To be honest, Shen Tian hadn’t wanted to go.
City οf Bliss? One could tell from the name itself it was probably some dubious place.
But those four princes were just too hospitable. He had no choice but to go out of respect.
As a result, after raising several objections, Shen Tian helplessly followed the gang as they headed toward the City οf Bliss.
Yes. He was going, but just to take a look.
Shen Tian would never do anything dishonorable!
Black Dragon Island was the most powerful leading authority in North Sea. As a result, there were multiple teleportation circles throughout the island.
These teleportation circles made it very convenient for Black Dragon Island’s residents to travel to the various other North Sea strongholds.
The seven of them activated the teleportation circle and soon arrived at the City οf Bliss.
Even though Shen Tian had been mentally prepared, he was still completely dazzled by the sights the moment they stepped out of the teleportation circle.
If the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground could be described as naturally majestic and the Black Dragon Island as dignified splendor, then the City οf Bliss would be described as a flourishing and bustling city, which had everything and anything.
The so-called City οf Bliss was an underwater city constructed in the deep recesses of the ocean. It was quite near to Chaotic Star Island.
Since ancient times, whenever Chaotic Star Island was about to be opened, prodigies from the various races would gather at the City οf Bliss to seek fun and excitement.
Many prodigies would sell fortuitous opportunities, which they had no use for, to the merchants in the City οf Bliss. In return, they would get herbs and other supplements so that they could continue their journey.
This influx of wealth was the foundation of the City οf Bliss’ prosperity.
Chaotic Star Island was very dangerous. Not only were there dangers within the island itself, but one also had to beware of attacks by other adventurers.
As a result, the City οf Bliss prepared a lot of luxurious enjoyments to comfort and soothe those who felt the pressures of this dangerous experiential journey.
It could be said that wherever one could find entertainment and comforts in North Sea, they could find something even better in the City οf Bliss. So much so that even those who had no intention of entering Chaotic Star Island would often visit the city.
For example, a certain wealthy prodigy from the Golden Crab race.
Of course, the prices in a place like the City οf Bliss were definitely not low at all.
Even for a core disciple like the Crab Prince of the Golden Crab race, he had to practice a fair amount of restraint when spending in a place like this.
Otherwise, splurging all the family fortunes in one night and being spanked by the family elders—this was an entirely possible scenario.
…
The City οf Bliss was situated in the ocean’s deep recesses. It was completely surrounded by high-pressure ocean water.
But the Black Dragon Token, which Ao Ye had given Shen Tian, had a Water-Resistant Charm carved into it. As a result, Shen Tian could breathe freely within the ocean.
The effectiveness of all his techniques and skills, except for those from the True Dragon Imperial Sutra, decreased rather significantly from the effects of being underwater.
This was especially so for his Divine Lightning Imperial Sutra’s Lightning Fist. The seawater easily negated it.
And if he didn’t control it well, he might even electrocute himself.
On the contrary, the power of his Divine Devouring Vine paired with his Dragon Slash increased by quite a bit underwater.
Aided by the flow of water, the Divine Devouring Vine came alive like a snake. It instantly became one of Shen Tian’s best underwater attacks.
Of course, this was not important.
After all, he was at the City οf Bliss as a guest, not to seek fights.
Also, according to the rules of the City οf Bliss, it was clearly stated that the prodigies of the various races could not fight within the city.
Anyone who disrupted the city’s peace and harmony would be immediately chased out by a team of enforcers, made up of powerful practitioners from the various races. The offender might even be barred for life from the city.
“Brother Shen, how do you find the City οf Bliss so far?”
The Crab Prince swaggered at the front in a bossy manner, waving his pincers around.
Given his reputation, no one dared to cross him, but many passersby still turned to look.
Eh, they look like humans!
A youth from the Dragon race and men from the human race.
Wow, one of the humans looks so handsome. How is it possible for a human to look so handsome!?
Damn, I am in love!
“The City οf Bliss is indeed a splendid and thriving place.”
Shen Tian gave a heartfelt sigh.
He saw all sorts of dazzling sights while walking along the street. The various ocean races were singing and dancing together in harmony.
There were also all sorts of exotic plants moving gently with the ocean currents. They looked very lovely and natural.
The only thing which exasperated Shen Tian was that even though he was just walking down the street minding his own business, random people were throwing things at him.
Bouquets of flowers, crystal jade pendants, and even a slightly fishy-smelling seaweed scarf…
What the hell? Are the females of the ocean races so open-minded?
“You are indeed the Divine Firmament Saint. You are so popular amongst our ocean race females.”
The White Prince from the Silver Octopus race smiled. “Looks like Brother Yunfeng’s praises of you were not in vain.”
Brother Yunfeng?
