Chapter 101 The Birth of Poverty

　　Sometimes, the ties between men were that simple.

　　Ao Yi punched and kicked, but he did not use his own abilities. Instead, he grabbed his cousin, the Second Prince of the Dragon Palace of the South Ocean, Ao Mou by his neck.

　　Following that, Ao Yi threw Ao Mou to the side and asked him to apologize to Han Zhi.

　　That way, Han Zhi would be able to protect the reputation of Jie School. She would not be able to blame Ao Mou anymore. In the future, there would not be any conflicts between the Dragon Palace and Golden Ao Island.

　　Han Zhi did not have much of a reaction to Ao Yi’s performance. She merely smiled. Instead… Ao Mou’s eyes flickered.

　　There seemed to be a tiny star in them…

　　The two followers of Ao Mou looked at Ao Yi with respect.

　　The dragon race had a sense of superiority over the outside world as they saw themselves as ancient overlords.

　　However, within the clan, the young sons of the dragon had always followed the principle of whoever was stronger would be the boss.

　　Ao Mou fell on the sea surface. However, he would not sink because he was being supported by immortal power.

　　There was a hint of hesitation in his eyes. He looked up at Han Zhi, who was smiling and then turned to look at Ao Yi.

　　Then, Ao Mou stood up and said seriously, “I… lost too quickly just now. Let’s compete again. If I lose again, I’ll be convinced. I’ll follow your orders!”

　　Ao Yi nodded calmly and waved his sleeve, gesturing for him to leave.

　　Ao Mou moved forward again. This time, his gaze was full of seriousness.

　　Then, the Second Prince of the South Ocean Dragon Palace let out a low holler. All kinds of unique abilities were activated at once.

　　The dragon roared, and waves rolled.

　　After a while, Ao Yi grabbed Ao Mou’s neck again.

　　Ao Yi, who had maintained a youthful figure and appearance, was not injured at all. Only two strands of hair on his forehead were slightly wet.

　　Ao Yi swung his hand, and Ao Mou fell onto the sea again. This time, he fell slightly gentler.

　　Immediately, Ao Mou looked up at Ao Yi, and the glow in his eyes became brighter…

　　“I have another mystical ability!”

　　Ao Mou looked ashamed, but he gritted his teeth and stood up. “If I lose to you again, I will listen to everything you say!”

　　Ao Yi frowned and looked at his cousin.

　　Is he really so obsessed with whether he wins or not?

　　For the sake of the reputation of the Dragon Palace of the South Ocean, Ao Yi merely nodded and agreed. He thought that he ought to exchange more moves with Ao Mou this time…

　　Thus, an hour later…

　　After seven battles, Ao Mou exhibited all his abilities but he still lost all seven battles…

　　“Second Brother Ao Yi, please accept my bow!”

　　The three dragons that were initially arrogant and domineering, bowed to Ao Yi at the same time. Ao Yi nodded calmly without showing any emotion.

　　Ao Yi did not have to say anything at all. The three of them turned around and bowed to Han Zhi. Han Zhi immediately said that there was no need for an apology. Although Ao Mou was born two years earlier than Ao Yi, he addressed the latter as ‘Second Brother’. It was much smoother than when he addressed his own brother.

　　The Second Prince of the Dragon Palace of the South Ocean had really beaten up to the point of submission.

　　Ao Mou invited Han Zhi and Ao Yi to travel to the South Ocean.

　　He also sent both of his subordinates back to the Dragon Palace. He brought a treasure ship along, as long as another ship as an apology gift for his second brother.

　　Since he was sure that he definitely wouldn’t win, he decided to just admit defeat.

　　Ao Yi asked Han Zhi if she wanted to go somewhere else to relax. However, Han Zhi said that she wanted to explore the South Ocean.

　　Hence, the two of them had an extra “tour guide”. They continued traveling in the South Ocean…

　　“Second Brother, your mystical abilities are really impressive. Did you learn it from the Jie School?”

　　After hearing Ao Mou’s question, Ao Yi smiled and said seriously, “The Dao that the Sage imparted is indeed profound and vast. Do you want to join the Jie School too?’

　　“Well, forget it. I can’t bear the hardships of cultivation. I’d feel much better and at ease in the Dragon Palace.”

　　Ao Yi frowned and said, “Elder Cousin, you…”

　　“Call me Younger Cousin. I’m your younger cousin now.”

