Many years had passed, and she had long grown accustomed to the life of a mortal.
Madam Yingluo said urgently, “Why not? Xiafei cultivates in the Heavenly Workshop, and the merfolk are nothing like other Yao races that devour raw flesh and blood. In talent, appearance, and character, she would make an excellent spouse. She would never disgrace you, Mister. If it’s because of that child’s eccentric behavior…”
“Of course not. Your daughter is wonderful in every way, but I already have someone in my heart. In fact, more than one.”
Yun Liu refused outright, without a trace of lust clouding his judgment.
Madam Yingluo’s eyes darted around, recalling the two beautiful young women from earlier, and nodded with a smile.
“I see. Well, it’s perfectly normal for a great man to have multiple wives and concubines, especially someone of your esteemed status.”
“Madam, please stop joking.”
Yun Liu gave a wry smile and shook his head.
‘Though there is someone suitable… but it’s not convenient to mention.’
If he recommended Ji Shiyu, only for her to turn out to be a woman, and her daughter to be stolen away by that Huangmao girl, Madam Yingluo would surely skin the master and disciple pair alive!
In the original story, among Ji Shiyu’s many prospective mothers-in-law, Madam Yingluo had the worst impression of her!
“Very well then, I won’t force the matter.”
Madam Yingluo sighed with regret, but held Yun Liu in even higher regard.
Little did she know that even if Yun had the desire, he lacked the courage. With a mountain of debt he couldn’t repay and a rebellious daughter lurking in the shadows, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly.
“Alas, what a pity about Qiongxiao Palace’s dowry. I wonder which young master will end up with it. I’ve already promised the Storm Artifact and the Sea Tower Token.”
“Hm?”
Yun Liu and Ao Tian exchanged glances, their hearts racing.
He knew about the Sea Tower Token. It granted a permanent fifty percent discount on all purchases in the Sea Market. It was a special weapon that came with a late-game party member—a sixth-grade artifact with unique uses. But the Storm Artifact was a reward that never appeared in the game. Whoever obtained it could traverse Mirage City unhindered. Wouldn’t the underwater maze become like their own backyard?
“If Mister changes his mind, you may participate at any time.”
Yun Liu forced a smile, feeling a slight temptation.
“Ahaha…”
‘What does she mean by that? Madam Yingluo hasn’t given up—she’s still trying to tempt me on the side, raising the stakes.’
He’d have to give that silly girl strict orders later. She must secure this, and not let things slip through her fingers.
Madam Yingluo shifted the topic, speaking with a hint of resentment.
“Even if Mister has no interest in forming a bond with Xiafei, if you would only help me with a favor, the Sea Tower Token will be yours all the same. Qiongxiao Palace will forever be your friend.”
“Oh?”
Yun Liu clenched his fist. This was the storyline he was familiar with. The main quest had arrived.
“As you can see, my late husband’s authority has waned. The current Little Dragon King is a stubborn and self-righteous fool who deeply despises the Human Race. He constantly oppresses Qiongxiao Palace, slaughters cultivators who enter the sea, and even vows to take Xiafei as his maidservant! Anyone may win, except him. Otherwise, the consequences would be unthinkable. If Mister is willing to act on our behalf, my daughter and I would be eternally grateful!”
The pitiful plight of a widow and her orphaned child easily stirred sympathy.
Madam Yingluo’s eyes flashed with intense fury, her tail trembling with rage.
“This might be troublesome for other Golden Core Cultivators, but for you… it shouldn’t be a problem? The Little Dragon King is only at the Three Realms stage, having just completed his transformation.”
Yun Liu narrowed his eyes.
‘The true dragon is dead, and a mere Flood Dragon dares to call itself Dragon King. Ridiculous.’
The young man feigned deep thought before accepting with a smile.
“If that’s the matter, I’m happy to help. I wouldn’t want someone like that to become the master of Qiongxiao Palace and disrupt Shanhai Pavilion’s business. Between the East Pole Province and the Boundless Sea, there’s much room for cooperation in the future.”
“Truly? Mister, your great kindness, I shall never forget.”
Madam Yingluo’s expression turned emotional, then she clutched her chest and said shyly, “If Mister… doesn’t care for young girls, I’m not so old that I can’t warm your bed. In ancient times, fox spirits repaid kindness. My merfolk clan is not one to forget favors either…”
“Stop, stop, stop! Misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! Madam, please don’t bring that up again!”
Yun Liu’s face flushed red.
Startled, he scratched his head and scurried away, hastily taking his leave.
Madam Yingluo’s worry turned to joy, and she let out a quiet chuckle. Teasing the young man had put her in excellent spirits.
After Yun Liu left, the red-tailed koi inside the shell curled its lips, let the smile fade, and yawned.
This kind of tearjerker performance wasn’t new. Each time, the approach was different.
Yingluo had long ago picked out many mortal heroes to encourage, subtly expressing her admiration.
Yun Liu wasn’t the first, and he wouldn’t be the last.
But he was the only one who had clearly refused…
‘Interesting. What cat doesn’t steal fish? I don’t believe that nonsense for a second.’
Remembering the awkward misunderstanding from earlier, Yingluo laughed again—half annoyed, half amused.
“Young but cunning. Steward You was right—he even dares to have designs on me!? I’d like to see what waves this genius who orchestrated the great beast war between two domains can stir up in the Great Whirlpool.”
Madam Yingluo knew not only that the White-robed Youth had the Ice Fairy behind him, but also why the Kunpeng was so enraged. What she couldn’t have imagined was that the Sea Dragon had already been slain.
As for that Flood Dragon that wreaks havoc across the seas, Yun truly didn’t consider it a threat. He could easily send a capable apprentice to deal with it.
After escaping the Crystal Palace, Ao Tian hopped onto Yun Liu’s shoulder, staring at him with a puzzled look.
“Why did you agree so readily this time? You’re not actually taken with that widow, are you? Then I’ll have to have a word with Xing Shu on her behalf. If you’re looking for a change of taste, she’d be first in line.”
Yun Liu shot a glare at the increasingly plump Yellow Chicken.
“Go to hell. I agreed for Shiyu’s sake. The Trial of Fate has already begun.”
“I knew it! You expect me to believe you’d offend a powerful faction out of the goodness of your heart for some widow and orphan?”
Ao Tian rolled his eyes.
‘Figures. The brat’s making his silly daughter take the fall again.’
“Widow and orphan? Wrong. Qiongxiao Palace is a deep-sea giant that plays both sides. Things aren’t as simple as that woman makes them seem. Don’t underestimate this Pretty Widow. Madam Yingluo always puts on that pitiful, long-suffering act to the outside world. Who knows how many heroes of the Chaotic Sea she’s fooled into willingly fighting for her.”
Ao Tian was an old hand at such games himself.
He sneered, “If I’m not mistaken, the Little Dragon King has already threatened Qiongxiao Palace’s position. The Dragon Girl’s husband selection was a trap set by her, clearly using you land-dwellers as shields. Whoever wins, it doesn’t matter to her.”
“The winner never steps into the arena.”
“Using wolves to drive out tigers—a classic but effective tactic. The real question is: who is the Child of Destiny of the Boundless Sea?”
“Didn’t you already catch the scent? If nothing goes wrong, we’ll be meeting them very soon.”
“Can Shiyu handle them?”
Yun Liu shook his head.
“Not alone, no.”
There had been another woman disguised as a man. Only by joining forces could the two Fortune Maidens barely suppress the Water Phase Fortune Child. The Little Dragon King held every advantage—timing, position, and the support of the people.