The corners of Shen Tian’s lips twitched. “Are you referring to Junior Brother Li Yunfeng?”
The White Prince gave a gossipy smile. “That’s right. I once visited Eastern Wilderness and immediately hit it off with Brother Yunfeng.
“I am very impressed by Brother Yunfeng’s information gathering skills. Ahem… Brother Yunfeng previously mentioned that you are a rare, once-in-a-lifetime handsome boy.
“Countless fairies and Saintesses in Eastern Wilderness have fallen head over heels for you. Even the Divine Firmament Saintess, Zhang Yunxi, was willing to throw herself into your arms.
“I didn’t really believe him then. But now that I have met you, I can see that it is the truth.”
Shen Tian, “…”
Senior Sister Yunxi was willing to throw herself into my arms!?
Li Yunfeng, you promised to keep mum about that. Why has this piece of news traveled all the way to North Sea?
When I return to the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground, I will sew up those loose lips of yours!
After taking a deep breath, Shen Tian forced a smile. “Did Junior Brother Yunfeng really say that?”
The White Prince nodded. “Yes. Brother Yunfeng is full of respect and adoration for you. He told me about many of your glorious achievements.
“But Brother Shen, don’t worry. I have not told anyone else about all that. I will never spread random gossip about you.”
Shen Tian, “…”
The Crab Prince felt rather jealous upon seeing the White Prince chatting so happily with Shen Tian. He pinched the White Prince with one of his pincers and dragged him to the other side.
“Get lost, you dull octopus. All you do every day is just gossip, gossip, gossip.”
A wicked smile spread across the Crab Prince’s face. “Brother Shen, Brother Qi, a Mermaid Princess will give a rare performance at the City οf Bliss’ Heavenly Music Parlor today.
“This Mermaid Princess’ voice is widely-recognized across all five regions as a gift from heaven. There are so many people who are willing to give up 100 years of their life just to hear her sing one song.
“I have put down a large sum of money to reserve a private booth. If you guys are interested, this is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Upon hearing the Crab Prince’s words, the White Prince’s face instantly lit up at the thought of more gossip.
He said, “Yes, yes. The Mermaid Princess, Yu Pianxian, is acknowledged by the Mermaid race to be their number one beauty.
“It is rumored that when she sings her Ocean Siren’s Song, it can invoke the innermost good feelings of every single person. It is the top song in North Sea.
“Also, I heard that the Mermaid Princess is of marriageable age now. She intends to find herself a worthy match during this Chaotic Star Island trial.”
A look of yearning crossed the Turtle Prince’s face. “I am willing to sacrifice 1,000 years of my life if I can gain the Mermaid Princess’ favor!”
The Shark Prince sniggered. “You turtles have such long lifespans that your life years are completely worthless. Do you really think Princess Yu will like someone you? A beautiful woman must be matched with a powerful man!”
At that, the machete with the jagged blade behind him glowed.
The Crab Prince shook his head with a smile. “No, no. Haven’t you heard of the phrase ‘One would rather cry sitting in a jeweled carriage than smile sitting on a barren reef’? To enjoy the gentleness of a beautiful woman, one must have money.”
The White Prince took out his fan with a smile. “To win the heart of a beauty, to understand the heart of a beauty. You don’t even have any information but wish to win her favor? What a joke.”
Ao Wu was exasperated when he saw his four buddies start bickering before they had even seen the Mermaid Princess.
Although his true age was about the same as Qi Shaoxuan’s, he was still considered a kid in the Black Dragon race.
To be honest, he was not that interested in such grown-up topics.
He looked at Shen Tian. “Brother Shen, who do you think makes the most sense?”
“What? What did you say?”
Who makes the most sense? What?
Shen Tian was startled. Truthfully, he hadn’t been listening when the four princes started their argument. This was because as they walked down the street, pretty ocean race ladies were tossing flowers, corals, conches, and other such things at him.
Shen Tian was worried that he might be bashed in the head by those objects if he didn’t pay adequate attention. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?
Sigh, I thought female humans were troublesome enough. Didn’t expect the demon race to be the same.
And they are even bolder. Right on the public streets! Just tossing things at him. Where did they learn such a bad habit?
Ao Ye stared dumbfounded at Shen Tian, who was carrying an armful of presents. “I asked, which of their arguments makes the most sense?”
Makes the most sense?
Faced with the expectant looks of all four princes, Shen Tian considered for a moment. “The four princes all belong to the elite of their generation. Their arguments all have their own merits. I have benefited a lot listening to them.”
Who cares! Don’t bother about anything else. Just shower them all with praises!
As expected, all four princes smiled at Shen Tian’s words.
But very quickly, a bunch of flowers flew down from a building by the street, landing accurately on Shen Tian.
All four princes were instantly dumbstruck.
