Two Realms: I Will Become the Immortal Emperor

Chapter 425: Chapter 394: Taming the Mudskipper Shrimp

Haaa—

After emerging from his seclusion, Chen Che spent most of his time sitting on the Spiritual Boat’s gunwale, fishing. His appearance alone dispelled the rumors that his very essence had been wounded, and at the same time, it served as a great reassurance to the disciples of Jinyun Valley.

It was no exaggeration to say that as long as he was around, Jinyun Valley would continue to prosper.

At the same time, the Meng Family, the Chen Clan, and the Lu Family, along with Xiao Chan, would all remain unhesitatingly united. If he were to be gone one day, there was no telling how long this alliance would last.

While recovering over the past few days, Chen Che had also taken the time to examine the Magical Artifacts of the several Golden Core Cultivators they had defeated.

Aside from Dan Kongzi’s shattered Sword Box, the other Magical Artifacts were still in perfect condition.

Fang Shuxian’s Sea Snail was a Sound Law Instrument. Interestingly, it was formed from the creature’s own shell. It could be considered a semi-Innate Treasure, its power far exceeding that of ordinary Ancient Chinese Zithers or Pipas.

Chen Che gave this item to Meng Qianxun. When the elder had been stuck at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection stage, he had also studied sound-based arts for a time. He was currently still in the midst of researching the artifact.

As for the Clay Tea Pot, it was a Spatial Magical Artifact, much like the Yellow Gourd. Although it was Tier Three, High Grade, it had significant limitations—it could only hold liquids. However, there was no doubt that if it were empowered with the Essence of Water, it could summon a flood of unstoppable power.

Chen Che gave this artifact to Lu Qinglian. Of course, he kept the Essence of Water for himself, as he needed it to practice the Celestial Derivation Five Elements Skill.

He planned to give the Soaring Dragon Spear to Xiao Chan, so the latter could maintain his identity as ’Hermit Fushan’.

The few Golden Core Puppets were being saved for Chen Xi, to be given to her after she achieved Core Formation.

Xue Pingfeng had no Magical Artifacts worth mentioning, only a Pill Furnace and some vials of Poison Pills. Chen Che didn’t think much of them and planned to store them within Jinyun Valley for disciples to requisition in the future.

Although Meng Changtu didn’t receive any of the spoils, with the help of Lu Yuntian, Lu Qinglian, and others who arrived later, he went off to hunt down the two injured Mudskipper Shrimps.

These two Mudskipper Shrimps were not of an ancient bloodline, but they were enormous, and their combat prowess was top-tier among Demon Beasts of the same rank. They were especially formidable in the sea, but also impressive on land. Once tamed, his father-in-law’s strength would increase by leaps and bounds.

’If I can ally with Yu Yunko in the future, it might not be impossible to attack the Primordial Sect...’

Chen Che tapped his fingers, lost in thought.

The Battle of Jinghai had been too momentous. Duobao had surely heard of it by now, and with his vengeful nature, he would never let the matter rest.

’So, I must make some preparations beforehand.’

’If possible, I could even take the initiative and attack them first.’

Just then, the extremely faint sound of footsteps came from behind him. The approaching person was so careful it was as if they were afraid of stepping on an ant. They even stopped over a hundred zhang away, seemingly afraid of disturbing him.

”You’ve come?”

Chen Che called out softly, giving the fishing rod in his hand a slight shake.

”Yes, Valley Master.”

Upon hearing his voice, Zhao Changping immediately and respectfully knelt.

”How is the reconstruction of the island reef coming along?”

Chen Che lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the fishing line resting on the water’s surface.

”Reporting to the Valley Master, the island reef’s reconstruction is complete. Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators have participated in the efforts recently, and its area has now reached twenty-five square li—a third larger than it was before its destruction.”

Zhao Changping continued in a measured tone,

”The number of Spiritual Boat Cargo Ships docking each day is also gradually increasing; it’s up fifty percent from before. On top of that, many people have been asking privately when we’ll begin mining the Anomalous Copper Ore.”

Once the fighting subsided, the sea region calmed down as well.

The lingering scent of blood from the Golden Core corpses attracted many members of the Aquatic Race. This, combined with the fame of the battle, drew many Cultivators to the area. As a result, the island reef quickly returned to its former prosperity, and even boasted two new restaurants and teahouses.

It was now a respectable Market in its own right.

Of course, the most dramatic turn of events had been when Dan Kongzi, in his attempt to stop Meng Changtu, had split an entire undersea mountain with a single, sea-parting palm strike. While searching for the Magical Treasures that had fallen to the seafloor, people were stunned to discover that the resulting fissure was lined with a layer of golden-red ore.

