Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 512 Subsequent Plans: Engagement Ceremony and Secret Meeting with the Sea Clan (10,000-word combined chapter, please vote)
The emergence of a groundbreaking product can bring great shock to people.

A large number of groundbreaking products have emerged, but what they bring to people is mainly numbness.

Fortunately, the Starry World doesn't emphasize science much; they talk about metaphysics, so it's relatively easier to accept.

In short, it's a gift from the gods, so why think so much about it?
As evening approached and the sun began to set, the expo venue remained packed with people.

Chen Mo and Ma Tianheng stood in a room on the upper floor of the convention center, looking down at the bustling crowd below through one-way glass.

"Old Ma, you've really worked hard these past few days!"

"Hmm!" Ma Tianheng didn't stand on ceremony and rubbed his dark circles under his eyes. "Everything is difficult at the beginning!"

“Although the kids here are all quite quick to understand, none of them have ever organized such a large-scale exhibition before. Lack of experience is a major weakness. No matter how capable they are, they all need time to learn.”

"If there's a next time, it will be much better!"

Chen Mo deeply agreed.

"Everything is going well now, you should go and get some rest. You haven't slept for more than five hours in the last three days, that won't do!"

Ma Tianheng waved his hand: "It's alright, the effect of your Life Spring Water is quite good, and so far there has been no obvious drug resistance."

Drinking the life-giving spring water to harden the liver has always been a tradition of Han Hai. Old Ma learned it quickly. He rubbed his eyes again and said, "While we're still clear-headed, let's hurry up and take care of everything that needs to be done."

"The first thing is the arrangement for equipment charging and maintenance."

"Okay, you tell me, I'll write it down!"

After Lao Ma arrived, although he relieved Chen Mo of a lot of burden, he also brought a lot of new troubles.

For example, in the past, when Chen Mo held meetings, Liu Shuang would accompany him, Lao Niu would stand at the door, and a group of people from the secretariat would be taking meeting minutes.

But after Lao Ma arrived, he divided the meetings into levels. The highest level was only for the two of them, and even Liu Shuang was not allowed to enter.

Ma Tianheng spoke of this matter with particular seriousness.

"It's not that I don't trust the people around you, but some things are less likely to go wrong if fewer people know them."

"They may be loyal to you and wouldn't betray you willingly, but is there any possibility that they might accidentally let something slip? Is there any possibility that they might have said something in their sleep while drunk? Is there any possibility that they might have been bewitched by some strange magic?"

“By preventing them from participating, we eliminate all possibilities. This isn’t a matter of trust; it’s for their own good!”

"What's that saying again? Knowing too much isn't a good thing!"

Chen Mo sighed deeply, agreeing to leave everything to Lao Ma's arrangements.

Sometimes he felt that Lao Ma was a ruthless machine; his outward elegance and gentleness couldn't hide the extreme pragmatism in his bones.

Chen Mo silently picked up his pen and opened his notebook.

Whenever the two of them had a private meeting, Chen Mo would encounter this slightly awkward situation, because he had no secretary by his side and had to take notes himself.

Ma Tianheng, on the other hand, didn't need any notes; he could remember everything in his head.

Who exactly is the leader...?

Old Ma didn't care about that. He gently pushed up his glasses with his finger and started talking about the aftermarket accessories for electronic devices.

"The promotion went very smoothly, and sales and usage are not problems. The two things we need to focus on are..."

"First, program production!"

"With the advent of radios and televisions, propaganda will become extremely important. In a sense, this will be our main battlefield with the Starry Sky Nation, a battlefield without gunpowder."

"Whether it's a radio program or a television program, they must be carefully produced and strictly reviewed."

"I can't be completely at ease about this, so whether it's a program produced here or one produced and sent over from Dongxia, I won't allow it to be broadcast until I've reviewed and confirmed it!"

Chen Mo: "Even programs from home... need to be reviewed?"

"Of course, everyone will be treated equally!"

"I've finished reviewing it. If you have time, we can do a final review. If not, we must conduct random checks every week."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement, but still offered a word of advice: "You've already prepared detailed review guidelines, so have your subordinates keep a close eye on things according to the regulations. Don't micromanage everything, or you'll exhaust yourself!"

