Chapter 468: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The next day at noon, Ari was once again invited by Ji Chen to share lunch.

On the dining table were various specialties from the Crown of the Ocean and food with a strong marine theme. There were deep-sea monsters three to four meters long, strange arrowfish with unique horns, giant squids two to three meters long that were only found in the depths of the ocean, and deep-sea clams the size of washbasins.

The appearance and taste of these foods were eye-opening for Ari, who had always lived in the desert. His hands didn’t stop as he stuffed various things into his mouth, all the while praising them.

“Lord Ji Chen, the taste of these clams is simply amazing. I’ve never had such delicious seafood before!”

“The meat of this fish is also excellent, very tender and it tastes like desert scarab beetles.”

Ji Chen had a smile on his face and waited until Ari ate his fill before casually asking, “I’m very curious about the Southern Continent. Would you mind giving me an introduction later?”

Ari couldn’t refuse, especially since it was just an introduction.

He considered it as the cost of accommodation and meals during his stay here.

After finishing the meal, Ari followed Ji Chen to a small lounge area. They sat on soft sofas, and a fireplace on the wall was burning with a warm, orange flame.

“Most of the Southern Continent is occupied by Barren Desert… I suppose you’re aware of that,”

“Yes, I am,” Ji Chen replied with a smile. “Although 1 live far out at sea and have never been to the Southern Continent, I’ve learned some basic information through other means.”

Ari nodded. He was informed that Ji Chen was a Lord of Glory, and the Ugisai Kingdom had given birth to quite a few of them.

From what he knew, there seemed to be a peculiar way for Lords of Glory to quickly transmit messages, so he wasn’t surprised by Ji Chen’s knowledge.

“Among the few habitable places in the Barren Desert, there are a few large oases, scattered riverbanks, and a few river mouths leading to the sea. The rest of the land is just as desolate as the name suggests…”

Listening to Ari’s introduction as a local expert, Ji Chen occasionally nodded, gaining a rough impression and outline of the continent he had never set foot on.

Everywhere he looked on the surface was a sea of yellow sand, filled with dangers that outsiders could hardly imagine—sandstorms, getting lost, extreme temperature differences between day and night, wild beasts, monsters, and bands of marauding bandits.

However, within the yellow sand buried countless civilizations and relics that had disappeared in the river of history, waiting for someone to discover and excavate them.

It could be said that the vast desert of the Southern Continent was a miniature version of the Small Ocean, full of opportunities and dangers.

But within the boundless desert, there were some oases that shone like pearls, allowing humanity to survive.

Listening to Ari’s somewhat enthusiastic words, Ji Chen became somewhat curious about the continent.

However, it was only curiosity, and he had no intention of going there—of course not. For someone like him, whose strength was entirely focused on the water, going to a place without water was simply seeking discomfort.

Furthermore, he didn’t like overly arid environments, whether it was due to the influence of being a Tidal Dominator or other preferences.

However, there was an opportunity to send trade caravans there for lucrative business ventures. Despite the desert’s scarcity of resources, its unique environment occasionally yielded rare items not found elsewhere, which resulted in substantial profits when transported to other continents.

“So, you mean these naturally formed oases sustain the entire Ugisai Kingdom?”

“No, the oases aren’t naturally formed,” Ari said seriously. “They are the sacred gifts bestowed upon us by the Sand Spirit, our precious homeland for every desert dweller.”

Ji Chen raised an eyebrow as if he had heard a hidden piece of information known only to the indigenous people.

Ari seemed to have fully opened up and wore a serious expression.

“Lord Ji Chen, for certain reasons, I have knowledge of some hidden information that ordinary people don’t know. Consider this information as your reward for helping us.”

Ji Chen’s interest grew significantly. Hidden information?

It seemed that Ari’s identity was not that of an ordinary merchant; he must be a noble of the indigenous people.

In this world, nobles firmly controlled knowledge and information.

“Please go on.”

“In a time long, long ago, in an era so ancient that there are no records of it, the Southern Continent wasn’t like what it is today.

Most of the regions were covered by endless yellow sand, but it was once a prosperous continent filled with lush grass and boundless vitality, stretching from the west coast to the east coast. Everyone lived happily under the guidance of the Sand Spirit.

However, one day, the sky suddenly tore open a black rift, like endless malevolence extending its tentacles towards the land, seeking to devour all living beings.

At the moment when all living beings were in panic, the Sand Spirit stepped forward for the sake of its people.”

Ari’s face was filled with pride as he continued.

“The Sand Spirit possessed boundless power, and its will permeated the heavens and the earth. With their combined efforts, they repelled the malevolence and sealed the rift.

However, the power of their battle was too overwhelming. During the fight against malevolence, it affected the entire continent, destroying its vitality. The frenzied yellow sand spread at a terrifying speed.

But in the last moment before departing, the Sand Spirit used its final strength to create several places that were immune to the encroachment of the yellow sand. These places are the large oases in the Barren Desert today, leaving hope for its people to survive..”

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