Chapter 652 – Buddha Empire
The Queen looked at Zhao Hai, she was very clear about what this change in the Messenger Fish represented. It was not just a mutation, this was an entire evolution of the Messenger Fish, making it more advanced and giving it much better function.
The Messenger Fish was a small and common marine beast. However, this small magic beast has a unique ability. The difficulty of making such a beast evolve several times more than evolving any common magic beast.
To put it bluntly, even if the Fishmen were people, their differences compared to the marine beasts weren't that huge. The reason why the Mermaid Clan was researching marine magic beasts was for them to be able to develop a method to make the Mermaids or the other Fishmen more perfect people.
This might sound simple, but once one does this for quite some time, they will discover how difficult it actually was. Each type of magic beasts might have their own unique characteristics, but the Fishmen also had their own unique properties. Gathering these strong points and matching them was easier said than done.
It wasn't only the task of gathering strong points that was difficult. Even improving magic beasts was a difficult matter all on its own. One might see something great in a magic beast, however, improving them might result in a futile effort. Even if it succeeds, there are still more issues along the road, it was still far from being called successful.
The Mermaids were aware of these difficulties since it takes into account genetics as well as other advanced matters. However, it was impossible for them to use these matters in order to evolve magic beasts.
One the other hand, the Space can digitize beings, making it very easy for it to upgrade these beings. It was just like when one plays a game and finds a skill book that they can learn in a matter of minutes. However, reality was just too far away from this.
The Queen wasn't aware of the existence of the Space, so when she saw Zhao Hai's Messenger Fish, she couldn't help but express her shock.
Billy and the Beast King didn't understand the Fishmen and the significance of the Messenger Fish. Therefore, even if they felt strange, they weren't startled like the Mermaid Queen.
The thought of the Messenger Fishes caused the Mermaid Queen to think about Zhao Hai's unusual undead creatures. Although Zhao Hai had reduced their strength, they were still quite extraordinary in the eyes of the Queen. Large-scale summoning as well as impressive fighting prowess, all of these made the Queen extremely curious towards Zhao Hai.
The Queen knew that Zhao Hai had a lot of good things based on what she had heard from the Continent. It seems like Zhao Hai's unique things aren't only limited to the Messenger Fishes. This made the Queen think that Zhao Hai might have discovered a way to improve a being's biology.
Zhao Hai was confused at the Queen's surprised expression. Was it because of the Messenger Fish? Aren't there a lot of variant beasts in this world? So why was she especially surprised this time?'
Zhao Hai looked at the Queen and asked, "Your Majesty, is there something wrong?"
The Queen looked deeply into Zhao Hai without saying anything. Then she handed the Messenger Fish over to Lola before turning her head back to Zhao Hai and said, "There's no problem. Once Mister decides to act, don't hesitate to let us know."
Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Then I shall thank Your Majesty in advance. I shall say my farewells first, I'll be leaving for the continent tomorrow to continue with my plans."
The Queen nodded, "Alright. Mister can rest assured, this is an important matter to every race. So my Fishman Race would surely give you our full cooperation."
Then Zhao Hai stood up and gave the Queen a salute before turning around to leave. Once Zhao Hai was out of sight, Lola immediately turned to the Queen and said, "Your Majesty, haven't we been looking for a way to make the Mermaid Clan stronger? If Mister Zhao Hai can improve the Messenger Fish, then he surely has the means to help us. Why didn't you tell him about this matter earlier?"
The Queen sighed and then said, "Now is not the time to say it. Mister Zhao Hai has been busy with dealing with our own matters, but we still haven't contributed to Mister Zhao Hai's cause even if we are allies in dealing with the Divine Race. But I'm sure that this method is Mister Zhao Hai's biggest secret. If we want to get this method at his time, the only thing we could do would be to threaten Mister. However, we naturally can't do it. So this matter can only be postponed to the future."
Lola nodded, then the Queen sighed once again before she said, "Our Mermaid Race can be seen to as quite a perfect race in the continent. We can survive in the sea as well as on land, as long as there is a body of water nearby. We also have good control over water as well as being able to use various water element magic. At the same time, our combat capabilities are also quite formidable, not very different compared to any ordinary warrior. Our only downside compared to the other races is the fact that we Mermaids have the least members in the Divine Realm. Perhaps this is the drawback for our Mermaid Race."
Lola sighed as well, she didn't know what to say. The Mermaids were indeed unique, they had long lives, great strength, good population, and were generally 9th ranks at maturity. However, it was close to impossible for them to become God-ranked experts. All previous Mermaid Queens were aware of this point and worried about it for a long time. They sought for a solution all this time but was unable to actually succeed.
