Chapter 1509: Establish a Mermaid Island! On the Foundation You Dug in Your Hometown!

Since Yuzhu, this mermaid, had escaped, the reason was not hard to guess.

Either internal strife, or an invasion by an outside race.

Whether it was internal strife or an outside invasion, Su Yang had no interest in meddling.

He even owed gratitude to the merfolk's internal conflict, and to the forces threatening them—otherwise, Yuzhu would hardly have chosen to submit to the Xia Federation just now.

"Do you prefer living in seawater or freshwater?"

"Seawater would be best," Yuzhu replied softly. "Our kind is better suited to the ocean."

"Good!"

At this moment, Seeing Xiao Shan had already gathered her kin.

They lived near the glaciers, and when fire-elemental beasts recently invaded, they did not flee—they helped slay those fire-elemental beasts, lending a hand to Sovereign Jiazi and others.

Su Yang opened the Chuansongzhi Sect. "Go in!"

Sovereign Jiazi and Xiao Yu went in first, followed by Yuzhu leading the merfolk.

The Phoenix stood beside Su Yang, its expression somewhat grim.

It muttered discontentedly, "When we subdued the Yinglong, why didn't we use the portal?"

"I wanted to see the scenery along the way!"

"Emmm…"

You just wanted to ride on Mom's back and enjoy the view!

On the other side of the Chuansongzhi Sect lay Mount Dajiao, where Su Yang had once served.

Su Yang and the Phoenix were the last to pass through; by then, Sovereign Jiazi had already communicated with the mayor of Mount Dajiao, who had arrived upon hearing the news.

When Su Yang arrived, the mayor of Mount Dajiao had already lined up his disciplined city guards to welcome him!

Besides the military, there was Xi Yao from the Treasure Pavilion.

"You don't need to go through all this trouble!"

Su Yang looked at these soldiers, among whom were familiar faces like Tong Tong Junhao.

Seeing they were still alive made him genuinely happy.

"General Su, welcome!"

"General Su, long time no see!"

"General Su…"

These people were overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

Of course, many also stared curiously at the merfolk.

The merfolk existed almost entirely in legend—they were seeing true mermaids for the first time.

Su Yang waved his hand, signaling them to quiet down.

After chatting with these old subordinates, Su Yang found the mayor of Mount Dajiao.

"This merfolk group has decided to join our Xia Federation—I plan to station them near Mount Dajiao!"

Su Yang had considered where to settle the merfolk, and ultimately felt Mount Dajiao's vicinity was most suitable.

The merfolk must live within the Xia Federation Territory.

The agreement he made with the Qingluan Nation was that they must not invade any land within the Xia Federation's borders, but may roam freely elsewhere.

After all, the Xia Federation's territory is already large enough!

If it's not enough, Su Yang could negotiate further with the Qingluan Nation—they'd certainly grant him face now.

The main issue is the Xia Federation has too few people…

The merfolk must be near Xia Federation cities—at least not too far—otherwise communication becomes inconvenient.

The Xia Federation has few coastal cities, and Su Yang couldn't possibly build a new one from scratch.

The area near Mount Dajiao is ideal!

"Submit to the Xia Federation?"

The mayor of Mount Dajiao exclaimed in surprise.

This was the first time in the Xia Federation's history that a beast tribe had submitted!

"Yes!" Su Yang nodded. "The merfolk's potential is exceptional—they have the potential to reach King and Emperor ranks!"

The mayor's eyes gleamed.

He well understood how vital King- and Emperor-potential beast companions were to Beast Masters.

"I plan to station them near Mount Dajiao!"

"Your subordinate obeys!"

The mayor of Mount Dajiao did not object.

He trusted the Federation would never oppose Su Yang's decision.

Su Yang gazed at the sea near Mount Dajiao and furrowed his brow.

The merfolk would best thrive in the deep sea.

But he found the deep sea near Mount Dajiao was unsuitable as their settlement.

Simply releasing them into the deep sea would hinder management and protection.

Su Yang felt they needed at least one island near Mount Dajiao, located in the deep sea.

The Xia Federation should station troops on the island, build a city, and maintain communication and trade with the merfolk.

Otherwise, when the entire world enters the Beast Master era, Beast Masters will still sneak into the deep sea to "poach."

Su Yang wanted to firmly and permanently make the merfolk the Xia Federation's exclusive possession!

Also, Su Yang cared deeply about marine resources.

The mermaid clan is well-suited to help the Huaxia Federation develop and explore certain marine resources.

"Yuzhu, take your clansfolk and find a region in the nearby deep sea that suits you!"

"Alright!"

Jin Lin of the mermaid clan took several clansfolk and dove into the ocean.

"Xiao Shan, take the remaining clansfolk and wait for your mother to return."

"Yes, General Su!"

After giving the instructions, the City Lord of Mount Dajiao led Su Yang and the others into Mount Dajiao City.

The City Lord of Mount Dajiao said with a smile: "General Su, please allow your subordinate to extend the hospitality of a host!" "Very well!" General Su said, looking at those familiar faces, "Let's share a meal together!"

At the banquet, Su Yang needed all his old subordinates to come and toast him.

That included Xi Yao of the Treasure Pavilion.

When the banquet ended, it was already evening; Yuzhu returned and found Su Yang.

"Did you find a place?"

"Found it!"

"Take me to have a look!"

Beside Su Yang, besides Sovereign Jiazi, there was now an additional Xi Yao.

At the banquet, Xi Yao expressed great interest in the mermaid clan and wished to cooperate with them.