Published: March 2, 2025
The army dispatched by Lin Haifeng to welcome the Sea King extended from the city gate of the gathering place in Beijing to Bohai Bay.
Such a grand display not only showed the importance that Beijing placed on the oceanic tribe, but also subtly demonstrated strength to them.
Of course, these were merely showpieces, things that had to be done both out of sentiment and reason.
...
Fang Bai stood quietly by the sea, gazing at the distant ocean—this official reception for the "foreign guests" left him feeling unprecedentedly calm.
Even though he was unaware of Lin Haifeng's complete plan, he still had some knowledge of Lin Haifeng's methods.
Since Lin Haifeng was confident about the Sea King control plan, it indicated that the likelihood of its implementation was quite high.
Of course, Fang Bai was well aware of his role.
He was merely an observer and a beneficiary after the plan's success—there was no need for him to do anything else.
As he gazed at the distant ocean, a creature that resembled an island slowly swam closer, prompting Fang Bai to take a deep breath.
"Fire the salute!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The cannonballs, seemingly without cost, were launched from the cannon barrels above the "ceremonial squad," with specially modified shells that were almost harmless, but the sound truly echoed through the heavens.
For a moment, the relatively small Bohai Bay felt as lively as a festival.
...
"This is the salute and welcome ceremony you humans speak of, right?"
Upon hearing the Sea King's question, Tang Haofei nodded.
With Tang Haofei's eyesight, he could naturally see much farther than Fang Bai. Although the Sea King was not a divine beast species, his strength was still quite considerable—at least, he was far stronger than Fang Bai. A preliminary judgment suggested that the Sea King's strength could reach the level of Qin Tian and Walter.
Not a divine beast species, yet stronger than the average divine beast species!
Thus, the explosive effects of the distant "salute cannonballs" were clearly visible to the Sea King.
"Have you learned all this as well?"
The Sea King nodded lightly.
"Of course, I have studied it; your human civilization system, while not suitable for us oceanic tribes, is much better than trying to figure things out from scratch!"
"That's how imitation arises."
Tang Haofei jokingly teased, but to his surprise, the Sea King wholeheartedly agreed.
"Imitation is the first step in learning advanced things. First, imitate, then surpass—it's a shortcut!"
...
When Fang Bai saw the number of people accompanying the Sea King upon landing, his heart couldn’t help but sink.
Their strength was somewhat beyond imagination.
The Sea King himself aside, he was surrounded by ten tribesmen, three of whom exuded such an aura that made Fang Bai feel a sense of shock.
All ten members of the Sea King clan were peak Level 5, with three being divine beast species.
This level of strength might seem insignificant in front of the entire Beijing gathering place, but combined with the densely packed amphibious army behind the Sea King, it made Fang Bai's heart tremble.
Such military power and levels were likely sufficient to make a clear statement in Beijing and to wage a war.
Perhaps noticing Fang Bai's slightly pale expression, Tang Haofei half-heartedly offered a reminder.
"Your Excellency the Sea King, the Beijing side has arranged a camping site for the oceanic tribe, right in Tianjin City District. I don’t know if you have any other thoughts?"
The Sea King waved his hand nonchalantly.
"Let's go with your arrangements. It's enough for me to bring my ten tribesmen to Beijing!"
...
The Sea King’s own strength, combined with the seven peak Level 5 members of the Sea King clan and three divine beast species, was indeed an overqualification for the matter of "forming an alliance."
After witnessing the military's salute ceremony in Bohai Bay, the Sea King also expressed respect for this alliance ceremony—it's just an alliance, no need to bring too many people to Beijing, making it seem like a declaration of war.