TRWSB – Chapter 164 Tides of Power: Secrets of the Sea Clan

Qi Shaorong and a black-robed cultivator stepped out together.

Bi Liuyun recognized the newcomer as the senior who had previously come seeking medical treatment and refrained from asking too many questions.

The black-robed cultivator had a plain appearance, yet radiated an unapproachable, awe-inspiring aura.

Bi Liuyun noticed that the man’s appearance hadn’t changed much, but his entire demeanor felt completely transformed. The man who once seemed like a decaying tree nearing its end now emanated a vigorous life force.

“Young Master Qi, thank you so much this time,” said the black-clad nightwalker, Youda, filled with sincere gratitude.

Youda was truly thankful. Those infected by the Soul-Eater Worm rarely survived—this held true even for Saint-level cultivators.

“No need to be so polite, Senior. I may be relying on your guidance in the future,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Youda nodded. “Mm.”

As Youda glanced toward Zhuang Hao, who was whispering with Qi Shaorong, a flicker of something complex passed through his heart.

The dragon clan lived long lives—Youda was already over six hundred years old. Yet Zhuang Hao, who appeared only in his twenties and was already nearing the Saint-level, stirred a faint sense of dread within him.

Youda handed over a communication talisman to Qi Shaorong. “This is my contact talisman. When you’re ready to find me, just crush it.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Understood.”

After leaving the talisman, Youda departed in a hurry.

Looking at the talisman in Qi Shaorong’s hand, Bi Liuyun muttered, “Young Master, this guy really doesn’t know how to show gratitude. You saved his life, and all he gives you is this shabby talisman. The seafood clans—each more unreliable than the last.”

Qi Shaorong gave Bi Liuyun a sidelong glance, silently thinking, You’re half seafood yourself—should you really be saying that?

Black Shark, nearby, looked a little awkward after hearing Bi Liuyun’s comment.

———

In the Mermaid Royal Palace

Ariel stood in the palace, fuming with rage.

Irina, unable to soothe her, first went to meet with another mermaid.

“Well? Did you detect anything unusual?” Irina asked anxiously.

“The opponent’s music contained powerful killing force. Although I outrank him, I still felt suppressed,” the black-robed mermaid replied.

Irina frowned. Bi Liuyun’s strength wasn’t her primary concern. Even if he was strong, as long as he wasn’t a mermaid, it wouldn’t matter much. “Did you sense any kinship or similar aura from him?”

“Somewhat,” the black-robed mermaid replied.

Irina took a step back, murmuring, “Could it be… Princess Xue Fei’er really did leave behind a hidden card all those years ago?”

Legend had it that Princess Xue Fei’er was eccentric and unorthodox, but she was undeniably intelligent.

“Regardless of whether he is or isn’t, as long as he claims to be human, he’s not a threat,” the mermaid reassured.

Irina gave a cold laugh. “And if that’s just a ploy? If Bi Liuyun dies, I’ll finally have peace of mind.”

Noticing Irina’s intent, the black-robed mermaid hesitated. “Your Majesty, Bi Liuyun is staying in the City Lord’s Mansion—it won’t be easy to touch him.”

“Because of Black Shark?” Irina asked, still baffled as to why Black Shark had become Qi Shaorong’s bodyguard. “Black Shark has really fallen. He’s from the Giant Shark clan, a major faction in the sea, not royalty—but still powerful. And yet, he’s guarding a commoner?”

“It’s not Black Shark. It’s Zhuang Hao.”

“Zhuang Hao? That young kid? What use is he?”

“His strength far surpasses mine. If he hadn’t held back today, none of us would’ve made it back alive,” the black-robed mermaid said, still shaken.

Irina’s eyes widened in shock. “That kid is that strong?”

“Far stronger than Black Shark. Though most humans are weak, occasionally, a monstrous talent emerges,” the mermaid said solemnly.

Irina clenched her fists, thinking, If Zhuang Hao is truly that formidable, this could be a serious problem. The merfolk clan was weak, with few Saint-level experts, most of whom didn’t even follow her commands.

“Oh, there’s one more thing.”

Irina noticed the mermaid’s expression and braced herself. “What is it?”

“Qi Shaorong seems to have cured Nightwalker Youda.”

Irina bit her lip hard. “Bi Liuyun really knows how to choose powerful allies!”

She closed her eyes. The merfolk clan had lost its last Saint-level expert centuries ago, and the title of Sea Clan royalty had long since become hollow. Youda had once come to the merfolk priests for help, but Soul-Eater Worms were considered a death sentence, even by their best. If only the merfolk could have cured Youda—what great benefit it would’ve brought us!

