Chapter 1636: 承道换遗蜕

"If we view fishing for Daoyan as a contest of strength, we are the ones holding the fishing rod, while Daoyan is the unknown beast beneath the water. The current situation is that the force from below is too great; there's a high risk of failing to reel it in and instead being dragged underwater."

Wansheng, from the Guangwu Sea, said with a solemn expression: "The transcendent remains, and even other immortal coffins, are all part of this bait. We don't value ordinary treasures as highly. But these transcendent remains..."

Wansheng sighed deeply: "To be frank, gentlemen, we estimate that the number of transcendent remains drifting in the mountains and seas is extremely rare. To have salvaged even one is a stroke of great fortune. If we release it now, we might never have another chance to encounter new ones."

After Wansheng finished speaking, the Shuoxing Sea side fell silent. Put in their position, they likely wouldn't be able to give up so easily either. Not just them, perhaps even the successive Immortal Emperors, when the Immortal Realm was complete, wouldn't have readily relinquished such a treasure if they possessed it.

"We will not give up until we reach the end of our rope. For years, we have been actively seeking solutions. Traveling all this way to invite your cooperation is a crucial part of that effort."

Bai Shouyue, who had been listening for a long time, finally spoke: "Friend, please stop being so mysterious and elaborate."

"Alright, I'll be brief. The targets Daoyan locks onto are the baits we have continuously cast into the mountains and seas for a long time. Immortal coffins and transcendent remains are both part of these baits. While we are currently unwilling to abandon them, we can eliminate a portion of the bait ourselves. By losing its locked targets, the pressure of Daoyan's impending arrival will be somewhat reduced. Through our calculations, we only need to reduce the current amount of bait to one-third to be safe."

Wansheng's explanation was quite clear, and the people of Shuoxing Sea now understood: "Your 'cooperation' means using the power of the Dao Net to eliminate the bait? Things that can be used as bait and float within Daoyan are probably not easy to deal with, are they?"

"It's not just about borrowing your strength. In fact, our Guangwu Sea possesses the power to prune away the superfluous bait one by one. More importantly, we need to utilize this precious land," Wansheng said, gesturing to the vibrant Shuoxing Sea around them. "Although most of what's sealed within the immortal coffins has lost all vitality, even remains possess strength far beyond that of ordinary cultivators. Any conflict would inevitably damage the very structure of the lower realm's star sea. Once or twice, it might barely withstand it. But if it happens too many times..."

Wansheng said with some helplessness: "Therefore, we need to disperse our combat. Shuoxing Sea has the Dao Net as support, so even if it's damaged, it can recover much faster than an ordinary star sea. It is the most suitable place for battle. And we will certainly not treat you unfairly. Besides the transcendent remains, we can also offer five rare treasures, like Dao Swords and Dao Blades, that we've salvaged over the years, as compensation." After explaining the details of the cooperation, Wansheng promised substantial rewards. Although the compensation was indeed tempting, the immortals of Shuoxing Sea did not lose their composure and agree immediately.

Bai Shouyue said: "This matter is too important; we need to discuss it carefully before giving our answer."

"We eagerly await your decision!" Wansheng nodded, then piloted the wooden boat, drifting and traversing, until it vanished from their sight.

"Crossing Daoyan—such an ability is truly enviable. If we also mastered this divine power, we wouldn't be confined to just this corner of Shuoxing." The immortals of Shuoxing Sea had various expressions. For those who had reached the Nameless realm, to say they harbored no yearning for transcendence would be an outright lie.

Bai Shouyue had already perceived the immortals' stirred desires. She calmly reminded them: "In my opinion, what the Guangwu Sea has told us might not be entirely true. Of course, since we haven't agreed to cooperate yet, it's normal for them to withhold information. My concern is the vast disparity in strength between Shuoxing and Guangwu. In the past, Daoyan's isolation was one thing, but if we habitually communicate... It would be like opening the door to thieves or inviting wolves into the house."

Judging by the Guangwu Sea's ability to casually produce treasures like Dao Swords and Dao Blades, their strength was undoubtedly far superior to that of the Shuoxing Sea. Those who profoundly understood this point did not voice any objections.

"Furthermore, battling the immortal coffins and remains is extremely perilous. It's inevitable that some of you present will suffer injuries. On the other hand, if we refuse to cooperate, while we lose the opportunity to touch the transcendent remains, we also avoid immense risks. Even if Daoyan approaches, as long as all parties within Shuoxing Sea work together with sincerity, we might still be able to construct a wooden boat capable of crossing Daoyan." Bai Shouyue spoke, recalling how the core area of the Dao Net had survived the world-ending catastrophe in her previous life. With the accumulated experience from her previous life, she was confident that before the catastrophe arrived, she could enhance the entire Dao Net to a level capable of resisting Daoyan of that magnitude.

