Chapter 158: This Is the True Wonder of the World! (Two-in-one, seeking subscriptions)

Water Blue Star.

The Granville Sea near the Arctic Circle.

A scientific research vessel was drifting slowly on the sea.

Several experts with grim expressions stood on the deck, arguing in low voices while looking at the data constantly jumping on the large equipment placed there.

Their ship belonged to the Water Blue Star Warm Current Detection Organization, established by a global coalition.

Twenty years ago, this organization used big data analysis to discover that the warm current passing through the Ouluoba Mediterranean might face serious problems or even disappear.

And they issued a warning based on this.

Naturally, major powers attached great importance to this warning and held multiple important meetings for it.

Then... then they felt it was not yet time to do anything.

After all, this was only a prediction; although the confidence interval was over 95%, it still wasn't 100%, right?

Furthermore, the disappearance should be a slow process, and they believed that by then, they would surely find more effective ways to handle it.

And so, it reached the present.

Judging from the detection data of the scientific research vessel over the past six months.

The predicted event was slowly coming to pass.

The warm current near Ouluoba and even Flower Flag Country was disappearing, and the speed might be much faster than anticipated!

"If these data are reported, those big shots certainly won't be happy."

"I reckon someone will tell them this is just our way of asking for funding."

"After all, they would tend to believe that we used a little bit of mathematical method to exaggerate the severity of the problem."

An older expert in a red jacket sighed and summarized.

The younger ones were a bit annoyed, but were stifled by a single sentence from an old man beside them.

In order to secure funding, they had indeed slightly exaggerated the severity before.

"Alright, don't be upset; even if the warm current has problems as predicted, it just means the agricultural production areas will shift."

"Under current productivity, the probability of a great famine appearing outside the Black Soil Continent is still very low."

"And who can say for sure about the future? Perhaps the Sun's sunspots will suddenly flare up, and everything will be fine again?"

The red-jacketed expert coughed, effectively ending today's discussion of the topic.

Afterward, he looked at the data on the machine, frowned, picked up his tablet, and began uploading the data.

Don't look at how good he was at pacifying his team members; in fact, he was a pessimist.

He was more inclined to believe that the warm current might really disappear, and then Ouluoba and Flower Flag Country would face major problems.

For this reason, he planned to start transferring his fixed assets and such to other regions during this year's vacation.

After feeling the sea breeze and having grown tired of looking at the Dahai and the boundless sky, the red-jacketed expert turned off his tablet and had just walked into the cabin.

When he heard someone exclaim:

"Incredible!"

"Have the whale pods here gone mad?"

"They are sprinting!"

"Wait, what is this... this length, have we discovered a new species of whale?"

The red-jacketed expert was slightly shaken; after hearing the content, he also became interested and followed several team members to surround an observer who was watching the underwater monitor.

As a scientific research vessel that was valued and shouldered various heavy responsibilities, their equipment was relatively complete and advanced.

Through underwater observation equipment, they could drink coffee or hot tea while watching various incidents under the water.

And because of this.

They were surprised to see a white whale rush out from the school of fish and surface rapidly!

"A white whale! It's actually a white whale!"

"Quick, film it; this is excellent material for a documentary!"

Someone keenly spotted an opportunity to make some extra money.

The man in the red jacket, however, inexplicably felt a sense of unease.

But he soon shook his head to dispel that little bit of worry in his heart.

Although their scientific research vessel was not a ten-thousand-ton freighter, it was still a large ship of the five-thousand-ton class.

How could a large ship of this level be afraid of a giant beast in the sea?

Even if the giant octopus rumored to haunt the deep sea ran out, it couldn't possibly harm their research vessel, right?

Just as he was thinking this.

Suddenly!

Following a chorus of gasps from the observer and the onlookers!

They saw a black shadow, moving at a speed far exceeding that of the whale, overtake the white whale from behind!

Then this black shadow also rushed out of the water, revealing pitch-black scales and a blood-red maw.

With one bite, it snapped off a large part of the white whale's neck.

Then, on the surface of the sea, it devoured the white whale carcass—which looked at least two or three times larger than it—flesh and bone alike, at an astonishing speed.

