Immortality and Cultivation: I can extract entries from all things.

half a month later.

Early morning at Qing'ao Island Wharf.

Fang He stood at the edge of the pier, with Zhao Hengdao, Zhou Qing, and three Zhou family cultivators behind him.

All six were at the late stage of Qi Refining cultivation and were personally selected by Zhou Tieshan as his entourage.

"Inspector Fang, the journey to Ironbone Island will take about a day. Please be careful."

Zhou Tieshan handed over a storage bag, "Inside are some emergency pills and talismans, just in case."

Fang He accepted the storage bag, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Uncle Zhou, rest assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Zhou Tieshan patted him on the shoulder and lowered his voice: "The Meng family is a dangerous place, and Meng Hao is no pushover."

You're clever, but don't overexert yourself.

Fang He nodded: "Understood."

He turned and boarded the ship, with Zhao Hengdao and the others following closely behind.

The ship slowly sailed away from the dock. Fang He stood at the bow, watching Qing'ao Island gradually disappear into the distance.

The purpose of this trip was clear: to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the Meng family and to gain the initiative in the negotiations for an alliance with the Zhou family.

But Fang He knew in his heart that since the Meng family dared to send Meng Changhai to test the Zhou family, they must have something to rely on.

Meng Hao, as the young master of the Meng family and a body cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining, is by no means an easy opponent.

"Inspector Fang"

Zhao Hengdao walked to his side. "This journey is dangerous. If anything goes wrong, my life is yours."

Fang He glanced at him: "Brother Zhao, you flatter me."

This trip is an diplomatic mission, not a life-or-death situation.

Zhao Hengdao grinned: "I was just saying, in case."

Fang He didn't say anything more.

The ship sails forward, cutting through the waves, with the sea breeze whistling through it.

---

In the afternoon, the sun was at its zenith.

He suddenly opened his eyes.

Something's up!

Before the words were even finished, the ship began to rock violently, and huge waves several meters high surged up on the sea.

"boom!"

A dark shadow broke through the water, bringing a stench to the air.

That was a mid-stage second-tier sea beast, three zhang in size, entirely black, with fin blades growing on its back; it was none other than the "Wave-Breaking Mad Shark".

"Damn it, it's a second-tier sea beast!"

Zhou Qing's expression changed drastically.

Zhao Hengdao drew his sword, ready to charge: "Inspector Fang, I'll handle this!"

"Don't act impulsively."

Fang He calmly stopped him, saying, "This beast is too fast; we'll suffer if we fight it head-on."

He quickly stood up, forming hand seals: "You guard the hull, I'll set up the formation!"

On the ship's side, array patterns lit up, forming a temporary defensive formation.

The raging shark crashed into the formation, causing the formation to flash violently, yet it did not collapse.

"rise!"

Fang He shouted in a low voice, stirring up the surrounding seawater and forming a water curtain barrier.

The sea monster's attack was halted by the water curtain.

"Now!"

Fang He pushed with both hands, and several fireballs condensed and shot precisely into the sea monster's open maw.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The fireball exploded inside the sea monster's body, sending blood and flesh flying everywhere.

The raging shark, in pain, struggled frantically, its massive tail slamming against the ship and causing it to tilt.

"Hold on!"

Fang He shouted in a deep voice, "Brother Zhao, use your sword energy to hold back the left flank! Zhou Qing, harass the right flank, don't let it get close to the ship!"

Zhao Hengdao drew his sword in response, his blade flashing and forcing the sea beast to turn its head.

Zhou Qing summoned his flying sword, its light flashing as it left numerous wounds on the sea beast.

Fang He took the opportunity to manipulate the water curtain to restrict the sea beast's movement, while fireballs continuously bombarded its wounds.

The fierce battle lasted for fifteen minutes.

The wave-breaking shark was covered in wounds and its movements gradually slowed down.

Fang He seized the opportunity, concentrated all his spiritual power, and launched a huge fireball straight into the sea beast's head.

"boom!"

The sea monster's massive body crashed down, its blood staining the sea red.

Fang He was panting heavily, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

This battle consumed nearly half of his spiritual power.

Zhao Hengdao sheathed his sword and walked over, his gaze towards Fang He now filled with a hint of awe: "Inspector Fang, impressive skills."

Zhou Qing nodded: "With the seventh level of Qi Refining, Fang, the Inspector, calmly dealt with a mid-stage second-tier sea beast. His strength far surpasses that of others of the same level."

Fang He waved his hand: "It's just using the formation and the environment."

He walked to the sea monster's corpse, took out the demon core, and extracted materials from the remains.

A notification appeared on the [History Rewind Panel]:

[Retrievable historical traces detected]

[Item: Wave-Breaking Shark Demon Core]

[Historical Imprint: Breaking the Waves (White), the sea creature's understanding of water currents during its lifetime]

【Whether to extract? 】

Fang He confirmed the extraction.