But seeing Zhao Hai's messenger fish made the current Queen see hope. However, just like what the Queen said, they hadn't done much for Zhao Hai yet. If they were to open this matter up to Zhao Hai, then he might develop some misunderstandings. And misunderstandings were something that they didn't need at this moment in time.
Zhao Hai was currently listening to Lola and the Queen's conversation while inside the Space. He didn't think that his messenger fish would evoke this reaction from both the Queen and Lola. No wonder the Queen had a strange expression earlier.
However, it would not be difficult for Zhao Hai to make the Mermaids God-ranked experts. Now that the the Space had reached level 65, plants that would allow the creation of God-rank potions can now be planted in the farm. As soon as the plants become ready, then Zhao Hao would surely take some potions out. After all, their enemy this time was the Divine Race who had a lot of God-ranked experts in their fold. Only then can the Ark Continent truly resist the Divine Race.
Zhao Hai took a deep breath, then he changed the monitor towards the Buddha Empire's Royal Palace. He wanted to see the response from the Buddha Empire's side.
The Buddha Emperor surely wasn't a fool. He knew the implications of the Radiant Church and the Dragons being in control of the Ocean Waves Dynasty and the Lyon Empire, respectively. He knew what they would be facing, and he was currently looking for the key to resisting both the Radiant Church and the Dragon Race.
Zhao Hai carefully looked at the Buddha Empire's situation for a few days. The Buddha Emperor was certainly not a fool, his response was exactly what Zhao Hai expected. The Empire had sent some envoys towards the Rosen Empire, in hopes of establishing an alliance against the Saint Dragon Empire.
The Buddha Empire's worries were completely justified. In the past, the Buddha Empire held a stronger army compared to the Ocean Waves Dynasty, but they were still lacking when it came to naval power. On the other hand, the Lyon and Buddha Empire was separated by the Accra Mountain, making the Lyon Empire unable to send troops towards the Buddha Empire. Also making the Empire completely safe against the attacks from the Lyon Empire army.
However, the current situation changed everything. The Dragons have gotten control of the Lyon Empire, establishing the Saint Dragon Empire. And since the magic beasts in the Accra Mountain were subordinates of the Dragons, an avenue to attack the Buddha Empire had appeared. If they were to send a force towards the Buddha Empire, then the Saint Dragon Empire can now use the Accra Mountain as a path. When that time comes, the Buddha Empire would then be placed on its back foot.
Since they knew about this, the Buddha Empire immediately sent envoys to the Rosen Empire in order to form an alliance. The Rosen Empire was the continent's most powerful nation, so they should have no fear towards the Dragons. Being an ally to the Rosen Empire would surely make the Dragons think twice about their further actions.
While the envoys were on the way, the Buddha Empire had also entered a state of preparation. Zhao Hai's constant supply of magic beasts also gave the Buddha Empire some courage to hold on.
However, courage and confidence were two different matters. The Dragons' reputation of invincibility had placed a huge pressure on the Buddha Empire. The Emperor as well as the Great Nobles were constantly on talks as to how to deal with this matter. However, after hours and days of discussion, they still haven't reached a good enough resolution.
Naturally, the Hurricane Family was aware of this matter as well. And since Juno had a close relationship with Billy, he also wanted to know how Zhao Hai plans to deal with this matter. Zhao Hai had not hidden the truth from him, he told the Hurricane Patriarch about his plan to completely eradicate the Dragons. At the same time, he also gave Juno a messenger fish.
It can be said that the thing that Zhao Hai was waiting for was the response from the Elves. Whether the Elves were willing to cooperate or not, Zhao Hai still needed their response in order to plan for his further actions. If the Elves agree to ally with him, then he would immediately head to the Elven Forest to repair their Divine Artifact while also discussing their matter of alliance along with having them sign his beast skin scroll.
If the Elves don't agree to dealing with the Divine Race, then Zhao Hai would not care about their word any more. He would then go and deal with the Dragons. And if the Elves were to side with the Divine Race, then Zhao Hai would have no choice but to be impolite.
Zhao Hai continued to look at the situation of the Buddha Empire. However, there wasn't any special change in the Empire. Like the previous days, they were still trying to figure out ways in order to deal with their current situation.
