372: Chapter 372 The Man-Snatcher is Here?

The Cover-Sea Shark Clan.

This clan has the ambition to dominate the ocean and become the kings of the sea.

But becoming the kings of the sea is no easy task.

The Cover-Sea Shark Clan didn't just think about it; like many other sea races, they took action toward that goal.

The Cover-Sea Shark Clan once set their sights on the Merfolk Clan, wanting the Merfolk to submit to them.

But the Merfolk Clan would never agree, so the Cover-Sea Shark Clan resorted to force, attempting to take them by might.

It is said that the battle was exceptionally fierce and reached a stalemate.

As the fighting intensified, the Nirvana Ancestors of both sides entered the fray, and the Merfolk Clan even received outside assistance.

The Phantom Nether Clan, the Sea Demon Python Clan, and the Azure Sea Black Tortoise Clan all moved against the Cover-Sea Shark Clan together.

The four clans joined forces, and after a series of intense battles, they repelled the Cover-Sea Shark Clan and forced them out of this sea region.

Ever since then, the Cover-Sea Shark Clan has not set foot in these waters again.

But now, the Merfolk Clan has taken the initiative to attack the Cover-Sea Shark Clan.

"The Sea Demon Pythons against the Phantom Nether Clan, the Merfolk against the Cover-Sea Sharks... the ocean is getting more and more chaotic."

One person remarked.

"Word on the street is that the Cover-Sea Sharks made the first move. They snuck into Merfolk territory and killed many Merfolk; this is a counterattack."

"Holy crap. Do you think the Cover-Sea Sharks got ideas because the Phantom Nether Clan and the Sea Demon Pythons started fighting?"

"Who knows? But I still hope the Merfolk Clan wins. At least the Merfolk are willing to do business with us. Forget about the Cover-Sea Sharks; I know plenty of merchant caravans that have been attacked by them. Those guys are ruthless monsters."

"Speaking of the sea races, I heard from a friend in the merchant guild that things seem to be getting chaotic over in the Yao Race as well."

"How so?"

"I don't know. Information costs Essence Stones."

Intelligence costs money.

For these cash-strapped Loose Cultivators, they weren't about to spend money on that kind of information.

They only hoped that others would buy it or that someone knowledgeable would share it with them of their own accord.

"The seafood here tastes pretty good."

Yu Yaoqin picked up a shrimp and nodded.

She was already immersed in enjoying the delicacies, not caring in the least about the discussions around her.

Lin Ming, on the other hand, had been listening to their talk the whole time.

This reminded Lin Ming of the shark he had killed when he saved Princess Lan Longyu, as well as the shark he had forced to retreat; they seemed to belong to the same race.

The only difference was that the shark he had slaughtered was a demon.

The one he let go was not a demon.

"Junior Sister, are you the only one who came out of seclusion?"

Lin Ming looked at Su Lianxue and asked.

"Yes."

Su Lianxue nodded.

Before she left Zichen Peak, both Yan Nian and their Revered Master were still in seclusion and had not come out.

"They really are diligent."

Lin Ming remarked with a sigh once more.

"So, Senior Brother, you need to work hard too."

Yu Yaoqin's gaze then turned toward Lin Ming as she spoke.

"You can't beat me."

Lin Ming glanced at Yu Yaoqin and said.

"Hmph, Stinky Senior Brother, I will surpass you sooner or later."

Hearing this, Yu Yaoqin immediately became displeased and spoke with a serious face.

"Sure, sure. I'll be waiting for that day to come."

Lin Ming replied somewhat perfunctorily.

"Hmph, Stinky Senior Brother."

Yu Yaoqin's seriousness immediately turned into dissatisfaction.

At that moment, she also remembered the sword technique that Su Lianxue had taught her.

According to Junior Sister Su, Lin Ming didn't know about this sword technique.

When the time came, she would use this sword technique to give her Senior Brother a surprise.

A moment later, the three finished their meal.

Just as they stepped out of the restaurant, a woman walked up and blocked their path.

"Young Master Lin."

The woman took the initiative to greet Lin Ming.

"And you are?"

Lin Ming looked at the woman; she seemed a bit familiar, but he couldn't recall her name.

"I am Meng Li from Huaqing Pavilion, responsible for attending to Sister Lan Qin."

Meng Li said hurriedly.

When she said that, Lin Ming did have an impression of her; every time Lan Qin's performance ended, she would come out to help Lan Qin tidy up.

"What do you need from me?"

Lin Ming asked.

"Sister Lan Qin has run into trouble."

A look of anxiety appeared on Meng Li's face.

"Lan Qin? Is that Senior Brother Su Chi's childhood friend?"

Yu Yaoqin asked at this point.

"That's right."

...

Huaqing Pavilion

"Miss Lan Qin, how about it? Can you come with me now?"

A handsome man stood before Lan Qin, his aggressive gaze falling upon her body.

"Young Master Cao Feng, I'm sorry, but Lan Qin has no intention of leaving Huaqing Pavilion for the time being."

Lan Qin shook her head.

"What if I insist on taking you away today?"

Cao Feng spoke with an overbearing tone.

"Young Master Cao, it is the rule of Huaqing Pavilion that unless a lady is willing, no one can force her."

Second Madam looked at Cao Feng and said.

She found this man quite a headache to deal with.

The Young Master of the Cao family—this Cao family wasn't from Dongchao City, but from Qiandu City, a cultivation clan in a city not far from Dongchao City.

This Cao family was not simple either; they were the strongest cultivation clan in Qiandu City, and some of their Disciples had even joined the Canghai Sword Pavilion.

Furthermore, the Cao family also had business dealings with some of the sea races.

Cao Feng was the grandson of the current head of the Cao family.

He had fallen in love with Lan Qin at first sight and was determined to take her home to be one of his concubines.

Lan Qin would certainly never agree to this; her heart already belonged to someone else, she had no feelings for Cao Feng at all, and it was impossible for her to become his concubine.

But Cao Feng was relentless and had come to the pavilion countless times.

Each time, he was rejected by Lan Qin.

But this time, Cao Feng had come prepared.

"Rules are dead, but people are alive. Name your price."

Cao Feng turned his head to look at Second Madam and said.

"The rules of Huaqing Pavilion cannot be broken."

Second Madam spoke with a serious expression.

The rules of Huaqing Pavilion—or rather, the rules set by the Chief Manager—could not be broken.

"I, for one, don't think so."

A discordant voice rang out at that moment.

"Third Madam, what do you mean by this?"

Second Madam looked at the slowly approaching Third Madam and asked coldly.

"Lan Qin, Young Master Cao thinks so highly of you; I think you should just go with him."

Third Madam completely ignored Second Madam and looked at Lan Qin as she spoke.

"Third Madam, are you trying to drive me away?"

Lan Qin looked at Third Madam and said.

"I'm thinking of your future. Young Master Cao Feng can give you a very bright future, much better than staying here. Are you really going to wait for that childhood friend of yours whose whereabouts are unknown?"

Third Madam said.

Regarding the identity of Lan Qin's childhood friend, the only ones who truly knew were Li Zhiting, the Eldest Madam, and Second Madam.

Everyone else only knew that such a person existed.