I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1280: Terrifying Connections

For an age, interaction between the human race and the Sea Tribes has been non-existent. In various territories, their mutual hatred runs deep, making them as irreconcilable as fire and water. Within this climate of grand hostility, it was initially difficult to believe that a man of his father’s status could maintain a profound friendship with a powerhouse from the opposing side.

However, Liu Runan had regained his poise, his gaze reflecting a cold, detached comprehension of the world's workings.

“Changfeng, you remain far too naive.”

“In this world, enemies are not eternal, nor are friendships permanent. Only interest remains the absolute truth. The slaughter and conflict you witness are merely insignificant skirmishes among those of low rank.”

“Once you ascend to a certain height, you will realize that both surface-level peace and violent strife are merely part of a quiet equilibrium maintained by the great figures. Regardless of the death toll, the glory, or the shame, it is all a chess match dictated by profit.”

“And I, despite my age, am one of those who control the board!”

Boom!

As his solemn declaration echoed, a suffocating aura of absolute authority erupted!

This unintentional release of pressure caused Liu Changfeng’s soul flame to flicker wildly. The astonishment in his eyes reached a new peak, and a sudden, strange sense of pride washed over his features.

It was no wonder his father had always been so arrogant, treating even the Outer Sect Elders with disdain. That overbearing, superior attitude had previously seemed somewhat unjustified.

As it turned out, his father’s influence and social network had actually reached such staggering heights!

At this tier of power, crushing a mere cultivator was trivial!

He was still much too young!

Following a wave of shock and self-reproach, Liu Changfeng finally collected himself. He performed a nervous bow and spoke.

“Father’s perspective is truly divine; your son is completely unworthy!”

“However, that Sea Lord possesses an exalted status. I fear that common treasures or Cultivation techniques can no longer tempt him. I wonder, what price must be paid to convince such a master to intervene?”

Observing his son’s anxious yet hopeful expression, Liu Runan shook his head with a sigh.

“Ah...”

“You have finally shown a spark of insight, though your worldview is still somewhat shallow.”

“Since matters have reached this point, you will eventually enter the Desolate Realm and encounter higher planes of existence. It is time you learned the truth.”

“Since ancient times, the reason the Ancient Sea Tribes have held dominion over the Vast Sea is due to a pact with the Divine Land. No matter how fiercely the Sea Tribes and human practitioners clash, they are forbidden from crossing the Vast Sea to launch a full-scale invasion. The resources and treasures of the deep belong to them, while the coastal waters and the Divine Land are held by humanity. This is the true foundation of our stable world.”

“Should the Sea Tribes wish to walk upon the land, they must hold an Immortal Decree granted by the Fallen God Palace. Conversely, if humans wish to seek treasures in the deep sea, they must be bestowed an Ice-Silk Jade Belt by the Sea Tribes. This is an exchange of benefits restricted to the upper echelons. Such rare opportunities for fortune-seeking are not available to the common folk.”

“As it happens, I am one of the human authorities empowered to grant Immortal Decrees, and I currently hold five in my possession!”

By the time he finished speaking, Liu Changfeng was utterly stunned.

The unending war between the two races was ultimately a struggle for treasure lands, spirit caves, and the natural resources of heaven and earth. Yet, all of it was actually a form of sanctioned slaughter. In reality, a secret covenant had long been in place. The common vendettas and battles were nothing more than the desperate flailing of ants at the bottom. To the elites, everything was settled with a single word.

The truth was indeed that heartless.

While Liu Changfeng was lost in thought, his father swept his sleeve.

Five jade tokens, glowing with a soft radiance, manifested in mid-air!

Staring at these priceless Immortal Decrees, Liu Changfeng’s soul flame shuddered with shock, as if he were gazing upon a mountain of treasure. The potential represented by these five tokens was of infinite value.

Looking again at his father’s aged face, he felt an even deeper sense of reverence and emotion.

