In truth, Demon Cultivators who sought refuge with Hundred Beasts Island were not allowed to move freely until they had formed a partnership with a disciple of the sect through a specific technique. This was to prevent the Demon Cultivators from running away.
Only after a partnership was established did this concern disappear, because once bonded, a Cultivator could always sense the Demon Cultivator’s location, no matter where they were.
But Luo Nishang was different from the other disciples of Hundred Beasts Island. She had never formed a partnership with any Demon Cultivator before, so her handling of such matters was naturally less experienced. Furthermore, Bai Sha possessed a Supreme Dao Foundation, marking her as a Demon Cultivator of exceptional talent. Unwilling to displease Bai Sha, Luo Nishang could only agree.
“I’ll take a look around first, then.”
With that, Bai Sha turned and headed outside.
…
After watching Bai Sha leave, Luo Nishang turned and entered a secret chamber.
The chamber was neither too large nor too small, filled with many books. A strong scent of scrolls and ink greeted her.
In the center of the room was a table. Luo Nishang approached it and looked at a scroll upon which the ink was still fresh. Written prominently upon it was: “New Edition of the Hundred Beasts Heart Sutra.”
“I’ve only just finished the new edition of the Hundred Beasts Heart Sutra, and a Demon Cultivator with a Supreme Dao Foundation comes seeking refuge. Is this the guidance of fate? I will certainly be able to change the dark matters hidden within Hundred Beasts Island.”
Luo Nishang murmured to herself.
Then, she began re-checking her new edition of the Hundred Beasts Heart Sutra, ensuring there were no oversights.
…
Three Dragonhead Sharks had joined Hundred Beasts Island.
The one with the highest cultivation level had bonded with a Hall Master and was difficult to contact.
The other two were bonded with different Stewards. These two Dragonhead Sharks were Bai Sha’s targets.
On the way from Hundred Beast City deeper into the island on the great bird, Bai Sha had already learned about these Dragonhead Sharks from Cheng Yan’er along the way.
She didn’t need to ask directly; she merely inquired if there were any other shark-type Demon Cultivators on the island besides herself. Such an inquiry was watertight and wouldn’t arouse any suspicion.
Thus, Bai Sha knew that one of the Dragonhead Sharks was relatively easy to approach.
She performed Water Sky Travel, darting through the air above the forest. Before long, she arrived at Hundred Beast Peak. This was the central area of Hundred Beasts Island. Numerous buildings stood here, housing all the essential facilities that kept the sect running. Disciples of Hundred Beasts Island and their bonded Demon Cultivator partners could be seen everywhere.
Bai Sha flying here did not stand out much. She flew past one person and Demon Cultivator after another until she arrived before a tall, five-story building.
The Artifact Hall!
This was one of the main halls of Hundred Beasts Island, specifically responsible for the crafting and trading of Magical Tools within the sect.
After glancing at the Artifact Hall, Bai Sha entered directly.
The first floor of the Artifact Hall was very spacious. The most prominent feature here was the artifact racks lining both walls, upon which were displayed numerous Magical Tools. However, most of them were at the Qi Condensation level.
Better artifacts were on the upper floors.
After a quick scan of the area, Bai Sha headed for the stairs.
However, as she approached, she was stopped by a member of the Artifact Hall. They demanded she demonstrate sufficient cultivation level to access the second floor; the requirement for entry was the Foundation Establishment Stage.
This posed no problem. Bai Sha released a wisp of her aura and was permitted to pass, entering the second floor.
The layout of the second floor was much like the first, except that the artifacts on the racks here were all of Foundation Establishment level.
Bai Sha’s target was also here.
Her gaze swept across the room and quickly locked on.
Behind a counter on the second floor, a Dragonhead Shark was stationed there, tasked with explaining the functions of artifacts to guests browsing the selection.
The Dragonhead Shark had a grayish-white body, about the size of two people. Its head resembled that of a dragon, and its pectoral, dorsal, and tail fins were all blade-like. Even lounging lazily, it gave off a highly aggressive feeling.
Bai Sha casually picked an artifact and came before the Dragonhead Shark, asking, “What is the use of this Magical Tool?”
The Dragonhead Shark glanced at Bai Sha. Seeing she was a young lady and, more importantly, a fellow shark-type Demon Cultivator, it perked up a little. It took the artifact Bai Sha had chosen and examined it.
It was a seal-like artifact, glazed in color and very beautiful.
The Dragonhead Shark smiled and explained, “This is the Mountain Suppressing Seal. Its function is simple, but its power is considerable. You can command it to smash toward a target. An ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator or Demon Cultivator wouldn’t dare take it head-on. If Junior Martial Sister likes it, you could buy it. It’s quite pretty, very suitable for a young lady.”
Bai Sha mused thoughtfully, “Within Hundred Beasts Island, do we Demon Cultivators also address each other as Senior Brother and Junior Martial Sister?”
The Dragonhead Shark was taken aback. “Of course, it’s like that. Did Junior Martial Sister not know? Could it be that you only recently joined Hundred Beasts Island?”
There were many Demon Cultivators on Hundred Beasts Island, so the Dragonhead Shark naturally didn’t recognize every single one who joined.
Bai Sha nodded. “I did indeed just join Hundred Beasts Island. Only today, in fact.”
The Dragonhead Shark suddenly understood. “I see. In that case, Junior Martial Sister is probably still unfamiliar with many affairs within the sect. Since we are both shark-type Demon Cultivators, I feel a sense of kinship just looking at you. If Junior Martial Sister has any questions, feel free to ask me. My name is Long San. And what might Junior Martial Sister be called?”
“Bai Sha.”
“Bai Sha? A truly lovely name, just as beautiful as Junior Martial Sister herself.”
Long San seemed exceptionally enthusiastic towards Bai Sha.
This was an unexpected development for Bai Sha. Was it simply because she was a female shark-type Demon Cultivator that she received such preferential treatment from Long San?
Just then, another Demon Cultivator approached Long San to inquire about an artifact’s function.
Long San glanced over impatiently, casually explained the artifact’s purpose in a single sentence, and dismissed them.
Afterward, Long San continued speaking with Bai Sha, a smile still on his face.
It was clear he was indeed treating her differently.
News of Bai Sha possessing a Supreme Dao Foundation probably hadn’t spread this quickly. Long San’s differential treatment could only be attributed to the fact that she was a female shark-type Demon Cultivator.
This left Bai Sha a bit speechless. However, being able to connect with Long San more easily was indeed beneficial to her plan.
Still, she wouldn’t immediately ask about what she wanted to know. The technique that the Dragonhead Shark Clan possessed was undoubtedly sensitive information for any Dragonhead Shark. If she suddenly asked about it, it would only raise their guard.
lmao that’s convenient