Chapter 228: Deep Sea Hermits Association

Zhang Nu draped himself in his cloak of disguise, causing a transformation in his physique and temperament. Simultaneously, he concealed his aura, skillfully using the cloak's abilities to make his strength appear Level 5 at most. This disguise cloak was exceptionally potent. Coupled with Zhang Nu's innate ability to hide his aura, it was impossible to discern his true level and strength unless someone possessed an S-rank appraisal skill.

Upon arriving in the Holy Tides City, he rendezvoused with Han Kexin. The Succubus Queen did not beat around the bush and delivered the news straightforwardly, "The sealing pearl you acquired in the Sky Ocean Market is the key to open the empress's tomb beneath the sea."

This information was not new to Zhang Nu. However, his strategic focus remained in the north, and he had not diverted his energy to explore the empress's tomb in the south.

Han Kexin continued, "A single sealing pearl won't suffice. To unlock the empress's tomb in the Calamity Trench, you need to gather at least four sealing pearls."

Zhang Nu immediately deduced, "So, the recent investigation into my forces in the Holy Tides City was actually aimed at collecting these sealing pearls?"

Han Kexin nodded, "Not only that, but they already have three in their possession. Yours is the last, so they are determined to obtain it."

At this juncture, Han Kexin paused, her expression turning solemn. She said, "This force is not ordinary. It is likely composed of both Demon Kings and Heroes. I've dealt with some of their subordinates and found that they are formidable opponents."

So that's why. After absorbing the relevant information, Zhang Nu could not help but become more alert. Han Kexin, being a top-tier Demon King, expressed a lack of absolute confidence in dealing with this particular force. This suggested that the opposing faction was indeed formidable.

"A collaboration between Great Demon Kings and Super Heroes?" Zhang Nu mused, intrigued. "That's quite unusual. How can entities like Demon Kings and Heroes, typically considered mortal enemies, find common ground?"

Han Kexin clarified, "It's not as unusual as it seems. As long as there's enough benefit, even Demon Kings and Heroes of equal standing can work together."

Curious, Zhang Nu questioned further, "So, what exactly are they after?"

Han Kexin responded, "From my investigation, they suspect that the Azure Water Covenant might be concealed in the empress's tomb. Their goal is to obtain this ancient covenant."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Nu's expression shifted slightly. Now it made sense. The entire structure of the Azure Water Federation rested upon this covenant, making it highly enticing for both Heroes and Demon Kings in the Azure Water region. Obtaining the covenant could be used to threaten the higher-ups of the Azure Water Federation, or, if destroyed, would yield considerable advantages.

The Azure Water Federation was currently grappling with internal strife. Without a supremely powerful covenant to unite them, it would have already crumbled, fractured, and lost the ability to form any alliances. If the covenant were obliterated, leading to the disintegration of the federation, the region would transform into a colossal "Chaos Forest." Various factions would vie for supremacy, kingdoms, ancient tribes, indigenous groups---all would inevitably plunge into chaotic mergers and battles.

For a Demon King, this presented an opportunity to thrive amidst the turmoil. For a Hero, it provided a chance for more effective infiltration and control of various political powers, thereby fortifying their influence. It was precisely due to these circumstances that they had a compelling motive to locate the Azure Water Covenant.

The problem was that for thousands of years, the whereabouts of the Azure Water Covenant had remained a mystery. No one knows where the covenant was hidden. The empress's tomb? This was the widely accepted theory. Some believe that when the Azure Water Empress plunged into the depths, sacrificing her life to suppress the entire Calamity Trench, she also took the covenant with her, making it inaccessible for thousands of years.

Zhang Nu inquired, "What's your take on this?"

Han Kexin replied, "Darkness City's strategic focus isn't on the Azure Water Federation, and my Gloom City is even more limited, relying solely on a teleportation tower. Deploying forces here comes at a significant cost. I think it's best not to complicate matters. Directly conflicting with this force doesn't align with our interests. Even if we eliminate this group, they will send others, and as the local power, they can easily manipulate native forces to besiege us. Instead, I suggest adopting peaceful means to resolve the situation."

Zhang Nu nodded in agreement. He was not afraid of these individuals, but a direct conflict would not serve his interests. He proposed, "Let's arrange a meeting with them. We can sit down and talk. If things go well, I'm also interested in exploring the empress's tomb. If negotiations fail, we can take action later."

"I advise you to obediently hand over the Sealing Magic Pearl!"

Saiki Daioh spoke with a deep voice, "We have urgent matters to attend to right now, and we don't want to engage in conflict with you. Just hand over the magic pearl, and we can forget about what happened these past two days."

Han Kexin sneered, "What the hell do you think you are to talk to me like this?"

"Kisama..!" Kondo Kyohei was furious, unsheathing a black-golden battle knife.

[You have been hit by a "Mind Control" attack. Your body is under control!]

Originally, Kondo Kyohei had intended to intimidate the opponent, but unexpectedly, his body suddenly lost control. A vigorous Qi gathered, slashing directly toward Saiki Daioh beside him.

Saiki Daioh was caught off guard, having no time to defend himself, and was struck by the attack. Luckily, being a sea-drakefolk with tough skin, he sustained some injuries but nothing severe.

"Kondo-kun, have you gone mad?"

"No, it's not me! Damn it, I'm being controlled."

Upon closer observation, they discovered nearly invisible blue threads emerging from the surrounding space, connecting to Kondo Kyohei and Saiki Daioh on the other end of the threads. The other end of the threads was held in the left hand of the Succubus Queen.

Han Kexin wore a slight smile, manipulating the threads like a puppeteer moving marionettes.

Saiki Daioh raised a spear, unleashing his Qi, initiating a charging technique with astonishing momentum, rushing toward Kondo Kyohei as if in a fierce assault. People who witnessed this out of context might think they were fighting amongst themselves.

"Kuso, I'm also being controlled!"

Ijin Shinju shouted angrily, "Enough!"

A highly sharp psychic wave, like a blade, cut the threads, and Kondo Kyohei regained control of his body. He quickly avoided Saiki Daioh's attack.

"Not bad!"

The Succubus Queen, Han Kexin, showed no expression. She controlled the blue psychic threads with her left hand and released purple soul-controlling threads with her right hand. Her whole body emitted a dangerous aura.

"If you want to negotiate, show me sincerity, not intimidation. If you're not interested in talking, I don't mind having a fight."

The two Heroes' faces darkened. Han Kexin, the Succubus Queen, truly lived up to her reputation as a renowned Great Demon King. Her strength and abilities were truly unfathomable. She even toyed with two Level 6 Heroes as if they were playthings! Ijin Shinju also wore a solemn expression. Even in underwater combat, she only had a fifty to sixty percent chance of winning. On land, her odds dropped to thirty or forty percent."