113: Chapter 113 The Prodigal Son's Club

The stone chamber door opened silently, and Jiang Hanzhou walked out slowly.

After thirty days of closed-door cultivation, seeing the light of day again, the outside world made him feel slightly dazed.

But the next moment, the perception brought by the Dragon Elephant Realm swept out like a Tide wave.

Every movement within a radius of several miles was under his control.

The sound of the wind, the sound of the waves, the chatter of the fishermen in the distance, the light sound of Spirit Fish leaping out of the water...

Even the squirming of insects and ants in the island soil and the flow of tiny Spiritual Qi in the seawater were clearly reflected in his Sea of Consciousness.

And outside the small courtyard of the stone house where he lived, four auras were waiting quietly.

The leading aura was heavy and carried a touch of age; it was Steward Wang, Wang Mingyuan.

The three auras behind him seemed chaotic and nervous; they were Liu Quan, Sun Li, and Zhou Meng.

Jiang Hanzhou's heart moved, and the courtyard gate opened without wind.

The four people outside the gate looked up upon hearing the sound, their gazes meeting Jiang Hanzhou's calm line of sight.

In an instant, Wang Mingyuan's pupils shrank, his originally straight back subconsciously leaned forward slightly, and for the first time, an unconcealed awe appeared on that rigid face.

He could feel that the young man in front of him—no, this Senior Brother—had a majestic Qi that was restrained to the extreme yet still faintly radiated, the crimson gold and azure light that occasionally circulated in the depths of his eyes, and the mysterious Dao rhyme that resonated faintly with the Heaven And Earth Spiritual Essence in every move he made...

Everything clearly and unmistakably declared: This person has transcended the mundane and stepped into the Dragon Elephant Realm!

"Wang Mingyuan, congratulations to Senior Brother Jiang on breaking through to the Dragon Elephant Realm, the Great Dao is within reach!"

Wang Mingyuan did not hesitate at all, bowing and cupping his hands, his voice respectful and clear.

Behind him, Liu Quan and the other two were already sweating profusely, almost crawling on the ground. Hearing this, they hurriedly shouted in unison:

"Congratulations to Senior Brother Jiang on achieving the Dragon Elephant Realm!"

Their voices carried uncontrollable trembling and panic.

Jiang Hanzhou's gaze swept over the four, and he nodded calmly.

"Come in."

He turned and walked towards the stone stool in the courtyard, sitting down calmly, neither declining the title of "Senior Brother" nor pretending to be humble.

In this world, strength equals status.

When he was in the Burning Viscera Realm, he had to call Wang Mingyuan "Steward" and perform the etiquette of a Disciple.

Now that he has entered the Dragon Elephant Realm, it is only natural for Wang Mingyuan to call him "Senior Brother".

If he were to feign modesty now, it would be hypocritical and might even be seen as weakness.

The strong do not need to be humble; humility is a right reserved for those in power to show their magnanimity.

And right now, in this fishery, he was the strongest superior.

The four stepped into the courtyard cautiously, not daring to sit down casually.

Wang Mingyuan took a deep breath, took out a palm-sized jade box from his bosom, and offered it with both hands:

"Senior Brother Jiang's Breakthrough to the Dragon Elephant Realm is the fortune of the fishery and also the fortune of Wang. A small congratulatory gift, please do not mind, I hope Senior Brother will accept it."

When the jade box was opened, a gentle yet sharp Spiritual light immediately overflowed.

Inside the box lay a piece of strange metal about three inches long, dark gold in color, with natural cloud patterns covering the surface.

The metal was not stationary but squirmed slightly like a living thing, emitting pure gold-element Spiritual Qi, and even faintly possessing a mysterious Dao rhyme.

"This is... 'gold marrow cloud-patterned iron'?" A trace of surprise flashed in Jiang Hanzhou's eyes.

He had seen a description of this item in the "Compendium of Common Knowledge for Cultivation in the East Sea".

It is a rare item formed only after the essence of the five metals has been nurtured in special geological veins for a hundred years. It contains pure gold-element Origin and has miraculous effects for cultivating gold-series Cultivation Techniques, tempering Magical Artifacts, and even repairing Magic Treasures.

More importantly, this item is exactly what the "Heavenly Dipper Treasure Refining Art" needs!

He had already cultivated the first layer, "Absorbing Qi into the Body", and condensed the Heavenly Dipper Precious Qi.

And the second layer, "Refining Treasure into Dipper", requires refining various Heaven And Earth Treasures containing special Spiritual Essence to transform the Precious Qi into a more pure and miraculous "Heavenly Dipper Precious Dipper"!

This piece of gold marrow cloud-patterned iron is an excellent choice for impacting the second layer, regardless of its quality or attributes.

Wang Mingyuan was actually willing to give away such a treasure?

Jiang Hanzhou turned his gaze to Wang Mingyuan, only to see that although there was a look of pain in the old steward's eyes, there was more of a sense of relief.