During this time, they could only see the black scales on its body beneath the black mist, as well as its strange, indistinctly seen large head and fish tail.

"This... this is definitely not a creature native to the Dahai of Water Blue Star."

"Perhaps this is a sea monster?"

"There are sea monsters in the Granville Sea... I always thought those myths and legends from the drunks were all lies."

Several young team members opened their mouths wide; there was fear, but more of it was excitement.

Those who board ships, to a greater or lesser extent, all have a complex about hoping to encounter mysterious events on the Dahai.

Especially when it is in a place they feel is safe.

Some even boldly proposed operating detection instruments to remotely probe that black sea monster.

However, that black sea monster on the sea surface several thousand meters away did not dive back down after finishing the white whale.

Instead, it suddenly turned around, opened its eyes flickering with a faint Golden Light, and looked toward the scientific research vessel.

In the blink of an eye.

The hundreds of crew members on the ship inexplicably felt what it meant to be like falling into an ice cellar.

Following that, they widened their eyes and discovered that the sea monster... had actually flown up!

Yes, it had flown up!

Without wings, it just twisted its fish body, which was even more massive than a great shark, and flew rapidly through the air to the space above the scientific research vessel!

"This is a transcendent monster!"

"I knew it, myths and legends definitely aren't just made up!"

"May the Holy Lord protect us! I don't want to be eaten by a sea monster!"

The black sea monster flew in mid-air, slowly lowered its altitude, and gradually approached the cabin, after its eyes swept over everyone in the cockpit.

This Da Hei Yu monster seemed to have found its target and swooshed away from before people's eyes.

And then, with a bang!

The entire ship began to tilt violently up and down before crashing heavily back onto the sea surface.

Causing everyone in the cockpit to fall to the floor, while at the same time, someone saw on the surveillance screen.

That the sea monster had landed directly on the rear of the ship, smashing out a large hole, thereby causing the ship to lose its balance.

Fortunately, this sea monster quickly flew out from the smashed hole.

And then, without the slightest lingering, it plunged into the seawater and disappeared.

Leaving behind only a group of crew members, terrified to the point of weakness, who panted heavily for a long time before scrambling out of the cockpit in a disheveled state to look at the large hole in the back of the ship.

And after being dazed for a while, they reacted to the shouting and cursing of a few old sailors and hurriedly threw themselves into emergency repairs.

And secretly rejoiced that the sea monster had not destroyed the Dragon Bone or the bottom of the ship, sparing their lives.

The red-jacketed expert also arrived afterward with his team members.

And after keenly realizing something, he counted the items stored in the warehouse with his team members.

They soon discovered that a box they had brought back after conducting research at their Arctic Circle research site had vanished.

The red-jacketed expert remembered that the box seemed to contain a milky-white Ice Crystal Stone that had been dug out from deep beneath an iceberg somewhere in the Arctic Circle.

Because its texture was somewhat strange, the expert had kept it, preparing to conduct experiments after returning.

Yet he did not expect it to be snatched away by a black sea monster!

Could it be that the thing had some kind of attraction for that sea monster?

Thinking of this, the red-jacketed expert hurriedly summoned all the members of his team back for a meeting and strictly demanded that they keep this confidential.

Afterward, he hurriedly reported it to his superiors.

It concerned a transcendent sea monster.

The various parties that should have been dragging their feet also began to move at top speed.

Not long after, a warship at a nearby port ended its maintenance status ahead of schedule and rushed over.

And then, after confirming that the scientific research vessel itself had no major problems.

The Ouluoba authorities dispatched a helicopter to pick up the red-jacketed expert and his team members ahead of time.

It would not be long before the information regarding that black sea monster and the mysterious Ice Crystal Stone dug up in the Arctic Circle would be classified as top secret and then studied by expert groups.

And it would serve as one of the few bargaining chips for Ouluoba to deal with other major powers and exchange intelligence.

Da Hei did not know that it had already been labeled as the Granville Sea Monster by one faction.

And had acquired the dietary habit of enjoying eating whales.