　　“No matter what, remember to be more restrained,” Ao Yi said earnestly. “When I sparred with you, I realized that you had suffered a severe loss. Although the dragon race has a deep foundation, we should not be so reckless. Don’t spend so much time fooling around all day with the maidservants from the Sea Clan. If you can’t control yourself, you should find someone from the same race to marry early, so that you can restrict each other.”

　　Ao Mou chuckled and said that he had already taken a liking to the Dragon Princess of the West Ocean.

　　Han Zhi, who was standing at the side, did not understand what they were talking about at first. Then, she realized something. Her cheeks turned red, and she did not dare to look at Ao Yi’s delicate face.

　　Ao Yi did not think much of it. It was the norm for the Dragon race. His elder brother, Ao Jia, had been living in a drunken state for a long time.

　　Little dragons like him who could exercise self-control… were really few and far between.

　　At the same time, on the west side of the Heaven-Breaking Peak, where the Nine Jiu Immortals lived, Li Changshou was standing in front of his Little Aunt-Master Jiu Jiu’s pavilion and watching the array formation set up in the pavilion. He suddenly had a strange feeling and frowned slightly. Why do I feel that something related to me is about to happen?

　　He secretly sensed the situation at the edge of the South Ocean. For the time being, there was no sign of a chaotic battle between the mortals…

　　“Little Changshou…”

　　Jiu Jiu saw Li Changshou frown and could not help but ask softly, “Is there really no hope?”.

　　Li Changshou smiled bitterly and sighed. “Aunt-Master, I’m sorry but I have to ask you a question.”

　　“Yes, go ahead!”

　　Li Changshou raised his head and sighed. “How did you do it? You simply barged out of the protective array formation and you already disabled sixty percent of the array foundations downstairs.” “Hehe, Junior Disciple-Nephew, don’t praise me. I’ve always been that capable!”

　　Jiu Jiu raised her eyebrows and patted Li Changshou’s shoulder.

　　“I’ll leave it to you. Just create an array formation! However, I’m often drunk, and I tend to look ugly when I’m asleep. I often throw my undergarments and clothes around… Otherwise, there’s no need to set up the array formation at all!”

　　Li Changshou said calmly, “Aunt-Master, you don’t have to say those things to me.”

　　“Huh?” Jiu Jiu squinted and leaned forward. “Have you met him before?”.

　　с Сс

　　“Of course not,” Li Changshou said calmly. “Aunt-Master, please take out the underground array foundations. I’ll wait for you inside. I’ll still need some precious materials for refining the array foundation later. Aunt-Master, I will use what I have learned to create a few different array formations for you to choose from.”

　　Jiu Jiu blinked and casually tossed a ring over. She waved her hand generously.

　　“Do whatever you want! I’ve been working here for more than a thousand years. I still have some savings.” Li Changshou smiled. He grabbed the ring and walked straight into the attic.

　　The array formation that isolated a residence was naturally very important. However, it was impossible for Li Changshou to reveal the high-level array formation that he had mastered.

　　He had to use the insights about array formations that his Uncle-Master Jiu Wu had given him to set up an array formation that could completely protect Jiu Jiu and ensure her safety.

　　It was also a small challenge.

　　Sitting at the round table, Li Changshou found a few stone slabs at the side and took out a carving knife. He then started writing and drawing on the stone slabs.

　　His interest was completely different.

　　Jiu Jiu quickly went underground and took out the array foundations that she had been fiddling with for a long time.

　　Since it was just a small array formation, Li Changshou managed to come up with the design very quickly. When Jiu Jiu scurried back with the array foundations, Li Changshou had already prepared several diagrams of array formations.

　　“Oh, Changshou, you’re so fast.”

　　“I’ve had similar considerations before.” Li Changshou pushed the few stone slabs towards her. “Take a look and see which one you want me to set up.”

　　“I’ll find the location later. Aunt-Master, bury the array foundations one by one and we’ll successfully accomplish the task.”

　　Jiu Jiu grabbed the stone slabs and looked at them. She was instantly dizzy.

　　“You decide. I don’t understand these things.”

　　“Aunt-Master,” Li Changshou said with a serious expression. “You can’t joke about these things that are related to your life.”

　　“Yes.” Jiu Jiu nodded seriously. “In this case, explain to me, how are these different? Aren’t they all array formations?”.

