Chapter 123: Emerald Sea Palace Sect

Wang Li approached them, a genuine smile warming his features.

"Greetings, everyone. I'm Wang Li, Patriarch of the Wang Family. I'm quite new to the Crimson Rock Sect's fascinating landscape and was hoping one of you might be willing to be my guide."

A wave of surprise washed over the group. A powerful Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, a rising force in the cultivation world, actually requesting their help? The eldest of them, a young man named Ka Jing, stammered, "B-but Patriarch Wang, surely someone of your stature wouldn't require our guidance. We're mere outer sect disciples."

Wang Li chuckled. "Underestimating yourselves, are we? Every cultivator starts somewhere. Besides, sometimes the most scenic routes are known only to those who journey the less-trodden paths."

Ka Jing exchanged nervous glances with his companions before finally nodding. "We would be honored to guide you, Patriarch Wang."

The following days were a whirlwind of activity. Wang Li, accompanied by his guides, explored the hidden corners of the sect.

He listened as they spoke of their hopes and dreams, of the challenges they faced as outer sect disciples struggling to rise through the ranks.

He observed their interactions, weeding out those who displayed arrogance or envy.

One by one, the disciples who displayed both good character and promising Fates earned a place on Wang Li's mental list.

With a touch of his hand, he transferred communication talismans to each of them.

"Consider these a token of my gratitude," he said. "Perhaps, someday, we shall cross paths again."

The young men were overwhelmed.

A communication talisman from a powerful figure like Patriarch Wang was a priceless treasure – a potential connection that could change their destinies.

Though deep down, they harbored a flicker of doubt.

Would someone like Patriarch Wang truly remember them? Were they not too insignificant to matter?

But for now, the thrill of the moment eclipsed their doubts

They held the talismans close, a symbol of hope and a connection to a world beyond their current limitations.

With a heavy heart, Wang Li finally bid farewell to the Crimson Rock Sect.

He had found what he sought, not prodigies, but diamonds in the rough, men with the potential to be not just strong cultivators, but also possible loving husbands for the women of his family.

His journey continued.

The Emerald Sea Palace awaited, and with it, the possibility of finding even more potential for his blossoming Wang Family.

Unlike the Crimson Rock Sect, Wang Li lacked the benefit of introductions. Here, within the Emerald Sea Palace, the Song and Xia families had no influence.

But a flicker of confidence remained in his eyes. Before the fall of the Wang Family, they boasted a strong relationship with the Emerald Sea Palace, built upon years of trade and mutual assistance.

While ties had been strained by the rumors of demonic affiliation, the Emerald Sea Palace hadn't directly participated in the Wang Family's downfall. Now, with the family rebuilding, Wang Li believed the elders who cherished the past connection would grant him entry.

A mixture of amusement and mild awkwardness washed over him as he realized the unexpected challenge his visit to the Emerald Sea Palace had presented.

Relief washed over Wang Li as three figures gracefully descended upon the gathering crowd. Dressed in flowing cerulean robes adorned with intricate wind and water motifs, the figures emanated a sense of calm authority. They were Elders of the Emerald Sea Palace, each radiating an aura of profound cultivation.

Elder Shui, with her silver hair and gentle demeanor, stepped forward.

"Disciples," her voice resonated with a soothing calmness, "Patriarch Wang is a guest of the sect. Please return to your duties and allow us to show him proper hospitality."

The disciples, though hesitant, obeyed, their gazes lingering on the handsome Patriarch before dispersing. Wang Li bowed in gratitude towards the Elders. "Thank you, esteemed Elders, for your timely intervention."

Elder Shui smiled faintly. "We apologize for the... enthusiasm of our disciples, Patriarch Wang."

Elder Qing, a woman with sharp features and piercing sapphire eyes, added, "Their curiosity regarding such a distinguished guest is understandable."

Elder Lan, the youngest of the trio with vibrant blue hair that cascaded down her back, tilted her head in curiosity. "Now, Patriarch Wang, may we inquire about the purpose of your visit to the Emerald Sea Palace?"

Wang Li met their gaze with a sincere smile. "Esteemed Elders, I come not only as Patriarch of the Wang Family, but also as a son seeking to honor his mother's legacy. My mother, Lin Yue, was once a talented disciple within the Emerald Sea Palace walls. I believe she would be overjoyed to see our family rebuilding, and forging a renewed connection with her former sect."

A soft glow suffused the Elders' faces. The name Lin Yue clearly held a special place in their memories. "Indeed," Elder Shui confirmed, a nostalgic look in her eyes, "Lin Yue was a cultivator of exceptional talent and unwavering spirit. We deeply regret not being able to offer her family aid during those... unfortunate times."

Wang Li shook his head, understanding coloring his voice. "Please, esteemed Elders, there is no need for apologies. Back then, aiding the Wang Family could have brought unwanted conflict with the Azure Peak Sect. The fault for our misfortune lies solely with Ye Fan's treachery."

A collective frown settled on the Elders' faces. The name Ye Fan evoked a sense of disapproval. "Rest assured, Patriarch Wang," Elder Qing declared, her voice firm, "should Ye Fan ever dare enter our territory, we will make him pay dearly for his schemes against the Wang Family."

Elder Lan, seemingly the most expressive of the three, leaned closer, her voice dropping to a low murmur. "What kind of trade deals did you have in mind, Patriarch Wang? The revitalization of our connection is certainly welcome."

Wang Li returned her gaze, a plan forming in his mind. "Esteemed Elders, I propose a mutually beneficial exchange.

The Emerald Sea Palace possesses an abundance of rare sea herbs. In return, the Wang Family is capable of providing your esteemed sect with highly potent cultivation pellets specifically formulated to enhance the strength of Water, Ice, Wind and Wood attribute cultivators, especially those in the Core Formation Realm."

A wave of surprise rippled through the Elders. These were precisely the elemental specializations upon which the Emerald Sea Palace focused. Such pellets would be invaluable in bolstering the power of their disciples. Yet, Elder Qing raised a cautious eyebrow.

"Such an offer appears incredibly generous, Patriarch Wang. We wouldn't want to take advantage of your goodwill."

"Consider it an investment in the future," Wang Li replied with a confident smile. "A future where the Wang Family and the Emerald Sea Palace stand strong together."

The Elders exchanged thoughtful glances. The proposal was tempting, but weighty. "We appreciate your sincerity, Patriarch Wang," Elder Qing finally spoke. "However, such a decision cannot be made hastily. We will convene an emergency council meeting with the other Elders to discuss your offer."

"Of course," Wang Li readily agreed. "I understand the importance of careful consideration. I will await your response with great anticipation."

Elder Shui offered a gentle smile. "We appreciate your patience, Patriarch Wang. Rest assured, you will receive our answer tomorrow morning. In the meantime, please consider yourself a valued guest of the Emerald Sea Palace."

With a bow of gratitude, Wang Li accepted their hospitality. The encounter had taken an unexpected turn, but a fruitful one, nonetheless.

Now, he could only hope the council would recognize the potential of the proposed trade agreement. As he settled into his assigned quarters, his mind drifted towards Ye Fan.

The thought of making the Emerald Sea Palace an enemy of his scheming nemesis filled him with a surge of satisfaction.