Old Ma quickly waved his hand: "No need, there will be plenty of time to rest later."

"Our golden publicity period may only last for the first three to five months, or even one or two months. Most nobles are not stupid, and soon some of them will realize what the consequences of our publicity might be."

"During this period, we must maximize the publicity effect while avoiding their sensitive points, so that the control measures implemented by various countries will be delayed!"

He raised his head, his gaze passing over Chen Mo's shoulder and landing on the darkening sky outside the window.

"Opportunities are fleeting; once they come, you must seize them!"

Chen Mo remained silent, suspecting that Lao Ma was subtly hinting at something about him.

"Secondly, regarding the charging arrangements."

"Once the equipment is shipped out and used in various countries, the charging problem will immediately come to the forefront, and charging stations in various locations must be built as soon as possible."

"We have planned to set up two to three centralized charging stations in the north, south and west of the alliance so that countries can charge their vehicles nearby, but this is only a temporary measure."

"Next, countries will inevitably make demands that we open up our charging technology or build charging stations in their countries."

“I will block them from here, and then they will definitely come looking for you.”

"Remember, you have to look troubled, really troubled. When you finally have to agree, stick to one condition: you can build it for them, but it must be tied to the Moon Gazing Pavilion!"

"Wherever Wangyue Jingge opens a store, a charging station can be set up in that city."

Chen Mo felt a dryness in his throat.

Master Anthony's design and manufacturing of psionic-to-electric energy devices are quite mature. Dongxia's design system also includes hand-cranked generators, fuel generators, and solar generators. Theoretically, charging is not a problem at all.

I wondered why Old Ma insisted on using rechargeable batteries and charging them at HanHai's exclusive charging stations. What was he trying to do?

This seems like they're trying to seize the opportunity to open banks all over the Star Continent...

Old Ma cleared his throat and continued, "By the way, because of the promotion of the charging stations, the equity ratio of Wangyue Jingge and various partners, such as Xiyue and Zhuru, needs to be readjusted."

"We need to set aside a portion and transfer it to the power structures of various countries!"

"Furthermore, we will only charge for the most basic equipment and energy costs at the charging stations. We will not take any profits; they will all be earned by the nobles of various countries!"

After Chen Mo finished taking notes, he habitually looked up. Old Ma could tell from his still clear eyes that he needed to explain something.

"Once our equipment is deployed in large quantities, it will not be very difficult for countries to figure out what electricity is and how to generate it."

"What we can use to restrict their development is the technology of transformer and frequency converter equipment, but if countries are determined to develop it, I don't think we can stop them for long."

"Therefore, charging fees should be cheap, and at the same time, a lot of profits should be given up to form a vested interest group, so as to nip the budding technological development of various countries in the bud as much as possible."

I completely understand!

Dongxia understood this move all too well.

Because I had gotten caught in the rain, everyone started using Dongxia umbrellas afterwards.

How did the once thriving industries of many countries on Earth die out?
To stifle a country's technological development, the best approach is to eliminate any incentive for research and development altogether, forcing it into a state of complacency where buying is preferable to manufacturing.

This guy managed to turn a basic charging station into a strategic asset.

"Old Ma!"

"Ok?"

"Did you offend a lot of people in Dongxia and couldn't make it here anymore, so you were sent here?"

Ma Tianheng sighed, his tone carrying a unique sense of vicissitude and helplessness: "It's not that bad. If I don't want to offend anyone, I won't offend anyone at all!"

"But to be honest, doing things at home is much more difficult than doing things here. There are too many factors to consider."

"I feel more comfortable here with you. I only need to convince you, and you're so easygoing."

Chen Mo: "...Are you saying I'm stupid?"

"No, that's not true. You're already quite outstanding, only a little bit worse than me."

"Let's continue. Next, we'll discuss the after-sales arrangements..."

The two's meeting lasted for more than two hours, and when they came out, night had already fallen over the vast sea.

Liu Shuang, who had been waiting outside the office door, looked up and gave her a concerned look.

He glanced at Old Ma out of the corner of his eye.

The little girl had no interest in the content of their meeting, but she was somewhat unhappy about not being able to attend.

Staying outside is not only a sign of concern for Chen Mo, but also a subtle expression of dissatisfaction.

