Zhou Qing did not speak. Back then, Sikong Yan had arranged a broken Five Colors Killing Array in Canglan Mountain to catalyze the maturation of the Nine Nether Demon Lotus, sacrificing millions of demon beasts.

Although it eventually matured, countless sect executives from the Eastern Domain were buried there.

Moreover, none of the Five Sects managed to refine the lotus seed successfully; instead, several of them perished.

According to Second Uncle, the Nine Nether Lotus Seed was only an auxiliary ingredient in the Secret Technique released by the Old Emperor. The true key, he hid exceptionally well!

——

"Hehehe——"

Suddenly, a coquettish laugh rang out, clear as silver bells yet piercingly cold.

Following the voice, everyone saw a giant Cloud-Devouring Python, ten zhang long, leisurely swimming closer. A woman in a red dress sat lazily on its head.

Her skin was like snow, lips as if painted with vermilion, and an enchanting blood-red feather mark dazzled at her brow. Her slender jade fingers played with a crimson snake scale.

Blood Feather Demon Monarch — Yin Hongxiao!

Third Leader of Jieyun Thief, unrivaled in beast taming across the Clouds!

"Nine Nether Demon Lotus? I couldn't care less~"

Her red lips barely opened, her gaze seemingly piercing through layers of decks to the lowest level of the ship's hold.

"But your ship's... half-pure-blood Thunder Jiao juvenile, interests me greatly!"

At this statement, another uproar surged among the people!

Thunder Jiao!

Rumor has it that a Great Success Thunder Jiao can easily break through to the late-stage Spirit Severing Realm, being a true ancient relic breed!

"I've grown tired of raising these Cloud-Devouring Pythons…"

Yin Hongxiao licked her lips, greed gleamed in her eyes.

"Perfect for feeding my little pet as a snack~"

——

"Hahaha!"

A wild laughter exploded like thunder shaking the skies!

Everyone turned in fright to see a burly figure stepping through the black clouds, each step faintly quaking the void!

He stood nine feet tall, muscles twisted like dragons, his bare chest covered in starry tattoos, his eyes blazing like torches, his presence terrifying!

Old Devil Starcrusher — Tu Qianyue!

Big Leader of Jieyun Thief, with the power to tear mountains and rivers asunder!

"I have no interest in lotus seeds or jiao dragons!"

He sneered, looking at Jin Mantang, his voice booming like a bell.

"But that scroll 'Secret of Artifacts Refinement in Grand Void·Fragment' on your ship... hand it over!"

——

Zhou Qing and others were utterly shocked, uniformly staring at Jin Mantang, whose face was ashen.

This ship...

Exactly how many astonishing treasures are hidden here?!

Whoosh!

Just then, a figure suddenly darted out from the shadows of the hold — it was the long-missing Zou Lun!

With a fawning smile, he hurried towards the three leaders of Jieyun Thief, only to be blocked by a Cloud-Devouring Python. Its blood-filled mouth was already open—

"Hold!"

Yin Hongxiao gently raised her jade hand, and the giant python immediately lowered its head submissively.

Zou Lun flashed, with a few leaps he reached the leaders, knelt on one knee, and cupped his fists, saying, "Subordinate Zou Lun, mission accomplished!"

"Moreover, I've thoroughly investigated that all the treasures are hidden in the bottom hold's secret chamber, guarded by five Divinity Transformation Realm Perfection tributors!"

Big Leader Tu Qianyue nodded in satisfaction: "Well done."

Zou Lun hurriedly said, "About what you promised me..."

"Rest assured, the notes from the Fourth-level Array Master's hand are ready for you, and you'll also receive a Nine Nether Lotus Seed, but—"

Changing his tone, he continued meaningfully: "You are currently only in the early stage of Divinity Transformation, so you likely won't be able to use it for some time!"

Zou Lun's face lit with excitement, greed nearly overflowing from his eyes.

If not useful in the short term, then in the long run.

Quickly, worry clouded his features: "This time I've betrayed Duobao Trading House, if word gets out..."

"Hehe~"

Third Leader Yin Hongxiao gently covered her mouth and laughed, a hank of her hair twined around her fingertips, "Little Zou Lun, don't worry. I promise you..."

Suddenly she dropped the smile, a cold light flashed in her eyes, "Not a single ant will leave this ship alive."

"After all, we are still waiting for you to use Duobao Trading House's resources and become a Third-level Array Master~"

Hearing this, Zou Lun's last trace of hesitation dissipated.

He turned to look at the faltering Cloud Whale, complex emotions flickering in his eyes, but very soon, the last trace of guilt was replaced by ruthlessness.

"To achieve great things... decisive action is necessary!"

...

PS: Half of June has passed. Requesting monthly tickets, subscriptions!