Chapter 702 605: Capture
Zhao Yi gradually gave up the chase and just observed from his spot, thinking about how he could get closer. Initially, Zhao Yi thought about finding some bait.
But he didn't know what the strange fish liked, and just at this moment, the fishing net in Zhao Yi's hand suddenly emitted a white light.
The white light was very gentle, like the sun, and the surrounding fish gradually swam over.
At first, Zhao Yi was quite surprised, but soon realized why these strange fish were drawn to the net; it was because the light resembled sunlight.
Even the Five-Colored Fish was approaching. Zhao Yi, feeling very tense, stood still and gently extended his right arm, causing the light to grow brighter.
Seeing the target had entered the fishing net, Zhao Yi gently shook his hand, finally successfully catching the strange fish, although it struggled fiercely once inside, stirring the water into a whirlpool.
Zhao Yi had never expected the fish to suddenly launch an attack. He tried hard to close the net, took out a box, and finally stuffed the fish along with the net into it.
Once the fish entered the box, it suddenly became quiet. Zhao Yi smiled as he glanced at it, then quickly returned to the surface.
It was only then he realized he was quite a distance from the Nine Dragons Seal. After returning, Zhao Yi found the Nine Dragons Seal anxiously waiting by the shore, relieved to see Zhao Yi return safely.
It danced happily in the air.
"Do you know how long you've been down there? It's been five entire hours, you would never have guessed, would you?"
"It seemed much shorter to me, maybe just an hour. It seems the time inside the river is different from outside. Look, I've got the fish."
Zhao Yi boasted as he shared his victory, while the Nine Dragons Seal circled around the box, expressing amazement. But soon, both of them faced a serious concern.
"We've caught the fish now, but how do we leave? I don't recall that old guy ever telling us."
"That's indeed a problem, yet I believe there will be a way if we follow the path we came." suggested Nine Dragons Seal.
Zhao Yi shook his head in disagreement.
"We've faced many challenges along the way; if we go back, we'll have to battle all the enemies again. I'm utterly exhausted after capturing this fish, unable to recover for ten days to half a month, so we must find a shortcut."
Upon hearing Zhao Yi's words, the Nine Dragons Seal sighed softly, unsure of what else to do.
Zhao Yi decided to first move away from the river and find a quiet place to rest.
They wandered aimlessly for several hundred meters, suddenly spotting a small village in the distance.
"Do you see that village? This is our first time encountering it. Could there possibly be inhabitants here?"
"I'm not sure, but regardless if they're friend or foe, as long as there's life, we can find a way out."
Increasing their pace, soon they reached the edge of the village, where Zhao Yi discovered more than ten houses.
Yet there wasn't a soul around, which seemed strange to Zhao Yi.
"Where are you two from? I've never seen anyone at the Cosmic Origin before."
Turning around, Zhao Yi saw a man in his thirties, appearing robust, with eyes gleaming unlike those of an ordinary person.
Zhao Yi responded with a smile.
"We've come from another world within the Cosmos to catch fish here. Now that we've caught the fish, we don't know how to return. Could you show us the way?"
Upon hearing this, the man appeared quite shocked, examining Zhao Yi up and down before asking.
"Is what you're saying true? I've lived on the Cosmic Origin for nearly three hundred years, during which many people have come here. You're the first to succeed in catching a fish; quite commendable. If you're willing, why not come to my place first?"
The man warmly invited them to his home, which Zhao Yi did not refuse. Once inside, Zhao Yi noticed that the house looked completely different outside.
From the exterior, it seemed it couldn't hold ten people, but inside, it was surprisingly large.
Spanning several thousand square meters, its interior was lavishly decorated.
"The contrast here is enormous, able to build such a house in the Cosmic Origin; it's truly impressive."
"It's really nothing. It was by chance that I managed to establish this residence. Please have a seat, I'll have something prepared for you to eat."
The man called upon his servants to prepare a grand meal for Zhao Yi, while introducing himself.
This was how Zhao Yi learned the man's name was Cha Duxian, who came looking to catch fish a century ago but failed, unwilling to leave.
He decided to build a house here. Upon hearing this, Zhao Yi asked curiously.
"It's quite peculiar. Many lords rule within the Cosmic Origin, and they prohibit outsiders, let alone establishing territories. How did you manage?"
"It's quite simple. There was a lord here before, but I defeated him. And since then, I've enjoyed a peaceful life here."
Cha Duxian briefly explained his history, and Zhao Yi listened without detecting any discrepancies.
However, the Nine Dragons Seal in the Spiritual World sensed that while the man seemed powerful, his aura and other aspects
didn't quite match someone who could defeat a lord of the Cosmic Origin. Zhao Yi felt the same but showed no expression.
As they sat and food was served, Cha Duxian brought out a jar of wine to share with Zhao Yi.
"I understand you might suspect I mean you harm, so I'll drink this first. Allow me to clarify, as challengers before catching the strange fish, and guests of the Cosmic Origin after. If I harm you, I'll be cast out."
With this explanation from Cha Duxian, Zhao Yi smiled, raised his glass, and spoke to Cha Duxian.
"Regardless, thank you for your hospitality and for enlightening us. Without what you've said, we'd still be unaware that we're safe now."
Zhao Yi said this while downing his drink, noticing Cha Duxian's expression was slightly tense, but soon relaxed.