"Steward Wang has a heart."

Jiang Hanzhou did not refuse, took the jade box, and casually put it into his sumeru pouch.

Seeing Jiang Hanzhou accept it, Wang Mingyuan was visibly relieved, then his gaze swept to Liu Quan and the other two behind him.

Liu Quan and the other two shuddered and hurriedly took out the prepared gifts.

Liu Quan gave a foot-tall jade sea eagle, with exquisite carving and warm jade quality, which had the effect of gathering water spirits, worth no less than ten thousand taels of silver.

Sun Li offered a necklace made of deep-sea pearls, each pearl the size of a dragon's eye, round and smooth, glowing with colorful halos in the sun, obviously high-quality Spirit Pearls.

Zhou Meng presented a piece of "Fire-patterned Warm Jade" that was completely red and faintly warm, which had the effect of nourishing blood and calming the soul.

The three gifts were all heavy treasures in the secular world, but compared to Wang Mingyuan's gold marrow cloud-patterned iron, they were worlds apart.

Jiang Hanzhou glanced at them and nodded slightly, signaling the three to put the gifts on the stone table aside.

Then, his gaze fell back on Liu Quan and the other two.

He didn't speak, just looked at them calmly.

But it was this calm gaze that made Liu Quan and the other two feel like they were on pins and needles, cold sweat streaming down, their legs weak, almost kneeling on the ground.

The invisible pressure of the Dragon Elephant Realm, combined with Jiang Hanzhou's eyes that seemed to be able to pierce through people's hearts, completely shattered all luck in their hearts.

"Senior... Senior Brother Jiang..." Liu Quan's throat rolled, his voice dry, "We... we are guilty!"

"Speak." Jiang Hanzhou spat out a word lightly.

Liu Quan no longer dared to hide it, and knelt on the ground with a thud. Sun Li and Zhou Meng also hurriedly knelt down, explaining the Origin of the matter like pouring beans from a bamboo tube.

It turned out that three months ago, a force called the "Prodigal Society" in Star Islet Market took the initiative to find them.

The Prodigal Society specialized in brokerage business, secretly reselling special resources from all sides, with a complex background.

The Prodigal Society promised that as long as Liu Quan and the other three could create an "accident" in the fishery and let a batch of silver-scaled swordfish go, they would meet them on the periphery and share 70% of the proceeds with them afterward.

In the most recent contact, the share was increased to 75%, and they promised to help the three obtain a True Intent martial art after the event.

"The president of the Prodigal Society, known as 'River-Flipping Hand' Jiang Tao, is said to be... said to be a Martial Artist who has just entered the Primal Elephant Realm," Liu Quan said tremblingly, "But we observed that there should be other forces behind the Prodigal Society. When they act, they occasionally reveal the mark of the 'Heavenly Heart Sect'..."

"Heavenly Heart Sect?" Jiang Hanzhou raised his eyebrows slightly.

Wang Mingyuan explained in a low voice at the right time:

"The Heavenly Heart Sect is a second-rate force native to Star Continent Anchorage. The Sect Leader, 'Spirit Heart Hermit', is an expert in the Divine Fetus Realm. The sect is famous for Alchemy and Formation, and has many industries in Star Islet Market. On the surface, they have good relations with all parties. I didn't expect..."

Jiang Hanzhou understood.

The Prodigal Society is a broker, responsible for dirty work; the Heavenly Heart Sect is a white glove, providing protection and even channels for selling stolen goods.

This combination is not uncommon in a place like Star Continent Anchorage where dragons and snakes are mixed.

Liu Quan and the other three had planned to take a risk while he was in closed-door cultivation.

If it weren't for his Breakthrough to the Dragon Elephant Realm causing the Heaven And Earth phenomenon, the fishery would have had an accident by now.

"That's interesting." Jiang Hanzhou suddenly laughed.

At his laughter, Liu Quan and the other three were scared out of their wits, thinking Jiang Hanzhou was going to kill them.

But they heard Jiang Hanzhou say: "Get up, all of you, sit down and talk."

The three stood up tremblingly, but did not dare to really sit down, only standing by the stone table with their hands hanging down.

Jiang Hanzhou did not force them, his fingers tapped the stone table lightly, and calculating light flickered in his eyes.

"Since the Prodigal Society wants to dig the corner of the Dragon Abyss Palace, we will give them this opportunity."

He looked at Liu Quan and the other three: "You continue to contact them as usual, and say... the time has come, at the hour of the Rat three days later, you can make a move."

Liu Quan was stunned, then understood, and a look of horror appeared in his eyes: "Does Senior Brother Jiang mean... to beat them at their own game?"

"Not bad." Jiang Hanzhou's smile remained unchanged, but there was no temperature in his eyes, "Don't they want Spirit Fish? We will 'send' them a batch. It's just that they have to pay for the cost of this delivery themselves."

