Chương 234: The Jade Sea Council

The Golden Shell Guild's southern headquarters was a fortress of commerce, a testament to the staggering speed and efficiency with which Kui had established their presence in Coralspire Harbor. As he led the group from the landing courtyard into the main complex, the sheer scale of the operation became apparent. It was a self-contained city dedicated to business, a well-oiled machine of logistics, security, and trade.

A woman with a sharp, intelligent face and an aura of calm competence was waiting for them in the main hall. She wore the practical, high-quality robes of a guild manager, and her cultivation was at the upper levels of the Foundation Establishment realm. She bowed deeply to Kui and then to Li Yu.

"Wise Host, Guild Leader Kui," she said, her voice clear and professional.

"Welcome. All is in order as you requested."

"Excellent work, Manager Su," Kui said with a cheerful, appreciative nod. He then turned to the group.

"Everyone, this is Su Fei. She is the manager in charge of this headquarters. She is one of our most capable assets in the south." Su Fei gave the newcomers a polite, curious bow, her gaze lingering for a respectful moment on the profound depth she sensed within Jian Xuan. Guild Leader Kui and Manager Su Fei gave them a brief tour.

They walked through bustling logistics offices where dozens of clerks tracked shipments and managed accounts, past a private, heavily fortified auction house used for their most valuable goods, and by the entrances to massive, subterranean vaults that hummed with the power of defensive formations. It was an operation built for both immense profit and formidable defense. After showing Xylia, Jian Xuan, and Fat Pig to a private, luxurious residential courtyard to settle in, Li Yu turned to Kui.

"Let them explore and settle down. You and I have a meeting to attend." The two of them left the Golden Shell headquarters and began to walk through the familiar, bustling streets of Coralspire Harbor. For Li Yu, returning to this city was a unique experience. As they moved through the crowded avenues, his Koi martial spirit was thrumming with a quiet, deep contentment. This city was a nexus of aquatic life.

The massive beast pens at the port, the specialized holds of the countless trading ships, and the vibrant reefs in the bay itself—they all teemed with thousands upon thousands of aquatic creatures, from simple spirit fish to powerful demonic beasts. To Li Yu, it was like walking through a dense, rich field of spiritual energy. His martial spirit was passively, constantly drawing in the ambient life force, a gentle, nourishing tide that strengthened his Koi Qi with every step he took.

They soon arrived at their destination: the Jade Sea Pavilion. They were greeted with the respect and led directly to a private, top-floor chamber. The room opened onto a wide balcony with a breathtaking view of the entire bay. Elder Jing and Elder Quan were waiting with a pot of fragrant, steaming tea. Elder Quan had been transferred here to help, with someone else taking over Sunken Treasure City.

"Guest Elder Li," Elder Jing greeted, his voice warm.

"It is good to see you again. Kui's urgent message said you had matters of grave importance to discuss."

"Elder Jing, Quan," Li Yu said with a respectful nod, taking a seat.

"I do. I am afraid the news I bring is not good." For the next hour, Li Yu, with occasional clarifications from Kui, laid out the entire, grim situation. He spoke of their investigation into the conch, of the attacks on the caravans in the City of Forges, and of the capture of the Core Formation enforcement team. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

He then revealed the two names that were at the heart of the conspiracy: The Beast Revolution Faction, and at least one of their local allies, the Golden Tide Clan. He explained the faction's fanatical ideology, their belief in the return of a Beast God and the rightful rule of beasts over men. He recounted Jian Xuan's knowledge of the faction's activities on his own continent, confirming that they were a widespread and dangerous secret society.

There was surprise that Li Yu knew someone from the Eastern continent, but not too shocking. Finally, he detailed their confirmed alliance with the Golden Tide Clan, and how the clan was using the faction as a deniable force to wage a shadow war against their commercial rivals, most notably the Crimson Forge Sect. As he spoke, the warm, friendly atmosphere in the room evaporated, replaced by a heavy, chilling silence. Elder Jing's kind smile faded, replaced by a look of deep, profound concern.

Quan's sharp, analytical gaze became hard as ice, his mind clearly racing, processing the immense strategic and commercial implications of this news.

"The Beast Revolution Faction…" Elder Jing murmured, stroking his long, white beard, his expression deeply troubled.

"To think such a vile and dangerous ideology has taken root here in the south, and in alliance with a major clan, no less."

"The Golden Tide Clan has always been ambitious and secretive," Quan added, his voice a low, sharp staccato.

"But this is a level of treachery I had not anticipated. They are playing with a fire that could burn down the entire southern coast." He looked at Li Yu, his eyes sharp.

"Our Jade Sea Pavilion is one of the largest traders of aquatic beasts on the continent. A faction that seeks to 'liberate' beasts would see us as a primary target. Or worse, a potential source of recruitment for their armies."

"Exactly," Li Yu confirmed.

"That is why I had to bring this information to you directly. This threat is aimed at all of us. The Golden Shell Guild, the White Paw Company, and the Jade Sea Pavilion. Our interests are all aligned, and we are all in danger." He leaned forward, his expression serious.

"This information must be kept secret. It must be confined to only the most trusted, top-level members of your organization. If word of this gets out, it will cause widespread panic among the smaller merchants. It will also alert the Golden Tide Clan and the Faction that they are being watched, and they will retreat even further into the shadows." Elder Jing and Quan exchanged a long, meaningful look. There was no hesitation.

They were master merchants who had navigated the treacherous waters of high-stakes commerce for centuries. They understood the gravity of the situation and the necessity of a calm, controlled response.

"You are right, of course, Guest Elder Li," Elder Jing said, his voice now firm and decisive.

"We will handle this with the utmost discretion. Quan, begin immediately. Quietly increase the security at all our branches, especially those in the smaller, more vulnerable port cities. Double the number of guards on duty and ensure all defensive formations are at their peak operational state. We must present a harder target without showing our hand."

"It will be done, Elder," Quan said with a crisp nod. He was already making a series of mental calculations, formulating a plan of action.

"The Golden Shell Guild will do the same," Kui added.

"I will coordinate with our branches to ensure all our caravans travel with heavier guard complements from the White Paw Company. We will make any attack on our assets a costly one." The meeting concluded with a new, solidified alliance. The three major powers that Li Yu had cultivated in the south were now united against a single, foe. They had shared their knowledge and were now preparing their defenses, their vast commercial empires quietly transforming into a coordinated security network.

As Li Yu and Kui left the Jade Sea Pavilion, they stood on the high cliff for a moment, looking out over the magnificent, sun-drenched harbor. The city was peaceful, its trade flowing smoothly, its people blissfully unaware of the shadow that was gathering just beyond the horizon. They had warned their allies, and the pieces were in place. The enemy had made their move, and now, the board was set for a counter-attack. All they needed was the right time, and the right place, to make their own move.