Hunting the white whale was only because Da Hei had intuitively discovered that eating this mutated whale would be quite beneficial for the future stabilization of its Divine Soul.

So it went and ate it.

The brain of a black fish is just that simple and direct.

Likewise, having discovered that the big iron ship contained a good item that its master had specifically pointed out to pay attention to and get hold of if possible.

Da Hei flew into the sky and went over.

And strictly followed its master's commandment of not killing unless necessary.

It truly did not attack those fragile mortal opponents; it just smashed the iron plate with its tail and then took the interesting object.

Throughout the entire process, after entering the water, Da Hei even reviewed it in its mind and felt that it had done a very beautiful job.

It should have a chance to ask its master for credit and exchange it for some Pill to eat!

Just as it was thinking this.

Da Hei suddenly felt its body turn cold, and immediately saw a mysterious turtle, no larger than a palm, appear before its eyes as if it had teleported.

And it stretched out its short head, squinting its eyes as it stared at Da Hei.

Da Hei's body paused, and several seconds later, it spat out an Ice Crystal Stone the size of an adult's fist from its mouth.

The mysterious turtle opened its mouth and sucked away this Ice Crystal Stone, then nodded in satisfaction and turned to sink into the seabed.

The mysterious turtle had recently taken a liking to submarine volcanoes.

Not only could it eat some strange and delicious things there.

It could also resonate its breathing with the submarine volcano, submerging its entire body into the volcanic magma, and while slowly absorbing the volcanic energy, accelerate the proficiency of its growth divine abilities.

It was just that the effect would get worse and worse the longer it stayed at each active volcano, which made the mysterious turtle somewhat annoyed.

It still preferred to lie flat somewhere, motionless, preferably with gourmet food delivered right to its mouth.

If the scene of the Profound Turtle taking a volcanic bath were seen by the humans of Water Blue Star, it would surely cause an uproar, leading countless experts to churn out massive amounts of papers...

Three days later.

Nierbo.

Huang Zong and the others held the first Oriental Auction in a newly decorated factory.

The venue was simple, yet the security was exceptionally tight.

The number of security personnel was even greater than the number of qualified attendees.

On the walls of the renovated factory, there even appeared anti-aircraft equipment and unmanned turrets.

On the factory roof, there were large-scale jamming devices that could be activated at any moment.

At the same time, the identities of those attending this time were quite extraordinary.

Aside from a few merchants who had invested in Huang Zong and the others from the start and become their friends, who had received an Invitation Letter.

The rest of the attendees were all either wealthy or noble figures from major factions.

Furthermore, most of them often represented the will and instructions of even higher-level figures.

In addition, more importantly, the head of the Morning Star Church, which was currently the most prominent force in Bangzi Country, and that Yin-Yang Master from Sakura Country had also come to the scene and participated in the Auction.

They could be considered the most distinguished group of guests at this Auction.

The moment He Mao Chun Yi Lang saw Huang Zong and his group.

He was certain that these people, like himself, had come into contact with the true mysterious world.

Only then did the arrogant man feel that the other party had the status and standing to converse with him.

On the other side, that head of the Morning Star Church felt a little awkward.

He also sensed the extraordinary nature of Huang Zong and his group and the Yin-Yang Master He Mao Chun Yi Lang; that high-level pressure was, if not exactly the same as what his own Archbishop brought him, then indistinguishable!

He was not very surprised that Huang Zong and the others were transcendent.

After all, that terrifying Ghost God was led from here to Bangzi Country.

And that Yin-Yang Master... the aura he brought with him made this head instinctively feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Because of this, he intuitively concluded that the other party was a different type of transcendent from his own church and the Ghost God of Huang Zong and the others.

Fortunately, they did not appear to be enemies, and this Auction did not look like it would have any accidents.

Huang Zong personally hosted the Auction this time.

And as soon as he took the stage, he performed for everyone by lifting a large box, bigger than himself, with one hand, and placing it easily on the tabletop.

The heavy box made a dull thud.

And after opening it, he let everyone see the pieces of heavy, mostly purple-red wooden items inside.

