Chapter 530: Zongquan Island (II)
Zong Yan was taken aback and suddenly realized, Could this person be from the mainland? It seems he has only ventured overseas a few times and is unaware of the situation here...
With this thought, Zong Yan's eyes grew eager, and he quickly explained, "Senior, you may not know this, but there are no minerals and spirit plants on my island. Everything below the sea surface belongs to the demon clan, and we aren't allowed to touch it. The only thing we can offer is our population..."
He continued, "Not just my small island; even those guarded by Foundation Establishment Realm and the Purple Mansion Realm cultivators must pay both tributes in the form of humans and treasures to the dragon clan. The difference is merely in the quantity..."
Li Yuanjiao, arriving in this remote place, had not considered exploiting any ore veins or treasures. He simply nodded, feeling embarrassed and silent. Zong Yan interpreted his silence as a sign he had said something wrong, and a sense of dread washed over him.
"The mainland seems to differentiate between immortals and devils! Aren't there ancient cultivators too? What are they called again? Yue Cultivating… or was it Subjects of Wanyu…"
His doubt, combined with the aura radiating from Li Yuanjiao, caused Zong Yan to lose his composure. He kneeled down in fear, his voice trembling as he pleaded, "Exalted Immortal, spare me! We are forced into this, and we never intended to do so!"
Li Yuanjiao merely glanced at him. This man was not a disciple of the immortal sect or gate, and the murky qi surrounding him was impossible to hide.
Nonetheless, he held no expectations for overseas cultivators and responded in a deep, measured voice, "You have no choice but to pay tribute to the dragon clan. However, I can see your true essence is vigorous and powerful, indicating you have consumed blood and resentment qi. What more can you say?"
Zong Yan paused for a moment, stunned, then pressed his forehead to the ground and humbly replied, "My elders also came from the orthodox path... I understand, but—"