The night wind was biting.

With Gao Kui's voice completely disappearing, the entire Nether Sea seemed to fall into a different kind of silence. Everyone seemed to feel a chill, but this chill did not come from the cold night wind.

Dead!

Gao Kui, who had been a persistent annoyance in the Nether Sea for many years, just died like that.

In fact, many people wished for Gao Kui's death, but this manner of death made it hard for anyone to truly be happy, especially now that the Other Shore Flower is about to mature.

Moreover, with Gao Kui's death, everyone's attitude towards Wang Junze seemed to have undergone a subtle change.

Flying back to the shore, Wang Junze seemed unconcerned about these changes in people's attitudes and simply turned his gaze to Jiao Yang and asked, "Who won our bet?"

"..."

Jiao Yang's face showed a hint of embarrassment. He fell silent for a moment but ultimately couldn't resort to deceit in front of so many people. He answered in a deep voice, "Once this matter is settled, come find me when we return to Netherworld City. I'll personally hand over the person to you."

"Then, thank you, Mr. Jiao Yang," Wang Junze said calmly, though there was no trace of gratitude in his voice. As if he suddenly remembered something, his tone changed slightly, "Oh, about those little tricks, it's best Mr. Jiao Yang doesn't continue. Otherwise... I wouldn't mind having a confrontation in the sea with you."

Wang Junze's tone was light, but the threat contained within was clear to everyone.

After saying this, Wang Junze did not even give Jiao Yang the chance to defend himself before he turned and headed up the mountainside.

Whether Gao Kui was really under Jiao Yang's command or what his purpose was, it no longer mattered.

Wang Junze didn't need to solve a mystery, nor did he need evidence. As long as he possessed the power to retaliate, that was enough.

"Young master!"

Seeing Wang Junze return, Peng Ru's eyes reflected a hint of excitement as she rushed forward to greet him.

"It's late. Rest well," Wang Junze instructed plainly, without intending to say much more to Peng Ru.

"Brother Ye, Brother Ye, I have a tent here engraved with an Array. Not only can it block sound and aura, but it also has defensive effects. If anyone tries to sneak attack, the Array will give a warning. I'll set it up for you. We're going to be here for quite a few days. It's no good roughing it out like this."

With a sycophantic smile on his face, the little fatty quickly moved in, hurriedly taking out a tent and proactively setting it up for Wang Junze.

Obviously, he was here to repair relations, as Brother Pei had deliberately concealed some information during Wang Junze's conflict with Gao Kui and only spoke after Wang Junze and Jiao Yang had placed their bet.

Though Wang Junze didn't mention it, the little fatty was wise enough to know that this matter would surely leave a grudge. Seeing Wang Junze's battle at sea, he naturally needed to find a way to mend relations.

The tent itself was a Treasure, and even Brother Pei only had one. Yet now, in order to smooth things over, he gave it away without hesitation.

Seeing Wang Junze with no particular reaction, the little fatty bit his lip and then produced a mask, handing it over with a smile, "Oh, I almost forgot, this mask—didn't I promise to give it to Brother Ye before? Please, Brother Ye, do accept it."

A gift?

Previously, Wang Junze merely agreed to borrow it from him, and even at that, the little fatty had been reluctant to offer it.

But now he directly gifted it; this decisiveness left Wang Junze rather impressed.

"Thank you, Brother Pei. We are among our own; no need for formality," Wang Junze responded with a smile as he casually accepted the mask, as if nothing had happened.

In the Nether Sea, only power and profit are real.

No grudge too small, nor enmity too great—when there's enough benefit, all can be laughed away.

"Brother Ye, can you tell me, was what you mentioned earlier... really just a joke?"

Lowering his voice, Pei Haoran couldn't help but probe again.

"We'll see," Wang Junze replied ambiguously, shrugging his shoulders.

Listening to this, Pei Haoran felt as if his heart was being clawed at. It was too tormenting.

Earlier, he thought Wang Junze was crazy, but now... although he's still a bit crazy, it actually seems to carry a hint of potential!

"Ye Piaoling, can we talk?"

Just as Pei Haoran hesitated about whether to ask more, a cold voice suddenly sounded behind him.

Instinctively turning around, Pei Haoran saw Maiden of the Sea approaching, looking intently at Wang Junze.

Pei Haoran was momentarily stunned. What was she here for?

All these years, no matter what she did, Maiden of the Sea always worked alone, never recorded to have partnered with anyone. Yet now she specifically seeks out Wang Junze, could it be... she seeks more than one Other Shore Flower?

"Alright, please," Wang Junze replied softly, pointing to the nearby tent that Pei Haoran had just set up.

Hadn't Pei Haoran just mentioned that this tent blocks sound and aura? Perfect for private conversations.

Maiden of the Sea showed no shyness nor concern over gender differences and swiftly entered the tent.

Wang Junze also ignored Pei Haoran, following closely into the tent.

Once the flap was lowered, the aura was effectively sealed off, leaving even the nearby Pei Haoran clueless about what transpired inside.

The rest were even more puzzled, but under such circumstances, nobody dared to intervene.

"Maiden of the Sea, what is it you wish to discuss?"

Sitting down inside the tent, Wang Junze skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"Cooperation!"

Maiden of the Sea replied bluntly.

"Are you referring to competing for more Other Shore Flowers?" Wang Junze inquired.

"If you want to compete for them, I can assist you, but... that's not what I wish to discuss." Maiden of the Sea answered calmly, shaking her head.

Her words left Wang Junze puzzled—it's not about the Other Shore Flowers?

Then what is this woman aiming for?

Moreover, she straightforwardly offered help, implying she could make her move first to show sincerity before talking about other matters.

Without waiting for Wang Junze to ask, Maiden of the Sea explained directly, "I discovered an Underwater Palace, but—on my own... I cannot enter!"

"I observed your battle at sea; if you are willing to team up with me, we could unlock this Underwater Palace together and split the benefits equally."

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Wang Junze was momentarily stunned.

Underwater Palace—the name alone suggests there is a significant opportunity within. Without any prior connection, she openly proposes to share the palace with him—such favorable terms seem too good to be true. Surely, it's just because she can't open the palace alone?

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