"This is a set of Purple Red Fragrant Wood furniture from the Great Desolate Ancient Country three thousand years ago!"

"Purple Red Fragrant Wood can repel snakes, insects, rats, and ants, and it is warm in winter and cool in summer; daily use can also regulate the body and mind, helping people stay healthy and live long."

"It can be called a rare treasure."

"Starting bid: ten million Oriental Ancient Country Coin!"

The currency used for the auction was Oriental Ancient Country Coin, a decision made after Huang Zong and the others discussed it and received the approval of Shu Daoren from the Burial Ground.

Although guests from Flower Flag Country raised strong protests.

They were directly stifled by the words: "Come if you can, leave if you won't."

With so many big figures behind the Flower Flag Country guests waiting for them to buy things back, how could they dare to be truly tough?

Fortunately, Oriental Ancient Country Coin had already been circulating in various faction regions for decades, and it was not impossible to exchange for it, so they had to hold their noses and accept the rules here.

The ten-million-valued Purple Red Fragrant Wood furniture was quickly bid up to one hundred million.

Finally, it was acquired by a well-known Oriental investor for the price of two hundred and thirty million.

Huang Zong believed that this scene would surely spread back to their hometown soon.

It was estimated that before long, similar imitations might appear on the market.

Then there would be grandpas and grandmas pointing at their own collections, holding photos of this fragrant wood furniture, and shouting for everyone to come and look, saying that they happened to have one just like the item at the auction.

Don't ask if it's new, just look at whether the color and shape match!

Huang Zong took a sip of hot tea and gestured.

His companion behind the scenes shook their head, but still followed Huang Zong's previous instructions, throwing a large box into the air with both hands.

Then Huang Zong lightly tapped the ground with his right foot.

He then used a Martial Dao Divine Skill to let himself float lightly to a height of over twenty meters, and after easily catching the large box, he held it with his right hand, descending slowly like a feather.

This caused the image of a flying, agile fat man to suddenly fall into the eyes of the thousands of attendees.

While they were amazed, they could not help but feel a wave of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

These people were able to come here because they had naturally read Huang Zong's profile.

They knew this fat man's history of making a fortune and his subsequent experiences.

They were very clear that a few months ago, this guy was just a local tycoon from a small place.

Back then, such a small tycoon wouldn't even have the qualifications to attend their balls or flatter them!

Just such a small character had now become an object they had to treat with caution, and one they could barely afford to associate with!

The reversal of status could not help but make some people sigh at the wondrous nature of fate.

After Huang Zong landed lightly, he looked at the complex gazes of those attendees.

He enjoyed this very much.

Especially noticing a peer tycoon whom he had visited a long time ago only to be shut out.

Now, that person was looking at him with jealousy.

Huang Zong only felt that his own small vanity had been greatly satisfied!

A sense of "this old man has his day too" kept filling his chest.

Huang Zong opened the second large box.

From inside, he took out four large vases over a meter tall.

"This color... is it a Ru kiln sky-blue vase?"

"No, the color is similar, but the luster is more moist and comfortable."

"And those patterns on the vases, this brushwork... it is definitely the work of a master, yet I cannot find a clue!"

Several attendees with a keen interest in antiques immediately widened their eyes, clicking their tongues in wonder at these vases.

More people began to care about the origin of these vases and the meaning represented by the content on the vase bodies.

Even the dullest attendee realized it to some extent.

The seemingly high-value auction items at this Auction.

Very likely were not cultural products of the world as they knew it.

But rather cultural products from another world or a mortal world controlled by a Mysterious Force.

Having crammed knowledge of myths and legends, they thought of the Garden of Eden, the Mountain and Sea Realm, and various legends of Cave Heaven and Blessed Land in myths.

And secretly guessed which mythical place these things were more likely to come from.

After selling several antiques at high prices in a row.

Huang Zong announced an intermission.

And provided the guests with hot tea made from Health Tea Bags.

Although the attendees were either rich or noble, the number of tea bags was limited after all, and since many people did not believe it at first and missed the opportunity, there was no shortage of those tasting this kind of tea for the first time.