At this point, it was impossible for the Buddha Empire to side with the Radiant Church. They saw what just happened to the Ocean Waves Dynasty as well as the Lyon Empire, so how could they side with them? The Radiant Church was like a beast that eats people along with their bones. Sooner or later, the Buddha Empire would get swallowed up. So the Buddha Empire can only hold on for as long as they can. They couldn't make any agreements between the Dragons and the Radiant Church.
Chapter 653 – Visiting the Elves
The next day, Zhao Hai said his farewell to the Mermaid Queen before he got onboard the Haven. Zhao Hai planned to ride his ship towards the continent, this was also to give the Elves more time to send their response. After all, there wasn't anything significant that he had to do at this time.
Once word arrives from the Elves, then Zhao Hai would begin with his action. He didn't plan to tell the Rosen Emperor about any of these. Even if the Rosen Emperor was Zhao Hai's father in-law, he was still an Emperor of a nation, making it difficult for him to keep secrets to himself. Who knows if the Radiant Church had set up some shadows in the Imperial Palace. If Zhao Hai reveals his plans to the Rosen Emperor, then he might risk having it known to the Radiant Church. When that time arrives, all of Zhao Hai's plans would be placed into trouble.
Although Zhao Hai was not anxious and was just slowly sailing towards the continent, he was still paying close attention to the developments in the continent. Through the Space, he was looking at the Calci Family while also listening for information from the Crook Family. This made Zhao Hai updated with regards to the matters of the Continent.
Rosen Empire's response was also in line with what Zhao Hai expected. Although the Rosen Empire recognized the existence of the Saint Dragon Empire, it also entered a state of war preparation. They were preparing to go against the Dragons.
On the other hand, the Aksu Empire's response was far from what Zhao Hai thought. Although they were implicated in the conflict between the Radiant Church and the Beastmen, Zhao Hai still thought that the Aksu Empire would reignite their relationship with the Church after hearing the news. But instead, they actually formed an alliance with the Rosen Empire.
This was way out of Zhao Hai's expectations to the point that he doubted them. But after observing the Aksu Empire for a few days, Zhao Hai found out that he was wrong. This time, the Aksu Empire did want to deal with the Radiant Church.
The way the Radiant Church handled the past matter caused the Aksu Empire to dislike the organization. Even if the Radiant Church conquered the four other nations, the Aksu Empire would still resist them. This wasn't only due to the current ruler, Boris, this sentiment was shared by all the Nobles of the Empire as well, not to mention the commoners.
This response from the Aksu Empire made Zhao Hai glad. For Zhao Hai, this was the best outcome that could happen. An enemy of an enemy is a friend, so even if they had a past matter, Zhao Hai would still consider them as friends as long as they plan to deal with the Radiant Church and the Dragon Race.
Two days after Zhao Hai left Mermaid Island, Billy had finally brought some news. It was said that the Elven Queen wanted to meet with Zhao Hai.
To be honest, Zhao Hai wasn’t satisfied with this answer. The Elf Queen only wanted to see him and didn't express their intention to form an alliance. However, Zhao Hai would still want to see the Elf Queen. After all, this was also an opportunity to win the Elves over to his side.
Zhao Hai appeared inside the Dwarf Mountain through the Space. At this point, the Dwarves aren't startled by his sudden appearances anymore. When they saw Zhao Hai, they immediately sent people to inform Billy.
Billy also knew that Zhao Hai was coming. Therefore, he was already waiting for him. When they had sat down, Billy looked at Zhao Hai and said, "I told the Elves about the Radiant Church, this prompted them to send an answer. You should go and see the Elf Queen, it seems like they are quite hesitant."
Zhao Hai coldly snorted and said, "I don't understand why they would hesitate now that the Divine Race are almost at the tip of our noses. I'm actually surprised. How can this race survive to the present?"
Billy can understand Zhao Hai's complaints. To be honest, he also couldn't understand the response from the Elves. But Billy didn't complain, instead, he urged Zhao Hai, "Just don't mind it. The Elves just haven't had a conflict for many years. Moreover, their archery and swordsmanship are very well suited for the jungle. Almost nobody can defeat the Elves in forest combat."
Zhao Hai nodded, he didn't doubt this point. If the Elves didn't have any special means, then they would've already become slaves a long time ago. One must know that Elves were the most valuable slaves for the Humans. However, there weren't any Elven slaves that had been caught in the long time.
Billy looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Maybe the reason why the Elves aren't willing to see you is because you are a Dark Mage. Elves hate Dark Mages. And since you are the most famous Dark Mage in the continent, it would be understandable if they don't want to see you."