———

At the Qingcheng Cosmetics Shop

Qi Shaofu was helping out, while other Qi family members had been assigned less important tasks.

Those who tried to cause trouble were immediately sent to the seaside to fish by Qi Heng, who firmly organized the remaining members.

Qi Shaofu glanced at Qi Heng with growing admiration.

Qi Shaodi only handled research. All the business in the Bihai Plains was run solely by Qi Heng, who was efficient and extremely capable.

Qi Shaofu believed that even without Qi Shaorong’s backing, Qi Heng could carve out his own success.

Qi Heng looked at Qi Shaofu. “Third Young Master, are you settling in well?”

“Not bad,” Qi Shaofu replied with a smile. Qi Heng treated him kindly, and Qi Shaorong didn’t hold a grudge against him for the family’s actions. Life here was actually quite peaceful.

“Isn’t it risky, with the merfolk targeting Bi Liuyun?” he asked.

Qi Heng replied dismissively, “Not really. The merfolk have lost all their Saint-level powerhouses. All that’s left are some relics of former glory. They’ll stir up trouble for a while but can’t make any real waves.”

Qi Shaofu: “……”

———

City Lord’s Mansion

“Young Master Zhuang, I heard the merfolk came by,” said Luo Ling awkwardly.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “They did. You’re well-informed, Young Master Hai.”

Hai Ling grinned, unaffected by Zhuang Hao’s sarcasm.

“Thank you for standing up for Liuyun,” he said.

Zhuang Hao folded his arms and smirked. “Liuyun belongs to Shaorong. I’d protect him regardless. I’m just curious—on what grounds are you thanking me?”

Hai Ling looked him in the eye, his gaze sharp. “As a suitor. Is that acceptable?”

“Of course. But Hai Ling, Liuyun isn’t so easy to pursue.”

Hai Ling nodded. “I know. Neither is Qi Shaorong, right? You seem to be working hard.”

Zhuang Hao forced a smile. “Not at all. Shaorong and I get along great.”

“By the way, does your business carry Seasilver Mithril?” Zhuang Hao asked.

Hai Ling’s expression shifted. “Why do you ask?”

“Is that a problem?”

“It’s a banned substance among the Sea Clan.”

Zhuang Hao was surprised. “A prohibited item?”

Hai Ling explained slowly, “You know the Sea Clan is stronger than the human race overall.”

“That’s common knowledge.”

“Yes, but humans excel at weapon manufacturing. Your magic crystal cannons are devastating. If war ever broke out, those cannons could seriously harm us.”

Zhuang Hao narrowed his eyes. “So what you’re saying is—the Sea Clan fears humanity?”

Hai Ling smiled. “That’s one way to look at it.”

Zhuang Hao was intrigued. “Didn’t expect that.”

Hai Ling continued, “Most Sea Clan folk look down on humans, but that doesn’t mean we’re careless. Still, given our friendship, if the amount isn’t too large, I can arrange something.”

“Ten jin,” Zhuang Hao said casually.

Hai Ling raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite a bit.”

“It’s not for me. It’s for our ruler,” Zhuang Hao shrugged.

“Sounds like your ruler has big ambitions,” Hai Ling murmured.

“Who doesn’t?” Zhuang Hao replied, rubbing his fingers. Does our ruler even know this stuff is forbidden?

“Ten jin is a lot. I’ll see what I can do. Three jin should be manageable,” said Hai Ling.

“Appreciate it.”

“Oh, and I heard the Lord saved the Nightwalker?” Hai Ling asked.

Zhuang Hao raised an eyebrow. “You really hear everything, don’t you?”

“Before he sought out your lord, Youda had already tried healers from multiple sea clans. Only Qi Shaorong cured him in the end.”

“Spent all his money, couldn’t find help—only then did he come to Shaorong,” Zhuang Hao muttered irritably.

Hai Ling chuckled. “Lord Youda has a solid reputation. He’ll surely repay the favor somehow.”

“Let’s hope so,” Zhuang Hao said with a wry smile, thinking: Everyone in the Sea Clan seems to admire this penniless Nightwalker—what’s there to admire in a broke patient who didn’t even bring money?

“A few days from now, Shaorong and I will be away. The City Lord’s Mansion may need your support while we’re gone,” Zhuang Hao added.

Hai Ling nodded without asking further.