Chapter 737: Lower Half
In the pavilion of the Ruins of Return Cult, the Sea Master sat with a grim expression, listening to the report from the sea demon before him.
After the deaths of his shrimp soldier and crab general in his own home, the Sea Master had clearly reinforced the defense of his pavilion. It was now surrounded by armored sea demon warriors. Of course, as long as he remained present, these guards were nothing more than mere decorations.
Standing before him was a hunched old sea demon, its back burdened by a heavy, spiked shell that shimmered with a dull, dark luster. This was an old sea turtle.
"The last battle only strengthened the ties between the sea clans and human cultivators..." The old turtle demon spoke slowly. "Now, the sea demons led by the merfolk frequently interact with the sects of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten. Just yesterday, they even accepted a large shipment of human texts. It's as if they're preparing to open our sea territories to those humans."
The Sea Master's gaze remained inscrutable as he said "The merfolk queen... With Wuchao backing her, she has opposed me time and again. If they weren't needed as vessels to resurrect the Hallowed Mother, I would have slaughtered her entire clan."
"Now that the Azure Wave Lamp has been lost, reviving the Hallowed Mother is..." The old turtle paused to think, carefully selecting his words. "...as difficult as ascending to the heavens."
The Sea Master said sinisterly, "The resurrection of the Hallowed Mother was never easy. But she is not our only option. The reason we sought her resurrection is so she could lead us to conquer this world. If another Hallowed One among the demons can do the same for us, then why not consider resurrecting the other one..."
The old sea turtle’s eyes widened. "Are you thinking about... working with the demons from the Far West? Last time..."
"What happened last time may not have been their doing. They are much closer to resurrecting the Demon God than we are to resurrecting the Hallowed Mother. If aiding them means securing future protection for ourselves, then why not?" the Sea Master said in a deep voice. "But we are no fools. If they want the support of the Ruins of Return’s Sacred Cult this time, they must first offer us something in return."
"You mean to borrow their strength first?" the old sea turtle asked. "But Lord Wuchao has already spoken on this matter. We—"
The Sea Master interrupted, his tone decisive, "That is exactly what we wish to resolve. Wuchao is too old. He no longer has the nerve and vigor he once had when he dominated the South Sea. If the sea demons continue to follow his orders, we will cowardly remain here forever."