Cultivating immortality in the seas, I created an immortal island of eternal life.

"A month ago, the fleet transporting the remains of the Ironclad Xuan Turtle was attacked by a group of Iron-Wire Silver Sharks in the northwestern sea, resulting in the tragic deaths of our sect's disciples and many fishermen, a truly regrettable incident..."

After a lengthy introduction, the topic finally turned to the monster incident that everyone was most concerned about.

Elder Zhao spoke with a heavy tone and a solemn expression.

"After extensive investigation by the sect, this matter was indeed an accident."

"In recent years, the deep-sea spiritual energy tides have been abnormal from time to time, causing some monsters in the mid-deep sea area to become restless and expand their activity range."

"The unusual movements of the shark swarm are also influenced by this."

A murmur and whispers arose from the audience.

Are monsters expanding their activity range in the mid-to-deep sea?

The chain reaction this caused was far from minor; for fishermen who relied on the sea for their livelihood, it was undoubtedly a disaster.

"Indeed!" Elder Zhao raised his voice, suppressing the noise, "The sect's responsibility to protect its members is as heavy as mountains and seas! How could we shrink back because of the strange movements of demonic beasts?"

"Starting today, the sect will increase the frequency of patrols, expand the patrol area, and set up more sea pillars in major fishing areas to enhance the protective effect of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl."

"Ensuring the safety of everyone working at sea is paramount!"

The message was clearly intended to reassure them, and many fishermen's fear lessened after hearing it, replaced by relief and reliance.

Gao Yao observed the scene with detached indifference, but his heart remained largely unmoved.

Strengthen protection?

Is it really asylum?

"Given the unusual activity of the demonic beasts, everyone must be vigilant and strengthen their self-defense capabilities." Sure enough, Elder Zhao changed the subject, "Especially recently, the targets of these demonic beast attacks may not be limited to the sea..."

"These kinds of monsters may resemble humans in appearance, are extremely cunning, and can even evade the threat of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl to a certain extent, and then land on the island to harass it."

"If you discover any suspicious activity around the island, or encounter any unusual attacks, be sure to report it immediately to the fish market or patrolling disciples. Do not attempt to handle it yourself!"

Gao Yao frowned slightly. Had a demonic beast landed on the island to cause trouble?

Because of the widespread presence and restraining aura of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl, in the shallow sea, unless it is a low-level demon beast that has completely lost its mind, or a truly powerful demon beast whose strength is enough to ignore the influence, it is rare for a cultivator to actively set foot on an island where there is a cultivator.

The description Elder Zhao gave didn't sound like that of an ordinary demon beast.

Moreover, is it really a so-called demonic beast?

Or rather, what does Yunxiang Sect want to do under the guise of this?

Elder Zhao continued his speech, beginning to expound on the various favors the sect had bestowed upon the fishermen.

For example, those who are injured or ill can apply for a Spirit Stone Loan, and those who make outstanding contributions will be rewarded handsomely, etc.

His words were earnest, and the prospects he described were quite appealing.

It must be said that Elder Zhao was an excellent orator and knew how to soothe people's hearts.

Even Gao Yao felt for a moment that although being a fisherman under the rule of the Yunxiang Sect was hard, with the sect's protection and a path to advancement, it wasn't entirely hopeless.

But this subtle feeling of goodwill was almost instantly extinguished by Gao Yao himself.

They're just making empty promises. They're given a little something to look forward to and they're already feeling grateful?

To put it bluntly, they still have a servile mentality deep down, and they have been subtly influenced by the environment, by the constant high pressure and the occasional small favors they receive!

He recalled those company employees from his past life. The boss only needed to offer a tiny concession or promise to make them forget their past and be grateful. In the end, they were often taken advantage of and discarded like trash.

Gao Yao knew that the Yunxiang Sect held absolute power over life and death, that the Dinghai Pearl was a shackle, that the Dinghai Tax was a blood-sucking pump, and that the missing fishermen were consumables.

The so-called shelter is merely a necessary means to maintain the stability of the farm.

So-called grace is nothing more than a carrot that motivates livestock to grow fat and cause less trouble.

How dangerous that moment of hesitation I had just experienced!

He raised his head again and looked at the dignified elder on the wooden platform, his gaze now cold and clear.

"In these turbulent times, we need to work together more than ever." As his speech drew to a close, Elder Zhao began to summarize, "Autumn is approaching. Although the monsters will be active, the spirit fish and algae in the sea will also enter their peak season."

"I hope everyone will seize this opportunity, work diligently and tirelessly, and strive for a bountiful harvest for both the sect and your own livelihood! The sect will also allocate additional contributions based on this autumn's total tax revenue to benefit all those who have contributed wholeheartedly!"

Autumn harvest mobilization.

This is another theme of the conference.

High risk often comes with high reward, and during the season when monsters are active, resources such as spirit fish are indeed easier to find.

Many fishermen have shaken off the worries brought by the monster, their eyes are filled with renewed hope, and they are eager to make a big splash in the autumn.

Finally, Elder Zhao dropped a bombshell.

"The sect remembers that among the fishermen, there are many who are devoted to the Dao and have unwavering perseverance."

"Therefore, it has been decided that the autumn examination will be held two months from now."

"Any fisherman under the jurisdiction of my Yunxiang Sect, regardless of age, who has a cultivation level of Qi Refining Level 6 or above, a clean background, and is loyal to the sect, may apply to participate."

"Depending on the circumstances, they may be promoted to outer disciple and given more advanced techniques and resources!"

The audience erupted in chaos.

For the vast majority of people who are stuck in the life of fishermen, becoming an outer disciple is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate!

Countless fervent gazes were cast toward the stage, and many people began to breathe heavily.

Even those whose cultivation was insufficient seemed to see hope for their descendants.

Gao Yao was also taken aback. The autumn examination?

Two months later, Qi Refining Level 6?

This is undoubtedly a seemingly bright way out, but is it really the way out?

The outer disciples of the Yunxiang Sect are probably not much better off; he thought of those disciples who had mysteriously disappeared in unexpected circumstances...

Moreover, is this autumn selection process also another form of screening and harvesting?

Gao Yao subconsciously looked at that slender figure again in the crowd.

Wang Yao.

She was still wearing that light blue gauze dress, which contrasted sharply with the rough environment around her.

She was looking down and tilting her head slightly, listening to a sect disciple beside her reporting something in a low voice.

As if sensing something, Wang Yao suddenly raised her eyes, her gaze piercing through the noisy crowd and landing precisely in the direction of Gao Yao.

She saw Gao Yao.

Wang Yao's lips slowly curved upwards into a beautiful arc.

However, Gao Yao could not feel any warmth from that smile.

A chill shot up my back and up to my head, instantly spreading through my limbs and bones.

There was a hint of amusement and scrutiny in that smile.

There's a kind of amusement in watching a mouse that's already under its claws, yet remains oblivious.

Wang Yao is back.

Gao knew that he, a minor character whom she had specially taken care of, would probably never be able to live peacefully on Turtle Reef Island as before.

The fishermen's gathering dispersed amidst the crowd's enthusiastic discussions and anticipation of the autumn examinations.

Gao Yao followed the flow of people and silently walked towards his small sampan.

The sea breeze was still hot, but he felt cold all over.

......