However, Old Ma was doing his best to push forward with the lord's wedding arrangements, making it impossible for Liu Shuang to dislike him, which made her emotions quite complicated.

The little girl carefully took Chen Mo's arm, casually took the fat owl off her shoulder, and placed it on Chen Mo's shoulder.

Ever since the little guy went to Dongxia, he's gotten quite chubby, round like a big ball of fur. He was half asleep when he was suddenly moved like this, and he opened his wings and made a few low cooing sounds, which were hard to tell if they were complaints.

However, after confirming the situation, it immediately turned into a "licking bird," tilting its neck and rubbing against Chen Mo's shoulder.

Chen Mo ignored Xiao Bai and walked out of the exhibition hall side by side with Liu Shuang.

At this moment, to celebrate this grand exhibition, Hanhai organized a grand fireworks display, with colorful fireworks blooming in the night sky, illuminating the entire night sky of Hanhai City.

Some cheered, some marveled, some prayed silently, and some seemed lost in thought.

Some people huddled together, watching the fireworks in the sky, the flowers bloom and fade.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Because of the existence of these "divine gifts" displayed at the expo, various countries and forces unanimously sent another wave of envoys.

The day of the Lord of the Vast Ocean's engagement finally arrived.

On this day, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the air was fresh and invigorating.

Before dawn, a dense crowd had already gathered in the square in front of the city lord's mansion.

The city lord's mansion's high front courtyard and steps were newly decorated, with flowerpots lining both sides, displaying a dazzling array of colorful flowers. There were bitter chrysanthemums native to the Vast Ocean, as well as moon orchids transported from the Silvermoon Forest. At the highest point of the steps stood the Ice Dew Snow Lotus, grown atop the Dragon's Spine Mountain, its petals as large as human heads, their colors bright and vibrant, swaying gently in a pale blue water-based magic.

With the high front courtyard and steps of the city lord's mansion as the main feature, viewing platforms were set up along both sides of the front square, complete with seats, booths, and private boxes.

On the south viewing platform, the special envoys sent by various countries and forces were housed, with a dense array of flags of different colors fluttering in the wind on both sides.

On the north viewing platform sat Han Hai's own generals and officials of all ranks.

All the senior generals of the field army, the national defense army, and the militia battalion were present; the upper echelons of the council and the inspectorate were also present. As for the tribes of Xiyue, the cities of Bailu, the territories of Yunwu, and the temporary administration of Lvsong, most of the local officials who needed to handle government affairs could not come to offer their congratulations in person, but they all arranged to present gifts to their respective leaders.

According to the rules set by Old Ma, cities were allowed to send congratulatory gifts, but the value of the gifts could not exceed ten silver coins.

If it exceeds the limit, a blanket ban will be imposed, and the official will be dismissed on the spot.

This undoubtedly presents a significant challenge for all officials under Hanhai's jurisdiction.

In the past, everyone knew that Lord Chen Mo had a fondness for strange and unusual trinkets, such as rare magic crystals, peculiar mineral specimens, and exotic handicrafts...

Therefore, collecting rare materials and unusual items was a common practice in the officialdom of Han Hai.

However, there is one thing: many things cannot be valued.

For example, a certain magical material obtained from the Frostwind Duchy might only be worth one silver coin locally, but the cost of transporting it across mountains and rivers to the Vast Ocean, and the special storage methods involved, is unpredictable.

If someone loses their job because of something so inexplicable, wouldn't that be an enormous injustice?

It was Helan who stepped forward and took the initiative to find Ma Tianheng, the lord's advisor, to temporarily deal with the special envoy. After a serious discussion, Ma Tianheng gave a simple solution.

Congratulations should be offered on a city-by-city basis. For example, for Dingshan County, only Dingshan City, where the county seat is located, should be considered as the representative city, and no other places below should offer congratulations separately.

There's no need to worry about the type or style of gifts for those from Dingshan City. Just pay ten silver coins to the Council Office, register it, and that's enough to show your goodwill.

What was the outcome of this incident?

This put the brakes on Han Hai's previous penchant for "collecting rare items" in order to please his superiors.

This served as a reminder to all the civil servants in Han Hai: that guy surnamed Ma had a strange temper and was prone to acting crazy. If any strange new regulations appeared in the territory, it was probably his doing.