Zhao Hai couldn't help but smiled bitterly. The Elves were advocates of nature and respected life. And for the Elves, the act of resurrecting the dead that Dark Mages do was the most blasphemous act towards their belief. It would be strange if they were to immediately like Zhao Hai.
Moreover, the Elves were also quite famous for having more tenacity than the Dwarves. Although the Dwarves can be tenacious sometimes, they can still be accomodating. Otherwise, the Dwarves wouldn't have done business with the Humans, and Billy wouldn't have been Juno's good friend.
The Elves were completely solid to their beliefs. They were people who completely disliked failure and were more strict to themselves than to others. This was the reason why all of the things that the Elves produced were all works of art. They destroy everything that they deem embarrass them.
It was because of this that Zhao Hai couldn't help but bitterly smile. He didn't know what to say upon meeting such a race. These people seemed to be paranoid and weren't some people that would accept an outsider's words.
Billy looked at Zhao Hai and sighed, "No matter what, you still need to see the Elves, there's no other way. Take a rest here first, then I shall accompany you to the Elves first thing tomorrow. Although they dislike Dark Mages, I don't think they would go far this time."
Zhao Hai coldly snorted and said, "If they don't agree to be allies with us, then I won't care about them anymore. If the Divine Race decides to eliminated them, then I won't be lending them a hand. As long as they don't cooperate with the Radiant Church, then I will leave them be."
Billy knew that Zhao Hai was quite angry. To be honest, Billy was somewhat annoyed as well. The Radiant Church and the Dragon Race were still holding back since they were waiting for word from the Divine Race. Time was quite precious, but the Elves were actually wasting it. Zhao Hai waiting for their response was already giving them face.
Billy didn't say anything more as he arranged a room for Zhao Hai, making him rest well. When Zhao Hai got settled in their room, they immediately went to the Space and sat inside the living room.
Laura and the others looked at Zhao Hai's expression and knew that he was quite unhappy. To be honest, they were in a foul mood as well. Laura boiled a cup of tea and then placed in in front of Zhao Hai. Then with a soft voice she said, "Brother Hai, you shouldn't get angry. After all, we'll be hearing the Elves' side tomorrow."
Zhao Hai slowly opened his eyes, then he sighed and said, "I really want to know what is inside these Elf leaders' heads. They had dragged such a simple thing for too long. If not for the Radiant Church and the Dragon Race making their move, i reckon that they would have dragged this matter for a longer time. What were they thinking?"
Laura forced a smile and then said, "The Elves are more closed off compared to the Beastmen and the Dwarves. Even the Fishmen had their own merchant union in order to listen to the situation of the continent. The Elves essentially had no contact with the outside world. They might come in contact with the Dwarves sometimes, but that's it. This is the only race that had done it in the entire continent."
Lizzy sighed, "There's nothing strange as to why the Elves are like this. They are different from the Mermaid Race, who can just change their appearance to that of a Human, allowing them the chance to trade with the continent. The Elves simply aren't able to do this. And whenever an Elf was spotted, people would then make them their slaves. It isn't strange that the Elves chose to refrain from having contact with the Humans."
Zhao Hai also sighed with a heavy heart, he was also aware of this matter. Any race would do the same if they were subjected to the same fate as the Elves.
After resting inside the Space, Billy went to look for Zhao Hai to have a meal. Zhao Hai has been very tired in the past few days. It wasn't fatigue of the body, but it was a fatigue of the heart.
Zhao Hai's rest in the Dwarf Mountain that night was very good. The next morning, Billy led Zhao Hai to the Elven Forest along with ten other Dwarf warriors.
The distance between the Dwarves and the Elves wasn't short. Moreover, there was also the Accra Mountain in the middle. However, the Dwarves have developed their own methods. After countless years of effort, they had finally made a system of underground rivers to get through Accra Mountains. This gave them the capability to pass through the mountain and come out to an area close to the Elven Forest.
This was a very large project. Although they used the underground rivers, it wasn't something that can solve everything. It was impossible for the river to deliver the Dwarves directly to the Elves. So after about 200 years of development, the Dwarves had finally made a passage that would take them quite closer to the Elves.
In order to make it more convenient to come in contact with the Elves, this route was composed of different underground rivers, allowing them to travel by boat. But even if one were to go fast, they would still need about five days before they arrive at the forest.
However, in order for the travel to become more comfortable, the Dwarves had set up some resting points all along the route. These resting points had supply of liquor and grain. All of these just to establish a good relationship with the Elven Race.