Half an hour quickly passed, and everything returned to its usual state.
Then, led by Elder Tortoise, Aster Grant and his companions did not imdiately set out to sea, but first arrived at a small border town by the sea called "Kaelon".
The na of this city is simple and unadorned, yet extrely fitting.
"Lord Aster,"
Grandpa Turtle explained, "The Oceanic Clan’s old lands are far away, deep into the sea, and although our clan’s bloodline fears no storm, the sa cannot be said for you."
"Therefore, we need a sturdy ship that can carry us safely and serve as a resting place during the voyage."
Aster had no objections to this.
Though his strength was formidable, prolonged flight would inevitably deplete his power.
In the perilous sea territory, maintaining peak condition is crucial.
After all, it’s not only enemies that lurk in the sea—terrifying natural disasters can also be encountered.
In the face of nature’s might, even at Totem Level, one must temporarily yield.
Entering Kaelon, Aster discovered its hidden wonders.
Most of the buildings in town were constructed of coral, shells, and specially treated stone, exuding a marine atmosphere.
What surprised him more was that nearly all the residents bustling about the city were rfolk.
They had human-like upper bodies and vibrant fish tails, moving deftly through the town’s waterways, or using special carts to travel on land.
The air was perated with a faint salty scent and a unique algae fragrance.
Seeing Aster and his companions, the rfolk only glanced briefly and then ignored them.
Perhaps it was because many other races regularly visited here.
Elder Tortoise led Aster straight to the boat dealer.
However...
Along the way, Aster overheard many whispered conversations, all revolving around a common the.
Soltara!
"Did you hear? The Blackfin Family’s rchant fleet didn’t return from Soltara three days ago..."
"How many tis has that happened? Any ship that went in that direction never ca back!"
"It’s so eerie! People say terrifying sea monsters appeared there, raising hundred-ter waves and swallowing ships and n whole, not even bones left!"
"Indeed, now no one dares take jobs heading to Soltara, even for all the pearls in the world..."
These scattered rumors reached Aster’s ears, causing him to furrow his brow.
Soltara was precisely where Alia ntioned, the Oceanic Clan’s old lands.
He was about to ask Elder Tortoise about the situation when they had already arrived at the boat dealer.
Thus, Aster decided to temporarily set aside those thoughts.
At this mont, Elder Tortoise adeptly approached a burly, bearded rfolk man.
"Give the fastest and steadiest ship, we’re heading to Soltara."
Elder Tortoise cut straight to the point.
The boat owner’s expression changed drastically upon hearing "Soltara".
The cheerful smile vanished instantly, replaced by terror.
He waved his hand repeatedly, shaking his head like a rattle:
"I’m not going, I’m not going! Who dares to court death in Soltara now? Even if you pile all the pearls in the city before , I still won’t take this business! Please leave!"
Grandpa Turtle was caught off guard by this blunt refusal; he had been away for a long ti and clearly wasn’t aware of the recent terrifying rumors about Soltara.
"What are you talking about? We’ve been sailing the Soltara route for years, how could there be..."
Aster gently tugged on Elder Tortoise’s sleeve, quietly summarizing the rumors he had just heard in town.
Grandpa Turtle’s white eyebrows furrowed deeply upon hearing this.
"Soltara suddenly beca so dangerous? Could it be... those damned Demon Clan stirring up trouble?"
Aster, however, refuted Elder Tortoise’s speculation in his heart.
It’s now clear that the Demon Clan had retreated to the Demon Domain, preparing for a sacrifice.
Causing small troubles for passing ships in Soltara didn’t seem like the Demon Clan’s typical large-scale operations.
It must be sothing else causing havoc!
Yet, no matter what it is, he doesn’t feel fear now.
After all, his Level has reached Monarch Peak—how strong are the Beastbonds really?
Even he isn’t entirely sure!
Unless in Soltara there are top-tier Totem Level experts, then in the face of Lazuli and Vera...
They are destined to lose!
With Grandpa Turtle and the boat owner at a standstill, a cold gleam flashed in Aster’s eyes.
Ti is pressing; if conventional ans cannot resolve the issue, he doesn’t mind using unconventional thods to persuade the boat owner.
Just as he was about to step forward and release a bit of aura for intimidation.
A sowhat timid voice sounded from nearby:
"A...are you all trying to go to Soltara?"
The crowd looked towards the voice, seeing a young rfolk man erge from behind stacked crates at the dock.
He appeared young, with a handso face, but his complexion was pale, and the color of his tail looked sowhat dull, eyes carrying an age-inappropriate fatigue.
Elder Tortoise scrutinized him with caution and asked:
"Who are you?"
The young rfolk took a deep breath, as if gathering courage, and said:
"My na is Serena, I...I can lead you to Soltara."
The boat owner imdiately scolded:
"Serena! Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten your father and the others..."
Serena trembled slightly, but his gaze grew firr as he looked at Aster and continued:
"I know Soltara is dangerous now! But..."
"My father was the best navigator in town, a month ago he led the fleet to Soltara..."
"I am the only one who returned alive."
This statent focused Aster’s attention on him instantly.
The only survivor of Soltara?
Serena seed to discern Aster’s curiosity, gritting his teeth, he declared his condition, his voice filled with pleading:
"I can guide you, risking my life to lead you to that perilous area."
"But...before that, I have a request, or rather...a trade-off."
He lifted his head, "My sister has contracted a strange illness which the city’s pharmacists are powerless against."
"Her body is growing weaker... I beg you, if there’s a powerful Healer among you, can you please cure my sister first?"
"As long as my sister gets better, my life will be yours! I’m willing to take you anywhere!"
After saying this, he bowed deeply to Aster and his companions, his body trembling slightly from nervousness.
Aster exchanged a glance with Elder Tortoise, then looked at the Snow Maiden by his side.
The Snow Maiden possessed top-notch healing abilities, surely able to solve this problem.
More importantly, this one is the sole rfolk who returned from Soltara.
He holds his own value.
Aster pondered for a mont, then looked at Serena, asking solemnly:
"Where is your sister now? Lead us to her."
Serena’s eyes suddenly lit up with hope.
The willingness of these figures to co indicated they surely possessed potent healing abilities.
Perhaps his sister had a chance to be saved!
Thinking this, he nodded excitedly:
"She’s at ho! Please, follow , sirs!"
...
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