In addition, his opinions are effective, and at this stage, we cannot ignore them.

In a sense, Old Ma used this opportunity, through a small and seemingly politically correct event, to indoctrinate territory officials.

Um, to put it more maliciously, it's called obedience management.

Back at the scene, in addition to these nobles and high-ranking officials, as part of the celebration with the people, Hanhai also opened up viewing channels for the public.

The other side, directly opposite the city lord's mansion, was completely open, stretching from the edge of the square all the way to the city's main road, and was packed with Han Hai citizens who had come to see the spectacle.

The adults chatted enthusiastically in twos and threes, while the children excitedly waved the small flags they were given, weaving through the crowd and shouting excitedly.

As time went by, everyone's attention gradually turned to the high platform.

The Summer Moon Alliance flag, the Vast Ocean Lord flag, and the Torch Vanguard flag fluttered high in the wind.

As soon as the auspicious time arrived, bells and drums rang out in unison, and ceremonial music began.

Old Ma arranged a standard Xia-style engagement ceremony. Chen Mo, dressed in a bright red auspicious robe, wearing a golden crown and a jade belt, slowly walked out from one side of the city lord's mansion.

On the other side, Liu Shuang was dressed in a traditional elven royal robe, with dark blue vine patterns woven on a silver-white background.

The vines stretched from the hem of the skirt all the way to the waist, where they gathered into buds that were about to bloom. The delicate patterns of moonlight silk and frost silk wrapped within them shimmered and intertwined, like moonlight rolling on the surface of flowing water.

The little girl wore a laurel wreath, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, and two small moonstone pendants, which had somehow appeared on the lower edge of her pointed ears, swayed gently with her steps.

The officiant at the ceremony was quite interesting.

Lao Ma believes that who to appoint and who not to appoint could send a strong political signal to the outside world.

For example, using a bishop from the Divine Court might be interpreted as favoring the Seven-Eyed God; using a Grand Secretary from the Heavenly Vault might make the countries of the Eastern Continent wary.

So, Lao Ma simply arranged an auction.

He randomly picked two phone numbers from the list, the kind that didn't hold any special significance for any country or involve the birthday of any emperor or grand duke, and auctioned them off along with the first batch of numbers.

Whoever is interested can take the photos. The person who takes the photos will be the witness at Lord Chen's engagement ceremony, of course, following the proper procedures.

Ultimately, the winners were no surprise: the Misty Moon Divine Court and the Silver Moon Forest.

Several other major powers also participated, but they couldn't compete with them.

And so, the bishop of the Divine Court accompanied Chen Mo, and the elder of the elves accompanied Liu Shuang, meeting on the high platform, and the whole audience erupted in cheers like a tsunami.

The groom is dressed in red, the bride in silver, the platform is sky blue, and the marriage certificate is bright gold!
The wind sweeping across the vast sea of ​​people was joyful and exuberant!

Chen Mo turned around and stood facing Liu Shuang.

The little girl tilted her head slightly to look at him, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow in the sunlight.

A faint smile played on Liu Shuang's lips, and her usually serene amber eyes were now filled with a gentle light, like moonlight falling on frost and snow.

As the emcee, Helan guided the proceedings in an orderly manner.

"Lord Chen Mo of the Vast Ocean and Princess Liu Shuang of the Silver Moon, today we pledge our love and vow to be together forever!"

"Please invite the officiant to the stage!"

"Please, officiant, give your congratulatory remarks!"

Archbishop Summerfield of the Misty Moon Divine Court stepped forward first. The white-haired old man wore a deep purple robe, with the emblem of the Seven-Eyed God hanging on his chest. His expression was solemn as he held a scroll of prayers in his hands and slowly unfurled it.

"In the name of the Seven-Eyed God, witness this sacred covenant."

"May the light of glory shine on your path, may the hand of mercy protect your way forward, and may this beautiful land prosper and flourish because of your presence."

Elder Ysera of Silvermoon Forest followed closely behind.

"Moon Saintess, the light of the silver moon flows in your eyes, and I have found the one and only in this world for you."

May you and your companions, like the moonlight and the earth, shine together and never be separated.

Well, after spending tens of thousands of gold coins in the auction, all they got was this one sentence. The two officiants, though slightly pained, suddenly felt happy looking at the burning gazes of the other national representatives, especially the representatives from the Sky Dome and the Moon.