Extraction successful

[Acquired entry: Breaking Waves (White)]

[Action Effect: Speed ​​in water +10%]

Fang He's heart stirred slightly.

Although this entry is only in white, it is quite valuable in naval battles.

He gazed at the distant sea, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

This attack was by no means accidental.

Second-tier mid-stage sea monsters typically inhabit deep-sea areas and rarely appear near shipping lanes.

Either it's the remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion causing trouble, or... someone doesn't want them to reach Ironbone Island smoothly.

"Inspector Fang, this sea beast..."

Zhao Hengdao hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Fang He said calmly, "Let's continue on our way."

He turned and walked back into the cabin, leaving behind a single sentence:

"Whoever it is, once they've made a move, it won't be just once."

---

In the evening, the ship arrived at Ironbone Island.

Ironbone Island is several times larger than Green Turtle Island. The island's architecture is rugged and bold, mostly black stone houses, exuding a somber atmosphere.

A group of Meng family cultivators were already waiting at the dock.

The leader was a burly man, about fifty years old, with a deep and powerful aura; he was none other than Meng Haichuan, the patriarch of the Meng family.

"Inspector Fang has come from afar, and I, Meng, have failed to greet him properly."

Meng Haichuan cupped his hands in greeting, beaming with a smile.

Fang He returned the greeting: "Clan Chief Meng, you are too kind. I am a junior who has taken the liberty of visiting you. I hope you will forgive me."

"No, no."

Meng Haichuan looked Fang He up and down. "Inspector Fang is so young, yet he is already a core figure in the Zhou family. He has a bright future ahead of him."

Fang He noticed that a young man was standing next to Meng Haichuan.

The man was dressed in black, tall and imposing, with a cold and stern face and bulging muscles in his arms, exuding a sharp and powerful aura.

It was Meng Hao, the young master of the Meng family.

Meng Hao watched coldly, his gaze filled with scrutiny and disdain.

Fang He observed that Meng Hao's spiritual energy was solidified and his physical strength far exceeded that of ordinary Qi Refining cultivators, indicating that his body cultivation technique had reached a state of perfection.

"This must be Young Master Meng?"

Fang He cupped his hands in greeting, "I've long admired your name."

Meng Hao nodded slightly, without returning the greeting: "It is quite unexpected that Inspector Fang was able to arrive safely."

Fang He's heart stirred.

There's more to that than meets the eye.

"We encountered a sea monster along the way and managed to kill it by sheer luck."

Fang He remained calm. "Could it be that Young Master Meng knows something?"

A strange light flashed in Meng Hao's eyes, then he sneered, "The sea is not peaceful. Inspector Fang is lucky."

Meng Haichuan quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Alright, alright, Inspector Fang has had a long journey. A banquet has been prepared at his residence, please!"

---

The Meng family council hall was brightly lit.

The banquet was prepared. Meng Haichuan sat in the main seat, Fang He sat to one side, and Zhao Hengdao, Zhou Qing and others lined up on both sides.

Meng Hao sat beside Meng Haichuan, observing coldly throughout.

"Inspector Fang, please."

Meng Haichuan raised his glass. "This is a strong liquor, a specialty of Ironbone Island. Although it is not as smooth as Zhou Family Spirit Liquor, it has its own unique flavor."

Fang He raised his glass in return: "Clan Chief Meng, you're too kind."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Meng Haichuan put down his wine glass and changed the subject: "Did Inspector Fang bring a reply from the Zhou family?"

Fang He nodded: "Exactly."

He put down his wine glass and said seriously, "The Zhou family is willing to form an alliance with the Meng family to jointly deal with the threat from the Dark Abyss Pavilion."

However, alliances must be based on equality and mutual benefit; the Zhou family will not accept any vassal terms.

Meng Haichuan's eyes flickered slightly: "Equality and mutual benefit?"

"Exactly."

Fang He said calmly, "The Meng and Zhou families are evenly matched. An alliance should be a union of strengths, not one of them depending on the other."

A silence fell over the room.

Meng Hao suddenly spoke, his tone unfriendly: "Inspector Fang has quite the airs."

"A mere seventh-level Qi Refining cultivator dares to represent the Zhou family in negotiating an alliance?"

Fang He put down his wine glass, his expression calm: "Young Master Meng, you are mistaken."

Although Fang's cultivation level was not high, the Zhou family patriarch trusted him and entrusted him with the responsibility of going on a mission.

Could it be that Young Master Meng believes the Zhou family patriarch's judgment is inferior to his own?

A cold glint flashed in Meng Hao's eyes: "Sharp-tongued."

He stood up, his aura exuding power: "My Meng family values ​​strength above all else. If you can withstand three of my moves, then I will acknowledge that you are worthy of sitting here."

Meng Haichuan frowned: "Hao'er..."

"Father."