Therefore, Bai Shouyue, deep down, was unwilling to get involved with the affairs of the Guangwu Sea, even with the temptation of the transcendent remains. However, she did not monopolize the decision-making. Instead, after a detailed analysis of the pros and cons, she let everyone vote. Ultimately, she couldn't stop the greed within the immortals' hearts. The vast majority chose to agree to cooperate with the Guangwu Sea to jointly resist Daoyan.

"So be it. A new experience might be good." Bai Shouyue was indifferent; even if they failed, she could probably be reborn anyway.

Once opinions were unified, they quickly re-established contact with the Guangwu Sea. The communication and cooperation between both sides progressed rapidly. When the Guangwu Sea sent people for the second time, the display was even grander. The tool for traversing was no longer just a wooden boat, but instead, it was the massive remains of a fierce beast!

It was impossible to discern the beast's appearance in life; its flesh and blood had been almost completely eroded, with two-thirds of its body being bare white bones. But the remaining one-third of flesh and blood was sufficient to serve as a temporary shelter against Daoyan.

After the exotic beast's skeleton arrived, a hundred True Immortals and four Nameless experts filed out. Such a formidable lineup immediately made the Shuoxing Sea feel immense pressure, their spirits instantly tense. If not for the casual, non-malicious demeanor of the visitors, they would have almost believed that the Guangwu Sea had come to attack directly. "One must always be prepared for others," Bai Shouyue cautioned. The Myriad Immortals Array had already been activated, and the Dao Net was operating at maximum capacity, in a state of highest readiness.

The Shuoxing Sea and the Guangwu Sea began their first formal negotiations. Although they had decided to cooperate, it was impossible to simply agree on the spot. At the very least, the matter of compensation still needed careful negotiation. After witnessing the Guangwu Sea's generosity, the Shuoxing Sea delegation decisively chose to raise their demands. They had originally thought their appetite was already quite large, but when Bai Shouyue spoke, everyone was still startled.

"These are mere details. I believe that one more or one less immortal treasure is actually inconsequential to you. As long as you can endure this catastrophe, you will continuously fish treasures from Daoyan. What our Shuoxing Sea needs is the method for fishing Daoyan!"

At these words, Yuan Shu, the leader of the Guangwu Sea delegation, subtly changed expression. Just as he was about to refuse, Bai Shouyue directly demonstrated the immense power of the Dao Net. She laid her cards on the table, saying: "Our cooperation this time involves taking full, unnecessary risks. With the Dao Net as our vessel, we could perfectly well remain observers..."

Yuan Shu carefully scrutinized the Dao Net, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Yet, he didn't give ground verbally, sneering: "This Daoyan catastrophe is unlike any before. It may not be weaker than the one that destroyed the Immortal Realm back then. I truly wonder where your confidence comes from?"

"Even if Daoyan's might is the same as back then, we can safely navigate this catastrophe," Bai Shouyue stated with absolute certainty. The other people from Shuoxing Sea were secretly astonished. "When did the Dao Net become so powerful?" Bai Shouyue then added, "If you don't believe me, just watch."

With that, Bai Shouyue clapped her hands. Outside the Shuoxing Sea, in the dark void, it seemed as if real Daoyan was approaching. Yuan Shu's expression suddenly changed, then he realized: "It's not real Daoyan. You're using the Dao Net's own power to simulate the pressure it would endure if Daoyan were to descend..."

As if the scene of Daoyan's arrival from the previous life was replaying, the center of the Dao Net, with its myriad Dao strings, twisted, almost disintegrating. However, with the activation of the Myriad Immortals Array and the emergence of the Great Dao Embodiment team, the Dao Net ultimately bore such terrifying pressure without harm. Bai Shouyue did not hold back in the simulation, nor did she reduce the pressure values the Dao Net needed to withstand. The reason the Dao Net could withstand it this time was largely due to the Dao Swords and Dao Blades previously sent by the Guangwu Sea. Just one of these exotic treasures could surpass the sky-propping effect of two or three Nameless experts. With the Dao-Bearing Phantom Method inherited from Shouqiu, Shuoxing Sea's ability to resist Daoyan far surpassed that of Guangwu. Although the Guangwu Sea possessed many exotic treasures, they could at most unleash the inherent power of the artifacts themselves. It was difficult for them to use these treasures to resist the Daoyan catastrophe.

"Well?" Bai Shouyue said blandly, ending her 'performance'.

Yuan Shu, being a Nameless realm expert, naturally possessed excellent discernment. He recognized the difference between Shuoxing Sea's approach and his own. "It's not impossible for you to acquire the method for fishing Daoyan." He feigned contemplation for a moment, then revealed his true intention: "But in exchange, we require your Dao-Bearing Method!"