It's not that these two companies are financially weak, but rather that, in terms of personal relationships, they felt they weren't at that level. They could offer support, but they couldn't force the issue.

Helan's voice continued to echo in the arena.

"Congratulations from all parties!"

These congratulatory messages were all written in advance and read aloud by Helan, so they were not given the opportunity to go on stage.

What about "the harmonious union of phoenixes and dragons," what about "a happy marriage," what about "a lifelong bond," what about "a match made in heaven," what about "a harmonious and peaceful union," what about "a blessed union, a promise to grow old together"...

The congratulatory message can be written by any country; the right to translate it rests with Helan, and Dongxia has plenty of good words to use.

After the representatives from all sides finished their congratulations, Helan took a deep breath and turned to the dense crowd in the square.

"Congratulations from the people of the Vast Ocean!"

The crowd in the square fell silent for a moment, then erupted in frenzied cheers. Countless flags waved wildly through the crowd, like a boiling, colorful wave.

"Long live the lord!"

"Long live Prince Liushuang!"

"Long live Han Hai!" A thunderous roar of cheers swept across the city, spreading from the square in front of the platform all the way to the main road of the city, and then to the distant outskirts of the city, and even as far as the port. It seemed that even the ships moored on the dock were gently swaying with the sound.

There were faint traces of organization and guidance, but at this point, who would care about that?

At this point, the ceremony was complete, and the process was compressed into a very tight schedule.

Next, there is a "city tour" process.

On the day of the lords' engagement, the two supreme leaders will tour the entire city of Hanhai, bringing joy to those who are dedicated to their posts in the fields, factories, power stations, docks, shops, and defense zones.

This step is far too "condescending" for the nobles of the Starry World to comprehend, but the common people don't care about such things.

Various blessings, cheers, and laughter mingled together, creating a sound wave that soared into the sky.

After the city tour, there was a banquet.

Exquisite cuisine of Eastern Xia caliber, specialty dishes from various human nations, a roasted meat feast from the northern orcs, and an elven-style fruit and vegetable platter…

Of course, Lao Ma's habitual product promotion was indispensable during the meal.

Baijiu, huangjiu, fruit wine, various carbonated drinks, ice cream, milk tea, large cigars, and cigarettes...

The supplies on site were plentiful, but eating was allowed, but taking things was prohibited; anything that could be taken could be purchased at the supply station. This further strained the already depleted wallets of the envoys from various countries.

After the banquet, there was an even grander fireworks display than the day before.

When Chen Mo and Liu Shuang appeared on the high platform, enthusiastic cheers once again soared into the sky.

As the first firework exploded in the night sky, golden light cascaded down like a waterfall, illuminating the entire vast sea.

In that instant, every house, every street, every tree, and every person in the city seemed to be bathed in a golden light. Even the distant sea reflected a shimmering, sparkling expanse, like a layer of shattered gold spread among the waves.

Red, blue, purple, green... a dazzling array of colorful fireworks burst forth, illuminating the night sky as if it were daytime. When the fireworks exploded at their highest point, they scattered into countless tiny points of light, leaving delicate trails in the night sky, as if a sky full of stars had fallen.

Exclamations and cheers came from all directions.

The crowd is watching the fireworks;

Chen Mo was looking at his people;

Liu Shuang was looking at Chen Mo;

The light from the fireworks reflected on his face, and the brilliance of the fireworks bloomed in his pupils.

"Chen Mo," she whispered his name.

"Ok?"

"Thank you."

Chen Mo paused for a moment, then turned to look at her. "We're all family, what's there to thank?"

"Thank you for coming into this world."

"Thank you for meeting me."

Chen Mo's heart skipped several beats in an instant.

Sure enough, being with Liu Shuang is dangerous!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The grandeur of the lord's engagement was a topic of much discussion among the people of Hanhai for a long time.

Of course, the work points and special allowances distributed to all the commoners in the territory on the day of the engagement may also be an important reference point. The lord's happy event made everyone happy, and the distribution of benefits made this happiness more real and appropriate.

The festive atmosphere swept across the entire territory like a tide. The engagement ceremony had just ended, and countless people were already looking forward to the future lord's wedding.