“Your son has been enlightened!”

“If not for Father’s high standing, I would surely be like those low-level cultivators, perhaps sacrificing everything for a single treasure, struggling like an ant on the edge of death. Truly, destiny cannot be resisted.”

Though his soul flame still looked like a child’s face, his expression now carried a hint of worldly wisdom.

Liu Runan finally nodded slightly and withdrew the Immortal Decrees.

“The Great Dao is indifferent, and the world is cruel. Only the powerful can survive for long. You should feel blessed by your fate. In the future, treasure it, dedicate yourself to bitter Cultivation to reach the summit, and do not fail your father’s hopes!”

Liu Changfeng bowed deeply, his entire aura transformed.

“Your son shall never forget these words!”

At this moment, his perspective had been raised to a new level.

The shallow arrogance that once lingered in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a grand vision born from his inner mind. Liu Changfeng had drawn a line between himself and the masses, fixing his sights on a superior plane.

He now understood his father’s true power and the reality of the world.

The Desolate Realm, which once seemed impossibly distant, no longer caused him fear. It was a destination within his reach, as certain as a routine chore.

Seeing the change in his son, Liu Runan’s eyes finally showed a trace of satisfaction.

The two then tore through the void, heading directly toward the southern Vast Sea.

A short while later, father and son hovered in the sky, looking down at the endless ocean with calm faces. However, after Liu Runan transmitted a message, a flicker of doubt appeared in his eyes.

“The Eastern Sea?”

“What is Gui Shounian thinking? Why has he traveled to the Eastern Sea for no apparent reason...”

Muttering to himself, Liu Runan did not linger and pressed on toward the Eastern Sea.

After another half-hour of traversing the void over vast distances, the pair finally reached the relatively desolate Eastern Sea.

Gazing down from the sky, one could see the massive forms of Ancient Sea Beasts alongside minor Sea Tribes. In the confined Eastern Sea, the area seemed quite congested.

Escorted by several Sea Tribe members in human form, the father and son entered a palace in the deep. The sign for the “Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Tribe” was somewhat striking, yet it paled in comparison to the former capital of the Ancient Sea Tribes. The ten-thousand-zhang palace appeared increasingly modest the further they went.

Focused on his objective, Liu Runan paid little attention to his surroundings.

Finally, upon entering the central hall, they encountered his old friend, Gui Shounian.

With white hair and a hunched frame, the wrinkles on his face seemed to record the passage of eons. He remained as vigorous and sharp as ever, yet deep and unassuming.

But this giant turtle, who had once ruled the deep sea, had strangely taken a human shape. Seeing him sitting quietly at a tea table in this Eastern Sea palace felt quite out of place.

Liu Runan smiled, cupped his fists, and stepped forward in greeting.

“Brother Gui, it has been a long time. I trust you are well.”

“The Vast Sea is so full of abundance. Why have you moved to this tiny Eastern Sea? It was quite a task for this old man to track you down.”

Gui Shounian rose slowly, returned the gesture, and motioned for them to sit.

“Brother Liu, please, have a seat.”

“This old one recently... had some realizations and desired a quieter place to stay. If it weren't for Brother Liu’s arrival, I would not be seeing any visitors at all.”

The old turtle was a crafty one. With a few casual words, he gave a vague answer while still showing politeness.

Hearing this, Liu Runan smiled and sat down.

At his meaningful look, the old turtle signaled the servants to leave and got straight to the point.

“Brother Liu, what urgent matter brings you here?”

As he spoke, Liu Runan flicked his sleeve. A soul flame drifted out and settled on the table, shimmering in the shape of a child.

“Brother Gui.”

“To be honest, my son was attacked by a scoundrel. His physical body was destroyed, and only his second soul remains. That individual’s Cultivation is formidable, and I find my own strength insufficient to handle him alone...”

“I have come today specifically to ask for your help, Brother Turtle!”