"Since we don’t know the use of this key for now, why not keep it with us? Perhaps, by some fortuitous coincidence, we might unlock its purpose later. Of course, whether or not we can ultimately obtain those Genius Earth Treasures is predetermined by the heavens; we cannot force anything. So, it seems best that we leave this place now."

Wang Zhan nodded heavily, apparently agreeing with Jiang Yin. After all, even though they had cracked the palace within this Deep Water Barrier, it was unclear what else might still be hidden here. So, it was best to proceed cautiously. Moreover, it seemed the greatest treasure within the barrier was this key right before their eyes.

Now that they had it, there was no need to worry about anything else. With that thought, Wang Zhan smiled and looked towards the sky above his head because he could now see the sea level. Obviously, after making their way up a distance, they should be able to leave the barrier and this palace. After they dealt with the Stone Statue and the key appeared, a ladder reappeared in the distance, seemingly also providing a way out.

The three of them didn’t hesitate and made their way directly towards the ladder. Sure enough, in just a few minutes, they were back above sea level. Looking around, everything was still peaceful. However, they had no idea of their current location. After all, the view from above the sea level was always largely the same, surrounded by azure blue seawater. They couldn’t tell where they were from just standing there. Moreover, they couldn’t find the entrance they had used to enter the Deep Water Barrier. This indicated that the distance between the entrance and exit was vast indeed.

Fortunately, the three of them moved quickly. After traversing the sea domain for a while, they reached a familiar area. Seeing the familiar landscape again, Wang Zhan lazily stretched and said with a laugh, "I didn’t think we’d make it back here so easily. But after all our effort this time, we didn’t get much of a reward, which is a bit frustrating."

Luo Xue walked up to him, a teasing smile on her face. "Brother Wang, you can’t say that. Our successful escape from the Deep Water Barrier is already something that would amaze everyone. Furthermore, we obtained a golden key, which also counts as a stroke of luck for us. So how could we be greedy for more?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhan was taken aback. He laughed and shook his head, saying, "How is it that I never noticed you were so Zen?"

Jiang Yin, standing to the side, glanced at them but remained silent, as if already accustomed to their banter.

Luo Xue scratched her head and said, "For me, coming here to the sea domain and receiving the biggest treasure—the inheritance of the Black Tortoise Venerable—and substantially improving my strength, is more than enough. After all, many people can’t even attain my level of cultivation in their entire lives, so how could I ask for more?

"Of course, the main reason is that I don’t want to make a glorious sacrifice just yet. I have only just inherited part of the cultivation from the Black Tortoise Venerable, so I shouldn’t pass away just like that, at least not until I use this cultivation to achieve something significant."

"’Significant?’" Wang Zhan laughed as they walked ahead. "What is this ’significant thing’ you’re talking about?"

"Naturally, it’s about dealing with those bastards." As she spoke, Luo Xue clenched her fists. Her eyes were full of cold indifference, and scenes from their past encounters in the sea domain flashed in her mind.

Luo Xue uttered grimly, "Those Priests, even though they couldn’t succeed in their conspiracy, they conducted countless heinous deeds over the years, and they even nearly took my life. I won’t let this matter go so easily. Initially, I wanted you, Brother Wang, to help me deal with the last two beasts, but it seems unnecessary now."

"My strength has improved to a certain degree. With the help of you two, the three of us working together can handle those two Priests. It doesn’t seem like a difficult task. Therefore, I have a bold idea..." After speaking halfway, Luo Xue’s gaze fell upon Wang Zhan and Jiang Yin.

Wang Zhan and Jiang Yin looked at each other and smirked. They clearly knew Luo Xue’s intentions; they weren’t fools and understood what she was thinking. Although it carried some risk, it was indeed what they also wanted to do.

"However," Jiang Yin began, "dealing with the last two Priests isn’t a difficult task, but I presume they wouldn’t return to their palace. After all, their hideout has been discovered, and we can pose some threat to them. These two Priests value their own cultivation and lives immensely. So even though they worked hard to establish their base, they naturally wouldn’t linger long to ensure their own survival."

