124: Chapter 124 Grilling on the Grill

The news of the underwater ruins' emergence spread like wildfire throughout the East Sea and West Sea in just a few days, even reaching distant continents and kingdoms via various merchant groups and communication arrays.

Within a thousand-mile radius of Taikang Island, every island, port, and Sect base felt the majestic spiritual energy and terrifying pressure brought by the pillar of light that pierced the sky that day.

Countless Cultivators were startled from their seclusion, numerous forces urgently dispatched personnel, and countless eyes were fixed on that once-neglected and dangerous sea area—the Turbulent Reef Sea Area.

In the following days, Taikang Island and its surrounding islands witnessed an unprecedented "bustle."

Every day, hundreds or thousands of various boats and flying vessels poured in from all directions.

There were Dragon Abyss Palace Cultivators from the East Sea arriving in formation on standard flying vessels with fluttering banners; there were Black Jade Mansion Disciples from the West Sea on Ink Jade Shuttles with solemn Auras; there were the black ironclad battleships of the Great Qi Dynasty's Sea Quelling Department with menacing cannons; and there were the ornate tower ships of merchant groups from western nations, glittering with jewels.

Even more were various Loose Cultivators, small Sects, aristocratic family teams, and even some lone travelers with mysterious Auras and unknown origins.

Some barely crossed the sea on crude Magical Artifacts, some crossed with their Physical Body, and some even drove tamed sea beasts as mounts.

For a time, the sea area around Taikang Island was crowded with boats, the Auras of the strong intertwined and clashed, and undercurrents surged.

Prices on the island skyrocketed, especially for inns, restaurants, and even temporarily rented private houses, where prices increased more than tenfold yet still failed to meet the demand.

Conflicts and frictions also surged as a result.

In just a few days, dozens of fights broke out on Taikang Island and its surroundings, involving the settlement of old grudges, the formation of new enmities, and even simple brawls over a slightly better viewing spot or a temporary place to stay.

The Dragon Abyss Palace branch, Black Jade Mansion branch, and Sea Quelling Department office had to issue a joint ban strictly forbidding private duels in the island and wharf areas, with severe punishment for violators.

But everyone knew that this ban could only control things on the surface; the waves in the shadows would only grow more turbulent.

Nanwan Wharf, third floor of the Langtao Warehouse.

Jiang Tao stood by the window, looking at the densely packed ships in the port and the various streaks of light flashing across the sky from time to time, his face so gloomy it could almost drip water.

Behind him, Qin Wen also had a solemn expression, holding a list he had just finished compiling.

"President, in these seven days, the number of Cultivators who have flooded into Taikang Island and the surrounding islands is estimated to exceed thirty thousand. Among them, we have sensed no less than twenty Dragon Elephant Auras; as for how many are in the shadows, it's impossible to guess." Qin Wen's voice held a trace of bitterness, "Burning Viscera and Iron Bone Realm experts are as numerous as carp crossing a river... Star Continent Anchorage has never been so 'lively'."

"Lively?" Jiang Tao sneered, his voice hoarse, "This is being roasted over a fire!"

He turned abruptly, his eyes bloodshot:

"I originally planned to take the opportunity of joining Zhao Yuanchen to let the Prodigal Society slowly transition. Relying on a bit of cooperation with Dragon Abyss Palace and the care of Steward Wang, we would go legitimate and secretly build a foundation for the Master. But now?"

He pointed out the window: "As soon as the ruins appeared, the whole world's eyes were on them! On Zhao Yuanchen's side, all his attention must be focused on competing for the ruins; how could he have time to care about our 'surrender'? The Heavenly Heart Sect has come out in full force; Zeng Guan personally took people to the outskirts of the Turbulent Reef Sea Area yesterday to establish a base, so how could he remember any recommendation!"

"What's more troublesome," Jiang Tao walked to the table and slammed his fist down, making the tea set clatter, "is that with so many outside Cultivators pouring in, it's a mixed bag, including many ruthless and unscrupulous people. With our Prodigal Society's meager assets, in the face of such a flood, any slight carelessness will lead to disaster! Who knows if those we've crossed in the past or those who are envious will take the chance to strike in the chaos?"

Qin Wen remained silent.

He knew Jiang Tao's worries weren't unfounded.

The Prodigal Society's ability to establish a foothold in Star Continent Anchorage over the years relied on the rules of the gray area, control over local intelligence, and the deterrent of Jiang Tao's Primal Form Realm strength.

But now, the rules were shattered by the influx of outsiders, local intelligence had greatly diminished in value compared to the ruins, and Primal Form Realm strength... in this place surrounded by tigers, it was no longer enough to protect their lives and property.

"The communication talisman I sent the Master still hasn't received a response." Jiang Tao scratched his hair irritably. "I sent one the day the ruins emerged, and then two more in the following days, but they all vanished like stones in the ocean. The Master is in seclusion; could it be that it hasn't ended yet? Or has something happened?"

He was extremely anxious.

Facing such a drastic change, he instinctively wanted to follow Jiang Hanzhou's instructions.

Though that Master was young, his strength was unfathomable, and his Heart-Nature was terrifyingly steady, as if everything was under his control.

With the Master there, he had a pillar of support.

But now he couldn't be reached...

"President, we can't wait any longer." Qin Wen took a deep breath. "We must make a decision early. In my opinion, the top priority is to consolidate our forces and protect ourselves. I have already issued orders for all the brothers in the society to strictly avoid causing trouble and to keep a low profile. Regarding our properties, we'll strengthen the guard at the warehouse and storage here at Nanwan Wharf, and temporarily close or move underground for the other remote bases and businesses."

Jiang Tao forced himself to calm down, thought for a moment, and nodded: "Do as you said. Additionally, pick a group of absolutely reliable and agile brothers to form secret sentries and scatter them across the island, especially in crowded places like the wharf, inns, and restaurants. Keep a close eye on the movements of all parties, and collect as much intelligence as possible about the ruins."

"Yes."

"Also," a flash of determination crossed Jiang Tao's eyes, "prepare a boat; I'm going to Fishing Ground No. 4 personally."

Qin Wen was startled: "President, leaving Taikang Island now? What if something happens here..."

"I can't worry about that much." Jiang Tao interrupted him. "I must see the Master in person to ask for instructions. You stay here and hold the fort; I'll be back soon. Remember, until I return, prioritize stability in everything. Even if you have to suffer a bit or take some insults, endure it for me!"

"...Understood."

...

Two days later, at dusk.

Jiang Tao steered an inconspicuous single-masted sailboat and quietly arrived at the island where Fishing Ground No. 4 was located.

Compared to the noise and bustle and surging undercurrents of Taikang Island, this small island seemed exceptionally peaceful.

The sunset glow dyed the sea golden-red, and on the fishing ground pier, laborers were busy pulling in nets and carrying baskets of lively Spirit Fish ashore; the atmosphere was busy yet tranquil.

The air was filled with a faint fishy smell and the unique crisp scent of Spirit Fish, a stark contrast to the atmosphere of Taikang Island, which was mixed with desire, greed, and bloodlust.

Jiang Tao felt strangely more at ease.