Bai Shouyue's expression slowly turned cold. "Absolutely not! Say no more. Show them out!"

Without another word, she directly dismissed the Guangwu Sea delegation. This sudden turn of events caught both parties somewhat off guard. Hundun hurriedly spoke up, attempting to dissuade her. The other immortals also wore expressions of extreme regret, indirectly trying to persuade her with a clamor of voices, hoping to see if there was any room for reconsideration.

Bai Shouyue merely smiled faintly: "Who said I genuinely intended to refuse them? It's just a matter of demanding more benefits. Rest assured, they will absolutely come back." Bai Shouyue's acting had even fooled her own people. As everyone breathed a sigh of relief, they couldn't help but secretly marvel at how truly unfathomable a woman's heart could be.

And on the Guangwu Sea side, things unfolded exactly as Bai Shouyue had predicted. They had no intention of abandoning the cooperation. In fact, their contacts became even more frequent. Their bottom line was repeatedly lowered. The truth was, the Dao-Bearing Phantom Method held too much significance for the Guangwu Sea. If they could master this divine technique, with their years of accumulated resources, they could build high embankments and forever disregard the threat of Daoyan's invasion! In fact, if Bai Shouyue hadn't already demonstrated the Dao Net's pressure-bearing capacity during her last 'performance,' and if there wasn't a concern that the Dao-Bearing Phantom Method might be lost if the Shuoxing Sea fought to the death in an all-out battle, the Guangwu Sea would have long since sent all its elite forces to attack. As it was, although the price they had to pay was a bit higher, it was still acceptable.

Finally, after several rounds of negotiations between both parties, the Guangwu Sea and the Shuoxing Sea ultimately reached a cooperation agreement. The number of fishing immortal treasures that the Guangwu Sea had to provide, with power no less than that of Dao Swords and Dao Blades, surged from five to thirteen. This also did not include the right to observe the transcendent remains after the successful completion of their task. The Shuoxing Sea, in turn, was required to help eliminate the fishing immortal baits and provide the Dao Net area as a battlefield, as well as the Dao-Bearing Phantom Method. The outcome could be described as a win-win for everyone.

"There's no time to lose. We've observed that the pressure of Daoyan's storms has been increasing recently. The first batch of immortal bait will be sent in three years. Please prepare yourselves. At that time, we will dispatch fifty True Immortals and two Nameless experts to assist in the fight."

Bai Shouyue nodded in agreement. The Guangwu Sea delegation departed in haste. The numerous immortal treasures they left behind were carefully scanned by the Dao Net to ensure there were no hidden surveillance methods. Afterward, Bai Shouyue used the Dao-Bearing Phantom Method to place them within the Dao Net. Under normal circumstances, they could serve as pillars supporting the heavens, and they could also be readily withdrawn and used at any time.

"This method truly has infinite wondrous uses." "Lord Shouqiu is indeed a rare genius born but once in an era." Not only did the immortals of Shuoxing Sea marvel, but even Bai Shouyue herself, having accomplished all this, couldn't help but sigh in admiration. After more than thirty cycles of reincarnation, Bai Shouyue prided herself on her already exceptional talent. Yet, compared to Lord Shouqiu, her brilliance paled.

Bai Shouyue mused to herself: "The Guangwu Sea is willing to pay such a hefty price, so the preciousness of this method goes without saying. When Chengdao passed it on to me, he didn't explicitly state whether it could be further transmitted. If I were to inform the Guangwu Sea about it, it might incur punishment. However, it just so happens that I can't contact Chengdao by any means. Perhaps I can use this opportunity to draw him out again."

Even though they had gained over a dozen fishing immortal treasures, greatly enhancing the Dao Net's strength, Bai Shouyue did not lower her guard. She ordered all divisions of the Dao Net to intensify their cultivation. Besides preparing for the immortal bait three years from now, Bai Shouyue also worried that the Guangwu Sea might launch an attack when the Dao Net was weakened after the major battle. Therefore, she needed to make additional preparations.

"Aside from Fan'er, no one in these mountains and seas is truly trustworthy," Bai Shouyue secretly cautioned herself. "Or perhaps, I can add it?" Bai Shouyue then looked at the Immeasurable Wall, which lay quietly beneath the black mountains and white water, cultivating and comprehending the Dao. Although the Immeasurable Wall was a bit sly, from her interactions in this current reincarnation, it seemed generally reliable.

"Hungry... hungry."

"This lord wants to eat that!"

Just as Bai Shouyue was pondering, the Immeasurable Wall's voice—both weak and arrogant—faintly drifted up from below.