Anomalous Copper, a Tier Three, Low Grade mineral.

There was actually a hidden mineral vein in the Black Tortoise Calm Sea!

It was this news that accelerated the island reef’s recovery. Many Cultivators wanted to come and strike it rich, as the development of a major mine would surely require a great deal of manpower. At present, many idle Loose Cultivators on the island were all waiting for Jinyun Valley to begin mining operations.

After all, Jinyun Valley’s excellent compensation was common knowledge.

It was easy to predict that once the mine opened, the prosperity of the Jinghai Island Reef would instantly climb to a whole new level.

After listening to his report, Chen Che nodded slightly, his voice calm and unhurried.

”Changping, you’ve been with me for nearly six years now, haven’t you?”

”Yes, Valley Master.”

Zhao Changping replied with the utmost respect.

When he first started following Chen Che, he was still just at that tiny little Chen’s Pill Shop. His father was a low-level Loose Cultivator with a damaged Dao Foundation, and he himself was a mere Pill Shop apprentice. All that awaited them was an uncertain future.

But now...

His master had become a Valley Master in his own right.

His father had become the Chief of the Pill Hall, and he himself was the head disciple of Jinyun Valley. Even though the two of them were only Qi Refining Cultivators, some Foundation Establishment Cultivators had to treat them with the utmost respect.

Being one of Valley Master Chen’s original followers was an immense badge of honor.

”The Black Tortoise Calm Sea is rich in resources; among all our territories, it is one of the very best. Jinyun Valley plans to establish a permanent base here. However, I cannot be stationed here year-round, nor can I personally oversee every matter. Therefore, I need to find a suitable candidate.”

Only then did Chen Che turn to look at him.

”There are nearly a thousand first-generation disciples, and the three of you—you, Yu Daogui, and Wang Chen—are the foremost among them. Of those three, you are the most exceptional. I wonder, would you be willing to take up a post here?”

’He really is exceptional.’

Although he only has a Middle Spirit Root, his cultivation has already reached the Qi Refining Ninth Layer; achieving Foundation Establishment is only a matter of time. Of course, this was also thanks to the unstinting support of Zhao De’an.

”This disciple is willing!”

Zhao Changping was stunned for a moment, then accepted without the slightest hesitation.

”From this day forward, you are the Steward of the Black Tortoise Calm Sea, responsible for overseeing the Jinghai Island Reef and all matters concerning the Anomalous Copper Ore. Set up several Grand Arrays on the seabed to improve the mining conditions. If you need anything, just go and ask Ding Fei for it.”

At this, Chen Che added with deep meaning,

”Now that you have this post, you are no longer just an ordinary disciple of the Valley. From now on, you must manage the Jinghai Island Reef well. Of course, you absolutely must not neglect your own cultivation. Otherwise, you will not be able to command the respect of others in the future.”

”This disciple understands!”

”You may go.”

Chen Che said coolly, glancing at the undisguised joy on Zhao Changping’s face.

Before retreating, Zhao Changping bowed deeply three more times.

’Not bad.’

He had intentionally chosen to promote Zhao Changping.

In the battle at the Black Tortoise Calm Sea, Zhao Changping’s cultivation may have been low, but his bravery was commendable. Furthermore, he had been following him since the time of Zhao De’an and was absolutely trustworthy.

The merits of an original follower could only be guaranteed for one generation. The position of a hall Chief could not be decided lightly. If Jinyun Valley was to maintain its upward momentum, the selection of its Chiefs had to be handled with extreme care.

He had given him the opportunity; now it was up to Zhao Changping to see if he could grasp it.

If the young man failed to produce results, the most he could do in the future would be to give him an idle post. He would have done all he could for him then.

Not long after Zhao Changping had left, a terrified cry suddenly erupted from the Jinghai Island Reef. It sounded as if the people there had encountered something terrifying, but a moment later, the cries turned to shouts of wild joy.

Chen Che looked up to see a red ’islet’ riding the waves, advancing rapidly. Cultivators flew around it like seagulls.

In just a few breaths’ time,

the ’islet’ had already reached the side of the Spiritual Boat.

SPLASH—

As the creature rose, a towering pillar of water shot up from the sea’s surface before cascading down like water off a canopy, drenching the deck in a torrential spray.

”Did you finally tame it?”

Chen Che smiled and looked up at the figure standing atop the ’Red Island’.

”That’s right. For now, I’ve only managed to tame this one.”

Meng Changtu said, stroking the Mudskipper Shrimp beneath him, his voice filled with exhilaration.