Black eating black!

The three instantly understood Jiang Hanzhou's intention, and the chill in their hearts became even deeper, but they did not dare to have any objections.

"But..." Sun Li said cautiously, "That Jiang Tao is in the Primal Elephant Realm, and the Prodigal Society can gain a foothold in Star Islet Market, surely there is more than one expert. What if..."

"There are no 'what ifs'." Jiang Hanzhou interrupted him, his tone flat, but with unquestionable confidence, "There are differences in the Primal Elephant Realm as well."

He now possesses two True Intents, Tide and Pure Yang, and his Foundation is far beyond that of an ordinary person who has just entered the Primal Elephant Realm.

Coupled with the entry of "Heavenly Blade", the Perfection of "Li Huo Golden Body Art", and the Heavenly Dipper Precious Qi... Not to mention a Jiang Tao who has just entered the Primal Elephant Realm, even if he were in the Middle Stage of the Primal Elephant Realm, he would dare to fight!

"You just need to do your own thing and lead them here. I will handle the rest."

Jiang Hanzhou's gaze swept over the three again:

"If this is successful, I can let bygones be bygones regarding your previous actions. Even... the 'harvest' of the Prodigal Society can be shared with you by 10%."

Beat them with a stick, give them a sweet date.

The three heard this, first stunned, then an unbelievable surprise broke out in their eyes!

One-tenth!

It doesn't sound like much, but that is the entire profit that the Prodigal Society originally planned to swallow! Even if it is only 10%, it is far beyond their original expected share!

More importantly, Senior Brother Jiang is willing to let them go and has also promised them benefits!

"Thank you, Senior Brother Jiang! Thank you, Senior Brother Jiang!" Liu Quan's voice trembled with excitement, "We will definitely do our best and never dare to have two hearts again!"

Sun Li and Zhou Meng also swore repeatedly.

Jiang Hanzhou waved his hand: "Go, prepare well. Remember, don't show any flaws."

"Yes!"

The three were like being granted amnesty. After bowing respectfully, they hurried away.

Only Jiang Hanzhou and Wang Mingyuan were left in the courtyard.

Wang Mingyuan looked at the "Senior Brother" in front of him who was not as steady as a teenager, and felt a lot of emotion in his heart.

He had been stuck at the Perfection of the Burning Viscera Realm for nearly ten years, and had failed to break through to the Dragon Elephant Realm many times, knowing the difficulty of this realm.

And Jiang Hanzhou, only seventeen years old, has been in the sect for less than a month, and has already leaped to become a dragon!

What is even more rare is that this child is not only amazingly talented, but his Heart-Nature and means are also extraordinary.

Facing traitors, he uses both kindness and prestige; facing foreign enemies, he is decisive and ruthless.

"Senior Brother Jiang," Wang Mingyuan hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "Although Jiang Tao of the Prodigal Society has just entered the Primal Elephant Realm, he has been immersed in this realm for several years and cannot be underestimated.

The Heavenly Heart Sect has a Divine Fetus Realm expert sitting in town. If they are really provoked..."

"Steward Wang, rest assured." Jiang Hanzhou looked at him, his tone softened a bit, "I have my own sense of proportion.

Star Continent Anchorage is the territory of the Dragon Abyss Palace. No matter how strong the Heavenly Heart Sect is, they dare not openly fight against the palace. Besides, the object of our action is not the Heavenly Heart Sect.

As for the Prodigal Society..."

A cold light flashed in his eyes:

"A group of rats that cannot see the light, kill them if they are killed. If Jiang Tao is sensible, maybe he can be spared. If he is stubborn..."

The second half of the sentence was not spoken, but the meaning was clear.

Wang Mingyuan did not say anything more, cupped his hands and said: "In that case, Wang will not disturb Senior Brother's cultivation anymore. I will keep an eye on the fishery to ensure that everything is as usual three days later."

"Hard work."

After Wang Mingyuan left, the courtyard returned to tranquility.

Jiang Hanzhou sat on the stone stool, looking at the distant sea with ten thousand hectares of blue waves, and had a complete plan in his heart.

He took out the jade box given by Wang Mingyuan, opened it, and the piece of gold marrow cloud-patterned iron lay quietly inside, emitting an alluring Spiritual light.

"The most urgent task is to refine this object first and push the 'Heavenly Dipper Treasure Refining Art' to the second layer."

Heavenly Dipper Precious Qi has infinite wonderful uses, whether it is Body Tempering, Artifact Refining, breaking prohibitions, or fighting, it has great use.

If he can be promoted to the second layer and condense the Heavenly Dipper Precious Dipper, his strength will increase by another notch, and he will be more sure of dealing with Jiang Tao.

"Three days later... I hope the Prodigal Society will not let me down."

Jiang Hanzhou put away the jade box, got up and walked towards the stone house.