed.

One day, Xu Hei’s token suddenly emitted a signal.

”A new domain master selection?”

Xu Hei looked at the information on the token, hesitated for a moment, but decided to check it out.

The domain master, as the name suggests, is the master of the Penglai Sea. Previously, it was the Water Kylin who held the position, but now that the Water Kylin had fallen, a new one should be chosen.

At the same time, the Water Kylin also served as the island master of Penglai Island, a decision made for the harmonious coexistence of both sides.

On the familiar Martial Arts Island, many figures had already gathered.

No humans were present, only demonic beasts. Xu Hei heard that a vote was to be held, with higher cultivation levels granting more voting weight.

The elders of the six main lineages were all present.

Xu Hei didn’t wait long before seeing the main character of the event—Meng Sheng—take the stage.

Meng Sheng stood at the center of the steps, his gaze sweeping over every figure present, finally pausing on Xu Hei, giving him a smile before looking away.

Then, Meng Sheng began his speech.

”Since ancient times, humans and demonic beasts in this realm have coexisted harmoniously. When brothers are in trouble, as one of the island masters, I am duty-bound! Being the domain master is not the goal; bringing a better life to everyone is my goal!”

”In the past two months, I believe everyone has seen my achievements. Under my governance, the Toad lineage has restored fifty percent of its ecosystem, three times faster than other areas, proving that my plan is effective!”

”At this rate, given enough time, the Penglai Sea will be restored to its peak in no time!”

These words immediately caused a stir among the crowd.

The demonic beasts turned their gaze to the Nine-Eyed Toad Elder of the Toad lineage, who merely nodded slightly in agreement.

Next, Meng Sheng produced a jade slip, vividly displaying the daily changes under his governance of the Toad lineage, drawing a wave of amazement.

Meng Sheng continued, ”My goal is not just to restore the peak but to surpass it!”

”I understand that some of you may disagree, thinking it’s inappropriate for humans to meddle in demonic beasts’ territory. I understand!”

”However, we humans also evolved from beasts. I have advanced technology that can increase the survival rate of your young by fifty percent, make useful plants grow faster, provide more abundant food, and free you from the suffering of illness…”

”…”

Meng Sheng’s speech, supported by the jade slip, quickly won over a large number of demonic beasts.

The advanced replaces the outdated, the strong replace the weak—this has been a truth since ancient times.

No one would oppose the influx of advanced technology into the Penglai Sea. Meng Sheng’s words were too powerful; the demonic beasts had never encountered such tactics.

Moreover, he had clearly done his homework in advance, not only managing the Toad lineage but also winning over many supporters. Gradually, Meng Sheng’s supporters grew in number.

When it came to the voting stage, nearly seventy percent of the demonic beasts raised their approval signs.

With more than half in agreement, it was a done deal.

The most crucial issue was that currently, there was no suitable administrator in the Penglai Sea. Jing Wuji lacked experience, Elder Tiger Whale was skilled in slaughter but not in management.

The other elders also believed they lacked the ability to serve as domain master.

This gave Meng Sheng an opportunity.

As for Xu Hei, he was even less interested in participating in such matters.

”I disagree!”

Suddenly, a voice shouted from afar. It was Fuzi, rushing over in a hurry, clearly having just heard about the matter and rushing over.

His retreat had been sealed with a formation, causing him to arrive a step too late. Meng Sheng had already finished his speech and gained seventy percent approval.

”The demonic beasts’ territory should be ruled by demonic beasts. What are your intentions by meddling?” Fuzi shouted angrily.

Meng Sheng stared at Fuzi, not angry, but lowered his voice and said gently, ”Isn’t it the demonic beasts who are ruling now? Others are pleased, but you disagree—who do you think you are?”

Fuzi was left speechless by these words.

Meng Sheng had already obtained the token in advance and controlled the Four Seas and Eight Desolations Formation. He had everything he needed, except for legitimacy.

Now, after this operation, he had legitimacy too.

He was already considered the new domain master.

”Fuzi, thank you for your good intentions, but this is our own decision,” the Nine-Eyed Toad Elder advised.

A chorus of agreement immediately sounded nearby, all of whom Meng Sheng had won over in advance.

Some had been swayed by Meng Sheng’s speech and expressed their approval.

Of course, there were those who disagreed internally, but they couldn’t offer a better plan and had no way to refute.

Xu Hei only felt a headache. He didn’t vote and turned to leave.

”I disagree!”

Suddenly, a voice shouted from below.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Hai Teng flying up and landing on the high platform, standing in front of Meng Sheng.

”Don’t think your flowery words can deceive us! You didn’t contribute a bit in the fight against the sea god, only thinking about these little tricks. Letting someone like you be the domain master—unless we’re all blind!”

Hai Teng was blunt, raising his head high and looking down at the other with a condescending attitude.

He was straightforward, not having listened to a word of Meng Sheng’s speech.

Because he didn’t understand it.

In his eyes, there was only battle, battle, and more battle! If you were stronger than him, killed more enemies, he would respect you! Hai Teng only cared about battle achievements, never about these flashy words.

Hai Teng’s eyes blazed with fire, glaring angrily, and the noise around quieted down.

Xu Hei couldn’t help but stop halfway, curiously watching.

Meng Sheng glanced at him, smiled, and said, ”You’re right, I didn’t participate in the battle, but the logistics and post-battle repairs were all executed by me! A qualified administrator looks at more than just battles.”

”You’re full of crap!” Hai Teng retorted, ”If it weren’t for the battles we fought, would you even have the chance to spout nonsense here?”

”……”

This tirade left the demonic beasts’ jaws dropping.

True to Hai Teng’s style, straightforward and fierce! Simple and crude, yet this was precisely Meng Sheng’s flaw.

However, Meng Sheng’s composure was remarkable. He continued to smile and said, ”Then according to you, who is qualified?”

”Xu Hei!” Hai Teng answered directly.

Xu Hei almost spat out his drink.

He regretted stopping to watch.

Meng Sheng squinted his eyes, puzzled, ”Why?”

Everyone expected Hai Teng to have a profound argument, but unexpectedly, Hai Teng said, ”He has made great contributions and is strong. If you want to be the domain master, you have to defeat Xu Hei.”

”……” Everyone was speechless.

Is that it?

Fuzi shook his head. You could have named any experienced elder, and it would have been more reliable, but Xu Hei? That left him with no way to help.

Meng Sheng was amused. He thought a formidable opponent had arrived, but after all that, this was the level? And he dared to oppose him?

Meng Sheng had prepared extensively to handle various unexpected situations.

Including Jing Wuji, Elder Tiger Whale, and Elder Yunhe, whom he considered potential opponents, with several contingency plans in place.

Hai Teng’s reaction was unexpected and also the most amusing.

”Xu Hei, do you agree with Hai Teng’s words?”

Meng Sheng looked at Xu Hei, who had already reached the outer edge of the demonic beast crowd, preparing to leave.

Xu Hei shook his head, ”I’m not suitable to be the domain master, nor do I want to deal with such troublesome matters.”

Xu Hei’s words left Hai Teng’s face stiff.

Meng Sheng’s smile widened, becoming exceptionally bright.

Fuzi wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say, so he could only lower his head and sigh.

But then, Xu Hei continued, ”However, there’s one thing Hai Teng said that I agree with.”

”Having someone like you as the domain master doesn’t inspire confidence.”