Meng Hao said in a deep voice, "The Zhou family sent a Qi Refining Level 7 cultivator to discuss an alliance, which is clearly a sign of disrespect for the Meng family."

If we don't let him see the strength of the Meng family, how can we have an equal dialogue in the future?

Meng Haichuan pondered for a moment, then looked at Fang He: "Inspector Fang, what do you think..."

Fang He sneered inwardly.

This was Meng Hao's way of giving the Zhou family a warning.

If he retreats, the Zhou family will lose all its momentum; if he accepts the challenge, the difference in their cultivation levels will be obvious.

But he had no other choice.

"please."

Fang He stood up and set up miniature array nodes under his feet.

Meng Hao sneered and suddenly sprang into action.

The first punch was unleashed, the wind howling as it struck with the force of thunder.

Fang He didn't take the hit head-on; instead, he shifted his body to the side, barely managing to avoid it.

The force of the punch grazed past him, blasting a dent into the wooden pillar behind him.

"You dodged quickly."

Meng Hao snorted coldly, and the second punch followed immediately.

This punch was faster and more ruthless, its force blocking all of Fang He's escape routes.

A glint flashed in Fang He's eyes, and the miniature array beneath his feet suddenly activated.

A water curtain barrier rose up, neutralizing half of the punch's force.

"Bang!"

Fang He used the momentum to retreat, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but he did not fall down.

A look of surprise flashed in Meng Hao's eyes.

He didn't expect Fang He to be able to withstand two moves.

"That's interesting."

Meng Hao's face was grim, and he had already gathered all his strength for his third punch.

He used all his strength in this punch, the force of which was like a dragon, aimed straight at Fang He's chest.

"boom!"

The fireball and the force of the punch exploded, creating a surge of air.

Fang He was knocked back several steps, her face slightly pale, but she stood firmly.

"The three moves are over."

Fang He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said calmly, "Young Master Meng's Iron Bone Skill is indeed well-deserved."

Meng Hao's face was ashen.

He originally intended to defeat Fang He in three moves, but he didn't expect the other party to counter with a clever trick.

What angered him even more was that Fang He accepted the three moves without changing his expression, which made him, a ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator, seem like he was bullying the weak.

Meng Haichuan stepped in to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, we're all young people, just exchanging pointers."

Inspector Fang, having withstood three of Hao'er's moves with his Qi Refining Level 7, has already proven his strength.

"Guards, please bring a seat!"

Fang He sat down again and took the opportunity to bring up the important matter.

"Clan Chief Meng, I have a suggestion."

"Inspector Fang, please speak."

"The remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion are a threat. The Zhou family is willing to join forces with the Meng family to wipe out the Dark Abyss Pavilion forces around Ironbone Island, as a token of our sincerity in forming an alliance."

Fang He's gaze was intense. "What is the clan leader's opinion?"

Meng Haichuan's eyes lit up: "A joint operation to wipe them out?"

"Exactly."

Fang He nodded, "The Zhou family will provide formation masters, and the Meng family will provide body cultivators. Each will give full play to their strengths, and it will be mutually beneficial."

Meng Haichuan pondered for a moment, then looked at Meng Hao: "Hao'er, what do you think?"

Meng Hao wanted to object, but since he had failed to defeat Fang He in the previous three moves, objecting now would seem petty.

He could only say coldly, "Father, you may decide."

Meng Haichuan laughed heartily: "Inspector Fang's suggestion is excellent! The remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion are indeed a major threat to the Meng family. I am more than happy to have the Zhou family take action."

He raised his glass and said, "Come, let's toast to the alliance between the Zhou and Meng families!"

Fang He raised her glass to clink glasses with Meng Hao, their eyes meeting.

Meng Hao's eyes were filled with a chilling light, clearly indicating that he regarded Fang He as a thorn in his side.

Fang He felt calm.

Today, by taking on three moves, he not only proved his strength but also outmaneuvered Meng Hao with a joint extermination plan.

The Meng family is not a monolithic entity.

Meng Haichuan's pragmatism and Meng Hao's arrogance are both exploitable weaknesses.

---

After the welcome banquet, Fang He returned to her room.

Zhao Hengdao asked worriedly, "Inspector Fang, how are your injuries? Meng Hao was clearly deliberately making things difficult for you!"

Fang He shook her head: "It's nothing, just a minor injury."

He gazed out the window at the night view of Ironbone Island, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Meng Hao has lost face today and will certainly not let this go."

But Meng Haichuan is interested in a joint operation to eliminate them; this is our opportunity.

Zhou Qing asked in a low voice, "What about the attack at sea...?"

A cold glint flashed in Fang He's eyes: "That sea beast appeared too coincidentally."

Either it's the remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion causing trouble, or... it's someone from the Meng family trying to prevent us from arriving safely.

He paused, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

"No matter who it is, the waters of Ironbone Island are deeper than I imagined."