The protagonist of this ceremony, Lord Chen Mo, quietly arrived at a temporary palace deep in Emerald Bay and met a special guest.

This is a stone complex built at the foot of a cliff. It is backed by steep rock walls and faces a calm inner bay. A man-made stone staircase leads from the shore to the main building, which then descends into the dark sea.

The one soaking in this water is Princess Cersei of the Naga.

The absence of the sea creatures from the engagement ceremony was unusual.

The vast ocean and the sea creatures, or more precisely, the Naga race within the sea creatures, have a very close relationship; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them "strategic partners."

However, it seems that the two sides had a falling out some time ago.

According to reliable sources, the breakdown in relations between the two parties is said to be due to Han Hai's long-term, insatiable greed in charging the sea creatures for the maintenance and refueling of the Type 07 multi-functional water tanker.

The existence of this water-storage suit allows sea creatures to move from saltwater to freshwater, greatly expanding their activity boundaries. However, it requires regular replenishment of the energy liquid inside, which is very expensive.

When the Sea Ocean hired sea creatures to fight against orcs, the sea creatures didn't feel any problems because the Sea Ocean was paying for the military expenses.

However, as the war progressed into its later stages, the Sea Clan grew stronger and became capable of dealing with the orcs on their own. As a result, the Sea Clan could no longer earn money, and this expense became a huge burden for them.

But the sea creatures were reluctant to leave the inland rivers and return to the deep sea.

And so, former allies who fought side by side became irreconcilable enemies. Even at the lord's engagement ceremony, the sea creatures refused to attend, citing "they can't afford to pay the fees and can't go ashore," their words filled with deep resentment.

Of course, Hanhai wouldn't do something so short-sighted; without a doubt, this was Lao Ma's doing again.

A meticulously planned performance.

"There are two reasons for falling out with the sea creatures!"

"First, the orcs, who cannot cross the quarantine zone to attack the Han Hai in the short term, have basically lost their value as visible enemies of the Han Hai. We will no longer have high expectations for them as our true enemies."

“At times like these, we need a new ‘enemy’ that we can put on the table.”

"After we break with the sea creatures, if our enemies have any schemes, there is a high probability that they will seek to cooperate with the enemy's enemy, that is, the sea creatures."

At this point, Old Ma was quite proud.

"Surrounding three sides and leaving one open is not only a tactic for attacking a city, but also a strategic deployment, leaving the enemy with a possible opening to break through."

"Don't exterminate the enemies, the opposition, and the compromisers. Let them speak out from time to time and attract attention. These guys all have value and meaning!"

Old Ma raised his second finger.

"Secondly, our upcoming great maritime expedition, the exploration of the New World, will take us into the deep sea, which may arouse the vigilance of certain forces."

"We need to find some cover for our subsequent military operations and try to avoid any associations by certain clever people."

“If we have some minor friction with the sea creatures, our military actions will seem more reasonable.”

"Of course, this cannot completely eliminate the speculation of those with ulterior motives, but giving them a reason is better than having no reason at all."

And so, Cersei, the Daughter of the Tide who loved watching the excitement, was unable to attend the ceremony. As a replacement, the newly engaged bride and groom personally came to her door as soon as possible.

The Daughter of the Tide had no choice but to reluctantly and humiliatingly present Chen Mo with a congratulatory gift at the temporary palace beneath the dock.

She lifted her hand from the water and held a dark blue seashell box in front of Chen Mo.

The box is about three feet square, and its shell is made of a star-shaped shell unique to the deep sea. Its surface has a peculiar spiral pattern that resembles the trajectory of stars. Between the spirals, there are naturally formed fluorescent patterns that shimmer with a faint dark blue light under the lamp.

"Here you go, this is to make up for it. Don't say we don't know the rules."

"We sea creatures are the most polite!"

Cersei pressed a button, and the lid of the box opened, making the air in the room seem to suddenly become incredibly thick.

A set of twelve tide pearls, the main body of which is black with shimmering white spots, and when arranged together, it is clear that they are arranged according to the phases of the moon.

From crescent moon to full moon, the shape and luster of each moon correspond to the waxing and waning of the moon in the starry world.

"Look, this allows terrestrial life to breathe underwater."

