“I’m not sure what the criteria for this sea selection is,” Li Mo muttered, a hint of confusion tugging at his mind.
As his worldview began to shift in various directions, he found himself growing curious.
Is it just a crude competition? This method seems to fit the Monster Clan’s combative style, but then again, it doesn’t seem likely.
After all, the Water Clan members present were numerous, and a match between them could drag on for ten days or half a month!
Just then, he heard the woman continue:
“In this round of the sea selection, the evaluation will focus on two aspects.”
“One is the power of bloodline, and the other is practical combat.”
“Only those who excel in the bloodline assessment can advance to the practical combat examination.”
“Interested participants can now queue up to receive their numbers.”
With that, she strode over to the ‘judges’ table’ closer to the heart of the lake.
Before long, members of the Ming Jiao Clan came forward to distribute shells to the participants, each inscribed with their respective numbers.
Li Mo, of course, intended to participate.
It didn’t matter what identity he had at the Floating Temple as long as he had a ticket to enter; that was what counted for him.
Murong Xiao couldn’t wait to meet his parents and quickly signed up, barely able to contain his excitement.
As for Wu Daming, well, he was aware of his own limitations. He thought that participating in such competitive events was less appealing than finding a nice place to snack on some sheep and cattle, and thus he didn’t sign up.
And then there’s our dear Huang Donglai…
His mount didn’t qualify for participation, after all.
The two of them left their information on the shells, and just as they passed by, they bumped into two young men with icy glares, radiating aggression.
Especially when they saw Li Mo hand in his shell.
The contempt in their eyes intensified. If it weren’t the Ming Jiao Clan’s territory, a classic bout of mockery might have ensued.
“Hmm?”
Under their watchful gaze, Li Mo felt utterly bewildered, wondering where their animosity originated.
Had they met before?
Why were they staring at him like that? Is this any way to treat a stranger? It’s like asking to get punched…
Well, perhaps he had been hit before.
The heavenly eyes revealed that this was none other than Xiang Liu, the young clan leader who had gotten ambushed by an Ice Chunk previously.
Though Li Mo didn’t understand the source of their hostility, it didn’t bother him much, and he turned back to Murong Xiao, heading back to their seats.
Once they returned, a dashing young man from the Ming Jiao Clan approached Xiang Liu.
“That guy isn’t from our territory; I heard he hails from beyond the South Border. His background is unclear, but he should be stronger than Wu Daming.”
“Thanks, you’re quite the insightful one,” the young clan leader replied.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, if you come across him, you’ve got zero chance,” the charming young Ming Jiao man remarked, mimicking a courtesan’s bow.
Xiang Liu beamed, “Last time I faced the Qingluan Divine Maiden, I managed to return alive, so this guy is nothing to worry about.”
“You’ll definitely succeed,” the youth added enthusiastically.
“That’s how it should be,” Xiang Liu smirked, returning to his seat, grabbing a pair of chopsticks in each hand, and starting to feast.
The Xiang Liu clan was known for two things: their ability to devour food and their speed! Not a single member of the Water Clan could out-eat him at that table.
And so, the dazzling sea selection began!
Before it kicked off, a talented musician from the Water Clan even played a tune, just short of advertising.
“Hello, esteemed seniors! I’m from the northern area of the Black Water Marsh, and my name is Zhen Bang.”
A clam woman stepped onto the stage… I mean, the heart of the lake.
Judging by the eager gazes of her fellow clan members surrounding her, she was undoubtedly a prodigy of the Clam Clan.
“Please introduce your bloodline power and demonstrate it.”
Murong Xiao’s mother spoke up, holding a seashell.
“My bloodline power is incredibly potent! If I join the team heading to the Floating Temple, I can ensure that our group has nothing to fear, and I’ll even improve our chances of obtaining the Celestial Divine Jade!”
Oh?
Li Mo sat up straighter, focusing intently.
“Please begin your performance.”
“Alright!”
Zhen Bang took a deep breath, her expression incredibly serious. Her entire body began to tremble slightly; it was clear she was giving it her all.
Suddenly, an apparition of the Clam Clan’s ancestor appeared behind her!
And then, her belly button started to emit a radiant glow, and…
The light grew brighter, dazzling beyond measure! Almost solid!
With everyone watching intently!
Snap—
The light coalesced into a pearl the size of a baby’s fist, which fell to the ground.
“I’m done demonstrating,” Zhen Bang said weakly, raising the pearl.
“What makes this pearl so special?” Murong Xiao’s mother, Wu Qing, inquired, prompting a wave of murmurs among the spectators.
Some speculated that the pearl could explode, holding immense power, while others suggested that it contained an illusion that could enchant the mind. The discussion was lively.
Zhen Bang proudly declared, “Look! This pearl can shine and is quite beautiful! Human women definitely can’t resist it!”
“Hmm.”
“So it’s valuable!”
“?”
Li Mo and the others fell into deep thought.
This glowing clam pearl was even brighter than a night pearl; it certainly had its value. They could easily sell it and resolve their team’s troubles!
They could even bribe other clans competing for the divine jade with it…
Something felt slightly off, but they couldn’t pinpoint what exactly.
“Judging round, go!”
The fish in the lake immediately started swimming around, gradually forming a number visible to all the creatures present.
“Three—failed, next!” Wu Qing, Murong Xiao’s mother, said helplessly.
Zhen Bang ran off crying.
Next up, several more talented individuals began to showcase their skills.
There was a genius from the Water Ginseng Clan, boasting incredible regeneration abilities; if someone took a slice of his meat, he could grow it back in just ten minutes—and claimed his meat was exceptionally delicious (self-proclaimed). However, he was promptly asked to leave the stage when he threatened to take a bite of himself.
Then came a talent from the Dreamy Jellyfish Clan, who was adept at hypnotizing… herself. Yep, she could doze off just by blinking. She dozed off halfway through her introduction.
“No wonder the Water Clan has always been overshadowed by the Bird Clan.”
Li Mo thought to himself; this might not all be due to the Bird Clan acquiring the Jade Phoenix Divine and their power skyrocketing.
Could it be that the Water Clan’s abilities were just plain strange?
Or had they devolved over a long period?
Ahem, well…
The oddities were just a portion; most who followed were pretty reliable.
Like the carp that could sh**t bubble prisons and the capybara that could emit sonic waves strong enough to break stones…
Among those, some talented members from the Ming Jiao Clan also took the stage and passed through.
“The Ming Jiao Clan’s bloodline power is to control water vapor, manifesting as rain summoning. The size of the summoned rain can determine the strength of one’s bloodline?”
Li Mo silently calculated.
After transforming into a Ming Jiao, he not only inherited the physique of a human but also gained the ability to control water vapor.
But that ability was something he had obtained not long ago and had yet to practice…
“Oh right.”
“I seem to have a unique item I’ve been holding onto for a while.”
Li Mo glanced at his system space.
A Rain Summoning Talisman.
…
P.S. The Rain Summoning Talisman is something he acquired ages ago, back in Chapter 47.
And there’s more to come!
