Chapter 96: The Focus of Attention

At this moment, he finally understood what Zhu Yin was bearing—the colossal karmic burden beyond imagination, whose negative cause-and-effect had created the darkness deep within the endless Four Seas. And Zhu Yin resolutely shouldered this heavy responsibility for the entire Dragon Race alone.

"For the Dragon Race, as the lingering glow of the previous era, this is all I can do," Zhu Yin said, gazing at Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi acted without hesitation.

He drew from his bosom a luminous orb, a symbol brimming with benevolent thoughts and merit.

The moment the orb appeared, the surrounding temperature seemed to rise sharply as the positive energy was released.

The evil karma, under that brilliance, melted like winter snow meeting warm sun, emitting a faint sizzle, "shhh".

Zhu Yin instantly felt the weight on his body lighten considerably; those once mountain‑heavy karmic burdens, though never crushing him completely, had long oppressed him like carrying a thousand‑jin load through mud.

Now, merely the appearance of that orb gave him an unprecedented sense of relief, as if a long drought had finally met sweet rain.

What would the scene be like if that orb were entirely his?

Thinking of this, Zhu Yin looked at the orb in Zhou Yi's hand, his gaze growing even more fervent.

"Let's discuss the terms first. I want some high‑grade spirit treasures. As a former ruler of a realm, you must have plenty of valuables," Zhou Yi said with a smile.

Hearing the question, Zhu Yin was momentarily stunned, as if caught off guard, then shook his head.

That gesture startled Zhou Yi, who silently wondered whether the fellow intended to back out.

Sensing Zhou Yi's change of expression, Zhu Yin immediately realized the misunderstanding and explained, "I haven't overseen Dragon Race affairs for a long time; I'm not clear on the exact quantities."

"Wait while I summon the juniors to tell you the details." Through Zhu Yin's magical transmission, the two who had been standing dumbfounded at the doorway instantly flashed in.

Upon entering the space, they felt their bodies relax and instinctively moved toward Zhou Yi, but under his imposing gaze they instinctively retreated.

"Elder Ancestor, any instructions?" the two asked respectfully.

"Tell me, how many treasures remain in our Dragon Palace now?" Zhu Yin asked.

Hearing this, the two were first stunned, then warily surveyed Zhou Yi, speculating about his motives.

Ao Yin, fully aware of Zhou Yi's strength, did not believe he would be easily taken advantage of and worried he came to plunder something.

"No need to worry, we have a transaction between us," Zhu Yin saw through their concerns and explained. Only then did the two relax and cease probing.

Then, with a proud expression and a light cough, they said, "You know, our Dragon Race is rich across the Four Seas, with countless magical artifacts; we could even pave the ground with them, but that's a story for another time."

Zhou Yi couldn't help a slight smile. Clearly the two were flaunting their wealth. Yet he was in no hurry; time was not lacking for him, so he paid no mind to their words and let them continue.

"The number of Post‑Heaven Spirit Treasures is quite substantial: lower‑grade about several hundred thousand, middle‑grade several ten‑thousands, and top‑grade a few thousand," he said. "As for Preheavenly Spiritual Treasures, a rough estimate exceeds ten thousand."

Hearing those figures, a spark flashed in Zhou Yi's eyes. The amount was just right for him.

However, Zhu Yin seemed somewhat disappointed upon learning the numbers.

In his view, compared with the Dragon Race's heyday, the figures were still lower. In recent years, to maintain normal operations and gather intelligence, the Dragon Race had consumed many treasures.

After some contemplation, Zhu Yin made a suggestion: "Then it's settled; let's make a deal.

I am willing to trade three Pre‑Heaven Top‑Grade Spirit Treasures, dozens of Pre‑Heaven Middle‑Grade Spirit Treasures, and hundreds of Pre‑Heaven Lower‑Grade Spirit Treasures for your merit and the Human Race totem position."

The two standing aside, upon hearing the word "merit," saw even hotter light flicker in their eyes.

They knew that obtaining this merit would greatly lighten their burdens.

Perhaps even Elder Ancestor Zhu Yin could be liberated by it, reviving the Dragon Race's glory.

As for the Human Race totem position, they cared little.

"That's a very fair price; deal," Zhou Yi replied with a smile, then handed over the golden light of merit from his hand.

He was not worried the Dragon Race would renege; on one hand, it wasn't worth tarnishing their reputation for such a small gain, and on the other, he possessed enough power to reclaim everything that belonged to him at any time.

Zhu Yin's gaze swept over the scene; the golden light instantly split into two portions, a small fragment drifting toward the other two who governed the Dragon Palace of the endless Four Seas, as recognition and reward for their contributions, which would also augment their strength.

The larger remainder was directly absorbed by Zhu Yin, and the chains that had once bound him tightly loosened considerably.

Feeling his body become light, Zhu Yin couldn't help letting out a soaring howl; a terrifying aura radiated from the deep sea, as if an undersea storm were brewing, causing the endless Four Seas to tremble under his pressure, waves raging.

"This is yours; please keep it safe," the other two, being very considerate, first handed over what Zhou Yi needed.

After confirming all items were correct, Zhou Yi nodded with satisfaction and said, "With this, everything is perfectly resolved."

Zhou Yi proposed, "Let's first keep Ao Yin on the Human Race side as a liaison between the two races. Should any news arise, I will have him inform you."

Hearing this, a trace of sympathy flickered in the two's eyes.

No one expected that the decision to dispatch Ao Yin would result in him being left among the Human Race.

Nevertheless, they raised no objection. In their hearts they thought silently that it was neither wholly good nor bad, so they let it be for now.

Whether the relationship between the two races can improve may depend on Ao Yin's performance. At the same time, they silently rooted for him in their hearts.

With matters concluded, Zhou Yi concealed his aura and slipped away silently, returning to the Human Race's territory.

Meanwhile, the changes in Human Society shocked countless people in the Vast Wilderness World.

For the first time, a flag fluttered over the Human Race's sky, embroidered with the Dragon Race's emblem.

The once obscure Human Race gradually became the focus of attention for various forces in the Vast Wilderness World.

Previously no one cared, but now the situation is vastly different.

In the bustling Food City, a single glance clearly reveals the Human Race's transformation.

Moreover, various factions have dispatched spies, constantly monitoring every move of the Human Race and reporting detailed intelligence to their respective camps.