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

For ages, a total lack of communication has persisted between the human race and the Sea Tribes. In various territories, their mutual hatred runs deep, making them as incompatible as fire and water. Within this climate of massive racial friction, it was initially difficult to grasp how his father—a figure of such exalted standing—could maintain a profound bond with a powerhouse from the opposing side.

Liu Runan, however, had already steadied his nerves. A look of detached clarity filled his eyes, as if he had pierced through the veil of the world.

"Changfeng, your understanding is still far too naive."

"In this world, there are no permanent enemies, just as there are no permanent friends. Only profit stands as the eternal truth. The bloodshed and vendettas you witness are nothing more than trivial brawls among the lower ranks."

"Once you ascend to a certain height, you will realize that the surface-level peace and the chaotic wars are merely parts of a silent equilibrium maintained by the great figures. No matter the body count, the glory, or the shame, it is all a game of chess played for the sake of interests."

"And I, despite my years, am one of the players moving those pieces!"

Boom!

As his heavy words fell, a suffocating aura of absolute dominance exploded outward!

This inadvertent release of pressure caused Liu Changfeng’s soul flame to waver violently. The astonishment in his eyes reached a new peak, and a sudden, strange sense of pride washed over him. It was no wonder his father had always been so arrogant, treating even the Outer Sect Elders with disdain. That overbearing, lofty attitude had always seemed a bit excessive before.

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

At this level of power, crushing a mere cultivator meant nothing!

He was truly still too green!

Following a wave of shock and self-reproach, Liu Changfeng finally regained his footing. He performed a nervous bow and spoke.

"Father’s vision is truly transcendent; your son is completely unworthy!"

"However, that Sea Lord possesses an incredible status. I suspect that common treasures or Cultivation techniques are no longer enough to tempt him. I wonder what kind of price must be paid to convince such a master to take action?"

Observing his son’s anxious yet hopeful expression, Liu Runan gave a helpless shake of his head.

"Sigh..."

"You have finally started to show a spark of insight, even if your outlook is still underdeveloped."

"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 Sea Tribes have dominated the Vast Sea is due to a secret pact with the Divine Land. Regardless of how much 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 sea belong to them, while the coastal waters and the Divine Land are held by humanity. This is the true foundation of our world's stability."

"Should the Sea Tribes wish to step onto land, they must hold an Immortal Decree granted by the Fallen God Palace. Conversely, if humans want to dive into the deep sea for treasures, they must be gifted an Ice-Silk Jade Belt by the Sea Tribes. This is an exchange of benefits reserved solely for the elite. Such rare opportunities to hunt for treasures are not for the common folk."

"As it happens, I am one of the human authorities authorized to distribute Immortal Decrees, and I currently hold five in my possession!"

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

The endless war between the two races was essentially a fight for treasure lands, spirit caves, and the natural resources of the world. Yet, all of it was actually just a sanctioned slaughter. In reality, a hidden covenant had existed for ages. The common grudges and battles were merely the desperate thrashing of ants at the bottom. To those at the top, everything could be settled with a single word.

The truth was indeed that brutal.

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

Five jade tokens, radiating a soft, ethereal light, manifested in mid-air!

Staring at these priceless Immortal Decrees, Liu Changfeng’s soul flame shook with such intensity it was as if he were looking at a mountain of gold. The potential represented by these five tokens was beyond calculation.

Looking at his father’s lined face once more, his heart swelled with even greater reverence and emotion.

"Your son has been enlightened!"

"If not for Father’s lofty position, I would surely be like those low-level cultivators, perhaps risking my life and paying a terrible price just to find a single treasure, struggling like an ant on the edge of death. Truly, destiny cannot be defied."

Though his soul flame still carried the shape of a child’s face, his expression now flickered with a touch of worldly wisdom.

Liu Runan finally gave a small nod of approval and stowed the Immortal Decrees away.

"The Great Dao is indifferent, and the world is a cruel place. Only the powerful can survive for long. You should be grateful for your circumstances. In the future, treasure this, commit 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 will keep these lessons in his heart!"

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

The shallow arrogance that once sat 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 commoners, fixing his gaze on a much higher plane.

Now that he understood his father’s true reach and the reality of the world, he was no longer intimidated.

The Desolate Realm, which once seemed like an unreachable peak, no longer filled him with dread. It was a place he was destined to conquer, as if it were merely a foregone conclusion.

Seeing the change in his son’s demeanor, Liu Runan finally felt a sense of peace.

The two of them then tore through the void, heading straight toward the Vast Sea in the south.

Shortly after, the father and son stood suspended in the air, looking out over the endless blue with calm faces. However, after Liu Runan sent out a communication, a trace of doubt appeared on his face.

"The Eastern Sea?"

"What is Gui Shounian doing? Why would he go to the Eastern Sea for no apparent reason..."

Muttering to himself, Liu Runan didn't linger and pressed on toward the Eastern Sea.

After traveling through the void for half an hour, the pair finally reached the somewhat desolate Eastern Sea.

Looking down from the sky, they saw that aside from some minor Sea Tribes, there were indeed the massive silhouettes of Ancient Sea Beasts. The small Eastern Sea actually looked a bit cramped with them there.

Guided by several Sea Tribe members who had assumed human forms, the father and son entered a palace beneath the waves. The sign for the "Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Tribe" was quite prominent, but it paled in comparison to the former capital of the Ancient Sea Tribes. The ten-thousand-zhang palace looked increasingly meager the more one looked at it.

Focused on his urgent mission, Liu Runan didn't care to pay attention to the surroundings.

Finally, upon entering the Great Hall, they encountered his old comrade, Gui Shounian.

He had white hair and a hunched back, with every wrinkle on his face serving as a record of the passing eons. He remained as vigorous and sharp as ever, yet remained deep and understated.

But this giant turtle, who was once a sovereign of the deep, had strangely taken a human form. Sitting quietly at a tea table in this Eastern Sea palace created a sense of visual discord.

Liu Runan smiled, cupped his fists, and stepped forward to greet him.

"Brother Gui, it has been too long. I trust you are doing well."

"The Vast Sea is so full of abundance. Why have you moved to this tiny Eastern Sea? It took this old man quite some effort to track you down."

Gui Shounian rose slowly, returned the gesture, and signaled for them to be seated.

"Brother Liu, please, sit."

"This old one has recently... recently had some realizations, and I wanted a quieter place to stay. If it weren't for Brother Liu visiting, I would not have seen any guests at all."

This old turtle was a crafty one. With a few casual words, he gave a vague answer while still showing plenty of respect.

Hearing this, Liu Runan smiled and took his seat.

At a meaningful look from Liu, the old turtle dismissed his servants and cut to the chase.

"Brother Liu, what business brings you here so urgently?"

The moment he finished, Liu Runan flicked his sleeve. A soul flame drifted out and settled on the table, shimmering in the shape of a young boy.

"Brother Gui."

"To be honest, my son was attacked by a scoundrel. His physical body was destroyed, leaving only his second soul. That individual’s Cultivation is quite formidable, and I find that I am unable to handle him alone..."

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