Everyone felt a stir in their hearts after drinking the tea, realizing the extraordinary nature of these teas.

Regardless of whether they had drunk it or not, they all deepened their intention to buy these tea bags to drink as water later.

A few minutes later.

Huang Zong returned to the stage with a smile.

"Ahem, ahem, a good item will be coming on stage next."

"This thing will not be of much use to ordinary people."

Saying this, Huang Zong swept his gaze over the crowd below, pausing on the faces of He Mao Chun Yi Lang and the leader of the Morning Star Church.

Immediately, he took out a small wooden box.

After opening the box, he took out a thin Jade Slip from inside.

"This is an Inheritance Jade Slip from the Nanhuang region."

"The content has nothing to do with cultivation techniques; it should be knowledge regarding the miscellaneous arts of a Cultivator's life."

Huang Zong said this, extended a finger, and stated a low price.

Soon, the Auction became lively.

Even if it had nothing to do with extraordinary cultivation techniques, it would be excellent to learn more about the living habits of extraordinary beings.

No matter which faction, they were all quite interested in this.

However, after He Mao Chun Yi Lang stood up with a swish and stated a high price.

The venue became quiet again.

Many people calculated the gains and losses between offending an extraordinary being and the Jade Slip in their hearts, and after the step provided by that high price, they chose to give up.

Then, He Mao Chun Yi Lang obtained this Jade Slip.

And it was delivered on the spot by Huang Zong.

He Mao Chun Yi Lang had always been in the Little Dark Room within the Pot Heaven.

His heart was very eager to understand the true extraordinary world.

Just after gripping the Jade Slip tightly and inputting Dharma Power.

This Yin-Yang Master could not help but be slightly stunned.

He did not expect that the Inheritance Jade Slip he bought at a high price actually recorded over a hundred methods for planting Spirit Plants.

What value did this thing have for him now?

Wait, the Resentment Flower and Seven Sins Grass in this Spirit Plant technique seem to be something I can try?

He Mao Chun Yi Lang checked slowly, and after seeing the Side-Door Path techniques in the Jade Slip, his heart relaxed.

It seems I really do have good fortune, I am a person of destiny!

I did not waste money in exchange for a useless object!

He Mao Chun Yi Lang sat back in his seat with satisfaction.

Then the Auction continued.

After selling a portion of the antiques, Huang Zong would auction some strange and peculiar items suspected to be mysterious.

Such as Heavenly Thunder Engraving Stones, Rejuvenation Pills, and some jewelry that could have health-preserving effects when worn for a long time.

When the Auction neared its end.

After Huang Zong cupped his hands to thank the attendees for their patronage.

He clapped his hands.

Suddenly, the roof lights of the factory dimmed and then became brighter, shining on the podium.

Huang Zong smiled and said:

"Thank you all for coming, willing to come to this godforsaken place."

"So we have calculated and decided to invite everyone to have a simple meal!"

Speaking of which, the attendants filed in through the back door.

They placed simple wooden slat tables in front of the guests.

And distributed simple dining plates.

After another while, Huang Zong carefully opened a wooden bucket.

Suddenly!

The entire venue was filled with an incomparably sweet scent.

It made everyone, including He Mao Chun Yi Lang, have a greatly increased appetite, and their stomachs began to rumble.

Especially He Mao Chun Yi Lang; staying in this spiritless environment, after smelling the aroma of the Spirit Rice, he instinctively secreted a large amount of saliva.

Huang Zong also secretly swallowed his saliva.

If it weren't for Shu Daoren's instructions, he would have loved to devour all this Spirit Rice Rice by himself.

Looking at this crystal-clear, distinct-grained rice.

Huang Zong took a deep breath of the fragrance.

His hands blurred into afterimages as he distributed mounds of rice onto the plates in front of the attendees.

A simple meal... it really was just a small mound of rice.

The portion was not enough for an adult to swallow in one bite.

But none of the attendees questioned or felt angry.

Gazing at the Spirit Rice Rice they had never eaten before.

They all developed the illusion that this was the rarest delicacy under heaven!