"This was a gift prepared by the ancestors of the Naga race for their allies who fell into the sea. It was said to be a blessing from the sea god. However, later, those who were supposed to return to land did, and those who did not return died. So no one used this thing anymore."

"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten that we had this at home, and I would have been looking everywhere for a gift for you!"

Chen Mo nodded, gesturing for Liu Shuang to take it.

"This is so useful. Thank you so much, Princess Cersei, for the gift. I've also prepared a return gift for you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Cersei shouted, "I want it! I want that [All Things]!"

Chen Mo's heart skipped a beat, and he turned to look at Ma Tianheng. Sure enough, Ma Tianheng had a smile on his face and his expression remained unchanged, but he and Chen Mo exchanged a meaningful glance.

It seems that sea creatures also have their own communication channels on land.

"No problem, [Wanxiang] has prepared it for you. However, this type used on land cannot be taken into the deep sea, as it will be crushed. Remember to play in the shallow sea."

“We also have a specially customized smartphone for you that can be used in the deep sea. It’s ready for you and the Tide Queen.”

The preliminary communication between the two parties was completed in a pleasant atmosphere. Now, it's time to get down to business.

"Why are you sneaking out of the Endless Sea? What are you planning to do?"

"No...you don't have any bad thoughts about sea creatures, do you?"

Chen Mo shrugged helplessly.

"Even if we were enemies, let alone our two families being so close, I would never go to the deep sea to plot against the sea creatures."

"Would you go up to the top of Dragon Ridge to hunt down a human?"

Cersei tilted her head: "That's true!"

"So what do you want to do?"

Chen Mo took a waterproof satellite map from Lao Ma and spread it out on the table.

"The great industrial god behind me told me that there is a land on the other side of the sea, and I hope to see what it looks like!"

Cersei didn't look at the picture; instead, she stared intently into Chen Mo's eyes.

The sea creatures have their own ways of discerning, and she sensed that Chen Mo was telling the truth.

It was indeed true. Chen Mo's source of information was a satellite high in the sky, a standard product of the Eastern Xia Dynasty. It was said that the Industrial God discovered it and informed him, which was completely accurate.

"It's dangerous there!"

Chen Mo was overjoyed: "You know what's there, right?"

Cersei shook her head: "I don't know, but the ancestors of the sea people warned us not to go near that chaotic place."

"The Land of Chaos?" Chen Mo pondered the name. "Is that what you call that continent?"

“Hmm.” Cersei nodded. “In the ancient language of the sea people, the original meaning of that word was ‘the sealed sea,’ but somehow, it was passed down and became ‘the chaotic land.’”

"This is it!"

Cersei stared at the sea chart Chen Mo had spread out and poked at the continent with her finger.

"The records left by our ancestors are incomplete. All we know is that in the records of the sea people, it is a strange continent with barriers erected by the gods."

"What kind of barrier? Does it lock up the entire continent?"

“Mmm!” Cersei nodded, then quickly added, “I’ve never seen it, but I’ve heard the elders in my tribe say that there is an invisible wall not far from that continent.”

"Birds and flying fish that fly over there will suddenly fall from the sky as if they have lost their wings."

“There was a huge storm at sea, which lasted day and night. I remember seeing a seashell that said, ‘The waves are tearing apart, the seawater is rolling back, and lightning is raining down.’”

“It’s impossible to get anywhere under the sea. It’s cold, extremely cold. If any of our people get close, they’ll freeze solid and then be swept away to who knows where.”

Liu Shuang listened with shining eyes, completely engrossed, but Chen Mo and Lao Ma were a little unsettled.

A no-fly zone, a superstorm on the sea surface, and frigid ocean currents beneath the surface...

I initially thought it was just a layer of "fog of war," but now it seems there really is an "invisible wall" blocking the way.

Who did this?

Should we stop the creatures outside from going in, or stop the things inside from going out?

Han Hai now has a fairly thorough understanding of the situation on the Starry Continent, as the land races and sea races have almost never ventured into the open ocean due to their discord.

Since the sea creatures have imposed a ban on their own descendants, it's clear they don't seem to be able to gain any advantage.

So, the more likely explanation is that it's to prevent what's inside from getting out!

That's a bit creepy.

