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."
Han Kexin smiled slightly and said, "I've already guessed that you would suggest this. I've already conveyed the relevant information to them. Tonight, we'll meet on an island near Holy Tides City."
Kan Kexin's efficiency in handling matters was indeed impressive. After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Nu took out the sealing magic pearl and tossed it to the Succubus Queen. Han Kexin immediately understood. She knew that Zhang Nu did not want to reveal the connection between the Dark Dragon merchants and the Darkness City. Moreover, he did not want to expose his identity as the lord of the Darkness City, given the proximity to the Chaos Forest. If his identity was discovered, it could lead to complications.
Han Kexin chuckled, "Haha, I'll handle the contact and negotiations with the other party. As for you, Mr. Potato, you'll play the role of my personal attendant named 'Mr. Long'. " Having the renowned Potato Demon King as a personal attendant was quite a delightful feeling for the Succubus Queen.
Zhang Nu, hidden under the guise of another identity, could maintain a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention and protecting the forces he controlled. It would also mislead the other party, making them underestimate the strength on both sides.
On the same night, near Saint Wave City, on a deserted island, the Succubus Queen, accompanied by the mysteriously cloaked Mr. Dragon, appeared. Within just a few minutes of their arrival on the island, the surroundings underwent a strange transformation. The once tumultuous sea now seemed frozen, and the ocean parted as a compelling aura emanated from the opened passage.
Han Kexin furrowed her brows slightly, sensing a powerful monarch's presence. It seemed that among the visitors, there was at least one being of monarch-class. As expected, this force was formidable, even bordering on terrifying. The first to emerge was a troop exuding a chilling aura. They appeared to be part human, part serpent, with fine scales covering their bodies. Their skin displayed a bluish-white hue, and they wielded tridents or crossbows. All of them were at least Level 3 or 4 elites.
These were... the Deep Sea Naga Tribe! The Naga Tribe was a highly potent and enigmatic aquatic race. They typically resided in the central depths of the ocean, constructing cities and palaces on the seabed. They rarely ventured into shallower waters or onto land, making their power largely unknown to land-dwelling races. In fact, within the Azure Water Federation, the power of the Naga Tribe was comparable to that of the Merfolk.
Surrounded by this formidable Naga army, a female Naga with purple scales stepped forward. The overwhelming monarch aura emanated from her. Judging by her appearance, she seemed to be in her early thirties in human terms. With purple scales, green multilayered eyes, blue-white skin, and countless snake-like tendrils of hair, she exuded an eerie vibe. Accompanying the Naga Queen were three other beings of different races---a sharkfolk and a sea-drakefolk.
Zhang Nu glanced over the information and could not help but show a surprised expression.
[Ancient Naga Demon King: Ijin Shinju] Level 5 monarch unit...
Description: A member of the mysterious organization "Deep Sea Hermits Association" in the Azure Water Federation, a powerful Level 5 Demon King. Commands tens of thousands of elite troops and a million aquatic inhabitants...
[Black Shark Grand Marshal of the Black Sea Kingdom: Kondo Kyohei] Level 6 overlord unit... Description: A member of the mysterious organization "Deep Sea Hermits Association" in the Azure Water Federation, one of the Grand Marshals of the Black Sea Kingdom in the Azure Water Federation. A naturally gifted black-gold sharkfolk, an extremely powerful Hero.
[Dominator of the Chaos Sea Region: Saiki Daioh] Level 6 overlord unit...
Description: A member of the mysterious organization "Deep Sea Hermits Association" in the Azure Water Federation, the chieftain of the sea-drakefolk in the chaos sea region. All tribes in the chaos sea region, spanning two thousand miles, obey his commands. An extremely powerful Hero.
The volume of information was considerable. There was a Demon King and two Heroes present. Judging by their names, they all seemed to be islanders. Furthermore, they all belonged to an organization called the "Deep Sea Hermits Association." If Zhang Nu's deduction was correct, this "Deep Sea Hermits Association" was a similar organization to the "Thunderous Society" in the Thunder Empire. However, its composition seemed to be even more complex.
The "Thunderous Society" was a small circle formed by Super Heroes like Yan Qianjun, Xiang Nanfeng, and Hong Xia. The "Deep Sea Hermits Association" appeared to not only have Heroes comparable to the Thunderous Society but had even recruited some immensely powerful Demon Kings, making it truly perplexing.
Nevertheless, one could not underestimate the strength of these three individuals. Especially the Naga Demon King, Ijin Shinju. While her level might not have surpassed that of Kondo Kyohei and Saiki Daioh, in terms of pure strength, she undoubtedly ranked above either of these two Heroes. The two Heroes would have needed to join forces to have any hope of contending with her. This highlighted the power gap between monarch units and overlord units. Evenso, never should these two Heroes be underestimated; they were likely on par with or even superior to figures like Hong Xia and Xiang Nanfeng.
At that moment, both sides maintained a high level of vigilance. Ijin Shinju carefully examined the presence before her -- the Succubus Queen Han Kexin. She discerned the opponent's identity; she was a Great Demon King with fame and strength likely surpassing her own. However, Ijin Shinju was not worried. This was clearly not the opponent's territory, as there were no succubi forces in the Azure Water Federation or its vicinity. Even if a confrontation had occurred, in the oceanic environment, she might be able to match this opponent. Additionally, Ijin Shinju had two Level 6 overlords by her side.
As for the cloaked figure beside the Succubus Queen, Ijin Shinju's gaze lingered for only a second, not paying too much attention. She speculated that this should be the Succubus Queen's subordinate, with strength ranging from a Level 5 overlord to a Level 5 monarch. While powerful, this individual would not have significantly impacted the overall situation.
"Succubus Queen! You've killed quite a few of our subordinates these past few days!"
"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."