I am so passionate/powerful/rich/well-informed, but why aren’t there any ladies giving me flowers!
Don’t tell me that humans are so popular in the underwater world?
But then again, a certain Purple Mansion Saint had not received any attention at all since stepping into the City οf Bliss.
He thought, This is all nonsense!
…
“My brothers, we won’t be able to reach a conclusion with this bickering.”
The White Prince suggested, “Why don’t we do this! I heard that there would be a Clam Fairy Dance in the Heavenly Music Parlor today. Later on, we will each use our own methods and see who can win over most Clam fairies? Whoever performs the best will prove that he is the most charming!”
The Crab Prince pouted. “Haha, don’t think I don’t know that you are just trying to get a spot in my private booth. Fat chance!
“Brother Shen and Brother Qi are my guests. Little Ao Wu is not of age yet. So I will cover their expenses.
“The rest of you think about it. Admit that I am right or pay up for your own share.”
Haha, I am the prodigy of the Golden Crab race. No one is shrewder than me in money matters.
Want to take advantage of me?
In the end, the four princes still didn’t resolve their argument.
Under the Crab Prince’s lead, the group arrived at the Heavenly Music Parlor, situated right in the center region of the City οf Bliss.
The Heavenly Music Parlor was made up of giant clam shells that shimmered with a rainbow sheen.
One could vaguely hear the sounds of soul-stirring melodies through the walls.
This was a shrewd move by the Heavenly Music Parlor.
In reality, the Heavenly Music Parlor could have completely sound-proofed the entire place.
However, there was no need. By allowing some faint melodies to drift out now and then, it could seduce… Attract more people over to listen.
And the strength of the sound barrier was adjustable. Sometimes, one could clearly hear the music, while sometimes, the melodies became blurred or were completely blocked out.
In this way, many passersby, who had no intention of entering the Heavenly Music Parlor, might choose to buy a ticket on impulse to enter the place.
…
The Crab Prince was obviously a regular at the Heavenly Music Parlor. He had just entered the place when a voluptuous young woman came over to welcome him.
She looked like she was in her mid-20s and extremely charming and flirtatious.
“Aiyo, is that the Crab Prince? I have not seen you for so many days. I missed you so much!
“You have brought so many friends with you today! Oh, White Prince, Turtle Prince, and Shark Prince, welcome, welcome! Your presence brings light to our humble place!
“Aiyo, even the Seventh Dragon Prince is here? The Seventh Dragon Prince is indeed the most powerful Dragon Prince. He is visiting our parlor even before his elder brothers have!
“Hua’er, Yue’er, Xue’er, Bing’er, Lang’er, and Little Mei. Hurry up, come out and welcome our most esteemed guest!”
Shen Tian broke out in cold sweat at the sight of that solicitous young woman.
Why did this place make him feel like he was visiting a brothel?
But looking at how at ease the four princes were, it was clear this was not their first time, especially that Turtle Prince, Wu Wudi. He was already drooling at the sight of a certain Jellyfish vixen.
“Aiyo, I have never seen these two gentlemen before!”
The young woman’s eyes lit up when she saw Shen Tian. “I never knew that the human race could produce such a handsome man!
“The moment I saw you, it was like seeing my own blood relatives. Sigh… Perhaps this is the so-called destiny!
“How about this! Tonight’s private booth charges will be on me! Just call me if you need anything else!”
With that, the young woman winked at Shen Tian before sashaying off.
Before leaving, she even handed Shen Tian a small conch, which he could use to contact her.
“Damn, Brother Shen is really a veteran playboy. Even Sister Yun Die is being so forthright with him.”
The Crab Prince looked very envious. “She used to be the number one dancing girl of the Clam race. Many prodigies wooed her, but she accepted none of them.
“Brother Shen, what secret message did you send her? It looks like she is willing to get it on with you any time, any place!”
…
The Crab Prince was not exaggerating at all. This Clam Fairy Yun Die was indeed no ordinary woman.
As with many of the other ocean races, the Clam race demons were also divided into nobles and commoners.
Although some of the commoners were also good at dancing like their nobles, their cultivation talents were very poor.
In the City οf Bliss, nearly all of them would end up being dancing girls and maids. They held very low statuses and had to service customers all the time.
It was an entirely different situation for the nobility of the Clam race. They all had extraordinary cultivation talents and could be quite powerful.
This type of Clam fairy had the power to choose her own partner. No one could force her.
And this Fairy Yun Die used to be the Clam race’s number one dancing girl. She was also one of the core disciples of the Clam race.
Countless prodigies had wooed her over the years, hoping to win her heart. But she ignored them all.
Thereafter, she retired from the stage and became one of the Heavenly Music Parlor’s managers.
No one expected that Shen Tian would so smite her. Everyone was so jealous.