Ma Tianheng frowned slightly and took the initiative to speak: "Your Excellency Princess Cersei, according to you, no living being can pass through that barrier, is that right?"

Cersei tilted her head and thought for a moment, then gently swayed her tail on the water's surface, creating a small ripple.

"Not at all."

"How so?" Old Ma's eyes narrowed slightly.

“It’s not that no creature can get through,” Cersei corrected. “Powerful creatures can rush through.”

According to Cersei, despite the ancestors' repeated warnings of danger and the seemingly perilous barrier, there were always restless sea creatures attempting to explore the Jedi.

Indeed, a significant portion of living organisms possess this instinct, which can be euphemistically called "exploration" but less so "suicidal," and is filled with an irrepressible desire for the unknown.

In Cersei's memory, the sea creatures had never stopped probing her, the largest of which was when the Abyssal sea creatures launched an attack on that barrier.

"They are skilled at taming deep-sea monsters, the really big and powerful kind!"

“I heard my mother say that they drove more than a dozen fully grown Abyssal Schizothoraxes across the water, but neither the beasts nor their riders returned alive. Only one Schizothorax was swept out by the storm.”

"It is said that his whole body was covered with lacerations. He was still breathing when he came out, but he died before he could say anything!"

Chen Mo exchanged another glance with Lao Ma.

The underwater cold current is indeed the weakest link in the barrier, and if we were to force our way through, going underwater would be the most promising option.

They went in alive and came out severely injured, which further confirmed the previous guess that what was inside was blocked from getting out.

For the first time ever, Old Ma took out a pen and wrote a few words on the edge of the map: "Unmanned Submarine".

Just as the two were exchanging glances, Cersei gave them another unexpected piece of information.

"If anyone could possibly know about that continent, it would probably be the dragons."

"Hey, what's going on?"

Cersei hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I'm not sure, it's just a legend among the sea people."

"At its peak, the dragon race crossed the sea and roamed everywhere."

"The ancestors of the sea people said that a group of dragons once rushed into that storm and entered the chaotic land. Later, some of them rushed out and flew back to the Starry Continent."

"I don't know if it's true or not, but sea creatures don't like to lie..."

Dragons...

On the continent of stars, there is a legendary race that is the most mysterious, the most powerful, and the most elusive.

They once roamed the Starry Continent, possessing long lifespans, remarkable intelligence, strong bodies and sharp claws, and exceptional magical talent.

They are the kind of animals that have no natural enemies when they grow up, like elephants on the surface of the Earth or blue whales in the ocean.

However, they unfortunately encountered the rise of the human race.

In direct combat, the human race is still no match for these colossal beasts. However, the human race is numerous, ruthless, and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

For example, launching a sneak attack while the dragons are pregnant or giving birth.

For example, poisoning the dragons' hunting grounds or adding substances to their water sources.

For example, they could harass the dragons day and night with various loud magic spells, preventing them from sleeping; or they could set up various traps when the dragons left their nests, making them cautious and fearful when they returned home.

Of course, there's also the human race's innate skill of using various promises and benefits to win over some dragons, attack others, and then "discard the millstone after it has served its purpose."

The dragon race thus became fewer and weaker, eventually fleeing far from the center of the Starry Continent and hiding in the frigid lands.

But according to historical records, if any creature could have explored that chaotic land and come out alive, the dragon race would be the most likely candidate.

Chen Mo pondered for a moment, then quickly made a decision.

It's always good to gather as much information as possible first.

"Cersei, I have a favor to ask you. Could you please find out more about the situation in that chaotic land?"

"By the way, when would be a convenient time for you to have dinner with Her Majesty the Tide Queen?"

He turned to look at Ma Tianheng.

"Old Ma, I remember, I also sent an invitation to the Dragon Clan about my engagement, right?"

Ma Tianheng nodded: "Yes, all races have received them, but many races did not send anyone. This is understandable, given the distance, lack of connections, and the potential dangers along the way."

"Yes, I understand, of course I understand!"

Chen Mo straightened up and raised his voice slightly.

"But we at Hanhai are particular about what we do. Even if someone doesn't bring a gift, as long as their reasons are understandable, we can't be lacking in courtesy!"

"Look, arrange it as soon as possible!"

"Send a delegation to deliver the return gifts!"

(End of this chapter)