"Is this... disappeared?"
Even with the experience of two lifetimes, far more knowledgeable than an average person, Zhao Ya couldn’t help but be amazed as the shell vanished before his eyes.
Kong Xiangdong felt a small sense of pride.
Before this, Zhao Ya had exerted an overwhelming pressure on him.
Because in terms of personal strength and Poison Dao proficiency, Zhao Ya surpassed him by far.
Even in terms of decisiveness in character, Zhao Ya was more assertive.
This subtly made Kong Xiangdong feel ashamed of himself.
Especially after learning about Zhao Ya’s true identity, this feeling became even more pronounced.
So much so that whenever standing alongside Zhao Ya, Kong Xiangdong couldn’t help but exhibit a very submissive demeanor.
In fact, this was no big deal, but Kong Xiangdong still felt somewhat awkward.
Until today, Kong Xiangdong deliberately brought out his proudest collection to give Zhao Ya a small shock.
The result didn’t disappoint Kong Xiangdong.
Indeed, shock showed on Zhao Ya’s face.
"Actually, it hasn’t, this shell just disappeared from our view, but as for its actual body..."
As Kong Xiangdong spoke, he picked up a wine glass from the table and splashed the remaining wine.
In an instant, the originally empty jade box started to distort the light.
Soon after, the shell emerged once more.
The difference was, upon contact with the wine, the shell turned pink.
Zhao Ya suddenly understood.
It turned out that this shell had somehow perfectly mimicked its surroundings, creating the illusion of disappearing.
This was like the principle of a chameleon, only much more magical.
At least Zhao Ya had never seen anything that could blend into its environment to the extent where even he couldn’t distinguish it.
Subsequently, Zhao Ya’s interest grew considerably.
"Is this your secret?"
"Exactly. This type of shell is truly amazing, whether it’s the shell or the meat inside, used separately, they have no effect, at most they add a bit of flavor."
"But if the two are combined, they produce a magical reaction, capable of completely deceiving even a Meridian Opening Realm expert."
It was evident that Kong Xiangdong was very proud of this discovery, to the point where his eyes sparkled when he spoke.
Zhao Ya, meanwhile, stared unblinkingly at the shell in the brocade box and suddenly asked, "So... was this also picked up from the Wuyang Sea?"
Kong Xiangdong nodded, "Exactly."
Then he sighed, "Although the Wuyang Sea is dangerous, it is indeed a huge treasure trove. Not to mention other things, the creatures alone are bizarre and each has its unique use. Nowadays, people have mastered less than one ten-thousandth of it, which is indeed regrettable."
Zhao Ya listened with bright, shining eyes.
He was most interested in these things.
Especially this shell that could perfectly mimic its surroundings, it piqued Zhao Ya’s great curiosity.
This was even more important than Miracle Creation.
"So those Sea Gatherers under you, in addition to collecting dried fish, also collect these strange marine creatures, right?"
"That’s right, this is indeed an important part of their job. Just for this shell, I pay them more than for Miracle Creation, so they are very enthusiastic about it."
"So besides this shell, have there been any other discoveries?" Zhao Ya asked.
"There are, but not many," Kong Xiangdong said frankly.
"What corresponds to these wondrous effects is their immense danger. Many are poisonous, so much so that even I dare not touch them lightly, and since many of these creatures die upon leaving the water, they become unusable before you can fully research them."
"Like this shell, which is non-toxic and harmless, and can be preserved long-term, there are almost none."
It was clear that Kong Xiangdong had no intention of hiding anything from Zhao Ya, not only revealing his secrets in the Poison Dao but also how he developed them.
Zhao Ya listened intently.
Only after Kong Xiangdong finished did Zhao Ya suddenly say, "Can I join your Sea Gatherers on their trips?"
Kong Xiangdong was a bit surprised at this, "You want to join the Sea Gatherers?"
"That’s right."
To be honest, apart from passing by the seaside once with Kong Xiangdong to eliminate Sea Lizards, Zhao Ya hadn’t personally been to the beach during this visit to the Wuyang Sea.
And as his understanding deepened, Zhao Ya grew more and more curious about this magical sea.
So he planned to experience it firsthand to see if he could discover something new.
"Is there a problem?" Zhao Ya asked when he saw Kong Xiangdong hesitating to respond.
"There isn’t necessarily a problem. Sea gathering is indeed a dangerous business, but that’s for ordinary people. With your strength, there is naturally no need to worry about such things, it’s just..."
Kong Xiangdong didn’t dare to finish his words.
The reason the Wuyang Sea is so revered is largely due to its unpredictability.
It could be calm one moment, and danger might arise the next.
Even the Old Leader, who spent most of his life at the Wuyang Beach, and was incredibly experienced, had muddledly lost his life here.
So no one could guarantee absolute safety.
Should anything go wrong, that gentleman carrying ten pounds of dynamite might send the whole town sky-high!
As if noticing Kong Xiangdong’s concerns, Zhao Ya smiled.