　　Li Changshou smiled and said, “They look similar, but they’re actually worlds apart.”

　　“Aunt-Master, please take a look at the first array formation. It’s more important to guard against detection. If it’s set up properly, perhaps even your master will not be able to see through this place.”

　　“Oh?” Jiu Jiu’s eyes lit up. “Set up one!”

　　Li Changshou cleared his throat and continued, “Don’t be impatient, Aunt-Master. Finish reading these first before making a decision.

　　If the array formation is set up, the detection prevention level would be average. However, it would be heavily guarded. If you encounter a strong enemy, it could increase your chances of survival. If you press on longer, you might be able to wait for aid.

　　I prefer that.”

　　Jiu Jiu pointed at the other two stone slabs. “What about this and this?”

　　“The third set of array formations is more focused on the Spirit-gathering Array. It can allow you to cultivate with an endless stream of spiritual energy. Moreover, it can be considered to take into account the level of defense and protection against detection…”

　　After listening for a while, Jiu Jiu felt a little dizzy and said, “Can’t all the array formations be of high quality?”

　　“This…”

　　Li Changshou looked at the ring in his hand and smiled. “Actually, I did them according to the materials you gave me. I have already used all my precious materials in the array formations of Little Qiong Peak.”

　　“I thought it was for some reason. So that’s all.”

　　Jiu Jiu let out a soft snort and took out a bracelet and a treasure pouch, which she then placed in front of Li Changshou.

　　“Make the best array formations!”

　　Li Changshou muttered to himself and confirmed, “Really?” “Really!”

　　Jiu Jiu put her hands on her waist and said, “Just do it!”

　　How could a mere cluster of array formations in the attic cost all the savings that I had accumulated for thousands of years?

　　However, very quickly, Jiu Jiu’s mental state started to change…

　　Li Changshou took out all the precious materials that he had accumulated over the years and organized them in different categories. It looked like he was arranging herbs before refining pills…

　　The main point was that after Li Changshou thought about the various types of precious materials, he found the use for each of them.

　　Li Changshou did not plot anything against his Little Aunt-Master or coveted anything of hers. He was very concerned about Jiu Jiu’s safety.

　　After all, she was a “good partner for refining pills” and his “smokescreen expert”. Li Changshou had always felt that the protective array formations of areas of residence and seclusion were rather important as well.

　　In order to help his Aunt-Master set up higher-level array formations, Li Changshou began to re-refine the array foundations that could be used. He also removed the broken array foundations and used everything that he could,

　　In fact, Li Changshou even took out a few materials himself…

　　Jiu Jiu, who was standing at the side, wanted to say something but stopped herself. When she saw that Li Changshou had already added something to her array formation, she felt embarrassed to say anything…

　　Two days later, Li Changshou rode a cloud and flew towards the Little Qiong Peak. He smiled in satisfaction.

　　Building a nearly perfect “Linkage array” was akin to completing a piece of art.

　　He did not need to worry about his Little Aunt-Master’s safety anymore.

　　In front of the attic, Jiu Jiu stared at Li Changshou’s disappearing figure. She turned around and looked at the newly-reformed array formation behind her. She could tell at a glance that it was extremely difficult to break… Then, she looked down at the talisman in her hand…

　　From now on, she could only activate the array formation by injecting her immortal power into the jade talisman.

　　It was safe, secretive, meticulous, and comfortable. There was no extra light pollution at night, and there would not be any spiritual power disturbances during the day.

　　However…

　　Jiu Jiu held a few storage Dharma treasures in her hands and looked at the empty storage universe inside. Her legs went weak and she slowly took a seat on the stairs in front of the door.

　　All of the savings that she had accumulated over a thousand years… had really been used up. He did not waste any at all…

　　However, why is there no joy in my heart, only emptiness?

　　If I run out of wine in the future, I can’t even exchange for any…

　　While in a daze, Jiu Jiu heard the comforting words that Li Changshou whispered into her ears before he left.

　　“Uncle-Master, your precious materials and Spirit Stones did not disappear. They’re just in another form and are accompanying you.”

　　“Ah…”

　　Jiu Jiu slowly lied down and her eyes gradually lost their luster.

　　“I’m poor. I have nothing to do after I’m drunk. In another thousand years, I’ll still be

　　poor.”

　　In the future, I’ll just move to Little Poor Peak…