Jiang Yin slightly furrowed his brow then continued, "Indeed, we need to act on behalf of justice and eliminate those two. But first, we need to figure out how to find them. The sea domain is too vast, so we can’t afford to let them delay us for too long. That would be more loss than gain for us."

Luo Xue clutched her fists tightly, evidently unable to let go of all that had happened. After hesitating for a long while, she finally asked, "Are we just going to leave the sea domain and let them go?"

Jiang Yin stood with his hands behind his back and responded, "Those who do evil will eventually destroy themselves. Even if we don’t deal with them ourselves, they’ll soon meet a powerful adversary. Although they’ve been rampaging through the sea domain, it can’t be denied that this magical sea domain still harbors many strong experts. Thus, we don’t need to worry too much. Besides, we will surely meet them again someday, and then we can fight with all our might."

Wang Zhan nodded in agreement. His concern wasn’t the cultivation or strength of the two Priests. Rather, Wang Zhan had to consider his own time, especially after witnessing the ladder-type advancement in Jiang Yin’s strength. He once again felt a sense of danger.

He wasn’t worried about his companions’ strength far exceeding his; in fact, that would lessen his burden. Although he didn’t require anyone’s assistance, if the people around him became stronger, he wouldn’t need to expend too much energy protecting them. This would allow him to fight freely, without any lingering concerns. Besides, Luo Xue’s strength was currently far less than his. What Wang Zhan *was* worried about was that opportunities were everywhere on the Star War Battlefield. This meant that while they could find these opportunities, others could too. Just like the elixir Xiang Tian had obtained and the inheritance Luo Xue now possessed—others could acquire such things as well. If he stagnated, it would be difficult for him to establish a footing on the Star War Battlefield. He had to use every moment to perfect the System and elevate his cultivation to a certain degree, maximizing the System’s potential.

Jiang Yin, standing to the side, squinted his eyes and chuckled. He walked over to Luo Xue, patted her shoulder, and then comforted her, "I know what you’re going through. What you went through back then must feel like a nightmare to you. But I do understand your thoughts, for I have experienced many similar things before. However, we can’t halt our progress, let alone waste our precious time on insignificant people and matters."

"Our main priority now is to reunite with Xiang Tian and the others quickly. We’re still unsure of their whereabouts and their current circumstances."

Indeed, Jiang Yin was remarkably shrewd. Perhaps it was his age, but he naturally knew how to hit the mark with his words.

After hearing his words, Luo Xue’s attitude did change somewhat. Given her close relationship with Xiang Tian, she couldn’t just stand by if he was in jeopardy. After all, there were too many unpredictable factors in the sea domain. The slightest carelessness could put them in danger.

Luo Xue nodded heavily and then said, "If that’s the case, let’s not waste any more time. We should head to Flying Cloud City now and meet up with Xiang Tian and the others."

Wang Zhan and Jiang Yin exchanged glances, then smiled. Without another word, they swiftly flew off into the distance.

Since the sea domain was vast and flat like a plain, the three of them moved extremely quickly, crossing hundreds of miles in the blink of an eye.

However, just as they passed an island, they stumbled upon a group of people discussing something.

"Have you heard? The Priests’ palace has been destroyed!"

"That news has been spreading like wildfire throughout the sea domain! It’s said the Priests have already gone to find the ones who destroyed their palace. It seems like they’ve already clashed?"

"We all know how strong the Priests are. The outcome is predictable."

The crowd sighed collectively. After all, everyone wished someone would eliminate the Priests in the palace, but no one possessed the ability to do so. Now that the palace was destroyed, nobody had expected the Priests themselves to still be alive.

Hearing this, the expressions of Wang Zhan, Luo Xue, and Jiang Yin all darkened considerably. Wang Zhan, in particular, sped towards the crowd, grabbed the collar of one person, and demanded, "Where are those Priests right now?"