Mysterious Map Fragment

Jiang Mian felt that his worldview had been repeatedly and devastatingly shattered within just one day.

First, his lullaby had inexplicably become a "divine skill" that could put ferocious beasts to sleep.

Then, Ao Juan, the "ferocious beast" bought for six thousand high-grade spirit stones, had transformed into a chubby middle-aged uncle.

He looked at the manatee chieftain who called himself "Niu Dahai" and was deeply grateful to Ao Juan, then at Ao Juan's face that seemed to say "everything is under control." His mind was a mess, like a pot of boiled seaweed soup.

"What... what is going on?" he couldn't help but tug at Ao Juan's sleeve and ask in a low voice.

"I'll explain later." Ao Juan patted his hand reassuringly, then turned to the bull chieftain and said gently, "Chief Niu, no need for such formalities. I have met your father a few times before; it was just a small favor."

"Your Highness's great kindness is unforgettable to our manatee clan!" Niu Dahai said, tears of gratitude streaming down his face. "Our clan has suffered from this curse of frenzied blood for generations. Every hundred years, one of us is afflicted and turns into a mindless Raging Thorn Beast. If not for Your Highness, my son would have... alas!"

So the one locked in the cage was the chieftain's son.

"I had long heard that only the purest bloodline power of the Dragon Clan could purify such ancient curses. Today, I see that it is indeed worthy of its reputation!" Niu Dahai continued to lavish heartfelt praise on Ao Juan.

Ao Juan merely smiled faintly, accepting the compliments.

After the pleasantries, Niu Dahai carefully took out an item from his storage artifact and solemnly handed it to Ao Juan.

It was an ancient-looking map fragment made from some unknown beast hide.

"Your Highness, this is a map of the 'Misty Sea Trench' passed down through our clan for generations," Niu Dahai said earnestly. "I know that what you seek at this Myriad Treasures Convention is related to that forbidden sea. This map might be of some help to you. Please accept it as a token of gratitude for your kindness to our clan!"

A faint gleam of shrewdness flashed in Ao Juan's eyes.

He did not immediately take it but glanced at Jiang Mian.

Jiang Mian was still in a daze and was startled by his look: "What are you looking at me for?"

"And this young friend, please accept my bow!" Niu Dahai then noticed Jiang Mian and said with sudden realization, "Back at the auction, that soothing melody that calmed my son's mind must have come from your hands, right? If not for your singing, my son might have exhausted his life force in his frenzy. This great kindness is equally unforgettable!"

With that, he was about to perform a grand bow to Jiang Mian.

Startled, Jiang Mian hastily helped him up: "No, no, there's no need for that. I... I just sang casually."

He finally began to understand Ao Juan's plan.

So, after all this, the six thousand spirit stones were not spent on a ferocious beast or to show off, but to save someone and, incidentally... gain benefits?

That was really a slick move.

In the end, Ao Juan "accepted with thanks" and took the map fragment.

After seeing off the grateful Niu Dahai, the courtyard returned to calm.

Jiang Mian looked at the ancient map fragment in Ao Juan's hand and finally couldn't help asking, "Did you already know the true identity of that Raging Thorn Beast?"

"I had heard a little," Ao Juan replied while studying the map. "I checked the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce's list of auction items this time, and when I saw the Raging Thorn Beast, I consulted some ancient texts about the manatee clan. According to the records, the manatees are gentle and live in peace, but their bloodline carries an ancient hereditary curse. So I guessed that this Raging Thorn Beast was likely an afflicted manatee."

"Then why did you spend so much to buy it?" Jiang Mian still felt the sting.

"Because I needed a reason—a plausible reason—to showcase your abilities and obtain this map from the manatee clan," Ao Juan said, raising his head, golden eyes shimmering with wisdom.

"Your singing can calm frenzied beings—that is your value. I can purify bloodline curses—that is my value. Together, we are worth the most precious thing the manatees have to offer in 'repayment.'"

He shook the map fragment in his hand.

"This map cannot be bought with any amount of money. Six thousand spirit stones for it? We got a bargain."

Jiang Mian was dumbfounded.

He felt like a naive sweetheart being completely manipulated by a scheming tycoon.

From beginning to end, almost everything had gone according to Ao Juan's calculations. Even Feng Li's provocation had likely been used as a tool to raise their "status" and make the manatees feel even more indebted.

This guy was not only a go-getter but also cunning!

"So... now that we have the map, can we go find the Bond-Releasing Shuttle?" Jiang Mian asked cautiously.

"Not yet," Ao Juan shook his head. "This is only one fragment. The Misty Sea Trench has a complex environment with countless natural mazes and spatial rifts. Without a complete map, entering it is a death sentence."

"Ah? Where are the other fragments?"

"Don't rush." Ao Juan put the map fragment away, a mysterious smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "The bait has been cast. Soon, other fish will come to us."

Jiang Mian was speechless.

He decided to stop thinking, since he couldn't outsmart this guy anyway. Now he only cared about one thing.

"Um... after all this work, isn't it time for dinner?" He patted his growling stomach. "I want takoyaki, grilled squid, and..."

Ao Juan looked at his expression of "food is the biggest priority" and sighed helplessly.

He casually tossed Jiang Mian a storage pouch.

"This is the bet that Feng Li lost to me at tonight's auction."

Jiang Mian opened it curiously and his eyes widened instantly.

Inside the small pouch were packed with... glittering high-grade spirit stones.

"Feng Li cares too much about face. He lost to me in a contest of wealth, and according to our 'old rules,' he has to pay double the amount he lost," Ao Juan explained indifferently.

Jiang Mian counted. There were exactly twelve thousand high-grade spirit stones in the pouch.

He felt... like he might have struck it rich?

"All these... for me?" Jiang Mian's voice trembled.

"In your dreams," Ao Juan ruthlessly burst his bubble. "This is our budget for finding the Bond-Releasing Shuttle. However..."

He paused and gestured with his chin toward the pouch.

"Takoyaki is on me."