Chapter 980: Reject Invitation
Ye Mo’s flying boat was abruptly halted by a colossal, warship-like artifact—a moving continent from afar. Its size dwarfed his own low-grade cultivation artifact. This behemoth had been stationed there previously; two Golden Core cultivators had then intercepted Ye Mo, their eyes gleaming with avarice.
Ye Mo remained passive. The pilot of such a powerful artifact was undoubtedly someone formidable. While he could defeat the two Golden Core cultivators, he was no match for the ship itself. The low-grade artifact possessed formidable offensive and defensive capabilities, easily capable of overtaking his vessel despite its size. Furthermore, he estimated the ship carried roughly one hundred Golden Core cultivators and at least two Nascent Soul cultivators. Escape was impossible.
The ship's sheer size presented another challenge; it was too large for even most storage rings to contain, let alone shrink. While Nascent Soul cultivators often possessed cultivation artifacts, flying artifacts of this magnitude were rare, suggesting affiliation with a powerful organization.
“A Golden Core Level Two cultivator?” the two Golden Core cultivators approached, smirking. Their greed was palpable. A mere Golden Core Level Two daring to fly with such a high-grade spirit artifact was, in their eyes, suicidal.
“Where are you going?” the Golden Core Level Seven cultivator demanded coldly when Ye Mo remained silent.
Ye Mo rose, replying calmly, “Must everyone traveling to the Heartless Sea report to you?”
The Golden Core Level Nine cultivator was taken aback by Ye Mo’s audacity. However, the pair hesitated to attack openly.
The Golden Core Level Seven cultivator, affronted by Ye Mo’s lack of deference, stated, “While you needn't report to us, this route is unavailable. You must detour to reach the Heartless Sea. The Ao Cheng Merchant Association will be using this passage for the next few days. Departure from here will require waiting for our ship to leave.”
Ye Mo fell silent. His destination, Duo Horn Island, lay directly ahead. A detour would necessitate returning to this location, leaving him uncertain how long the ship would remain.
“You're heading to Duo Horn Island, yes? While I don't know your reason, that's also impossible,” the Golden Core Level Nine cultivator added.
Ye Mo made no secret of his purpose: “I’m collecting water weed.”
Water weed held little value to Golden Core cultivators. The two exchanged dazed, amused glances.
The Golden Core Level Seven cultivator chuckled, “While I can't speak to other items, I assure you, there is no water weed. You won't even find a trace.” He emphasized, “Within a radius of several hundred thousand kilometers, no water weed exists.”
“Why?” Ye Mo exclaimed. The water weed was crucial for concocting Heaven Glory Pill, his path to Nascent Soul cultivation. His disappointment was evident.
Seizing the opportunity, the Golden Core Level Seven cultivator gestured towards the large vessel. “If you desire water weed, it's not impossible. Our Ao Chen Merchant Association’s deep-sea vessel is available. You can accompany us. Otherwise, even with your top-grade spirit artifact, venturing into the deep sea is suicide.” He pressed, “To obtain water weed, you must join our deep-sea voyage. I'm not lying; others on board can confirm this.”
“Then why are you stopped here?” Ye Mo asked.
The Golden Core Level Seven cultivator smiled, “Our Elder Hao is nearing the tertiary Nascent Soul stage, requiring us to wait for his ascension. Consider yourselves lucky to encounter us. Our ship has Nascent Soul cultivators, ensuring safety. But every cultivator onboard must pay a price…”
Ye Mo sneered. They wanted his flying boat, a blatant attempt at deception. He surmised they desired his boat but wouldn't dare steal it openly. Many onboard were likely similarly lured.
The Golden Core Level Nine cultivator intervened, “Despite your top-grade flying spirit artifact, arrival was easy, but the return journey alone will be perilous. A Level Seven beast, driven mad, has ravaged the surrounding spirit herbs, including water weed, killing many solo cultivators. Our association's Hollow Spirit elder battled it, sustaining injuries; both retreated. However, the collected herbs remain on an island, though many Level Six and below beasts guard it. A group of cultivators hired our ship, and the association dispatched two Nascent Soul elders for support. So, your opportunity is indeed fortuitous.”
He scrutinized Ye Mo’s flying boat, hoping for acceptance. His vessel would be theirs if Ye Mo boarded.
Ye Mo remained noncommittal. The cultivator’s words were a blend of truth and lies, but the depletion of nearby herbs was undeniable. Seeing Ye Mo’s impassivity, the Golden Core cultivator grew desperate.
Just as he was about to speak, Ye Mo clasped his fists in a salute. “Thank you for your offer, but I will not go to Duo Horn Island. I'm departing now.”
Their scheme to lure Ye Mo aboard and pressure him into relinquishing his vessel had failed. Before they could respond, the large ship's horn blared, signaling departure. Despite their dissatisfaction, they returned to the ship, which quickly vanished.
Ye Mo remained. While much of their account seemed true, the dispatch of only two Nascent Soul cultivators by the merchant association puzzled him. The hoard of herbs should have attracted far greater attention; why only squads of Golden Core cultivators, with just two Nascent Soul cultivators dispatched?
After some thought, Ye Mo decided to investigate the island. Hours later, he found the island devoid of life, not a single beast or spirit herb in sight.