Above The Sky
Chapter 200 - 200 189 Totem Master's Trade-In 34

200: Chapter 189 Totem Master’s Trade-In (3/4) 200: Chapter 189 Totem Master’s Trade-In (3/4) “…If only my colleagues back on Earth had been as earnest as this guy.”

Muttering to himself, Ian said somewhat helplessly, “Anyway, after you crush the wooden box, throw its contents into the sea and wait for about ten minutes, then an Ironclad Shark will come.”

“This Ironclad Shark can understand human speech.

You tell it to head to the areas around Sigh Cliff.

At that time, it should definitely sense the signal I release and converge with me.”

Having said this, Ian watched for any change in Scott’s expression, then somewhat dejectedly realized that the Iron Folk before him showed not the slightest surprise, astonishment, or incredulity—as if the idea of an Ironclad Shark understanding human speech and the ensuing plan for a rendezvous was not worth any surprise or curiosity at all.

“That’s pretty much it.

Do you have any other questions?” Ian asked, handing the wooden box in his arms to the other person.

As if given permission, Scott’s expression suddenly brightened, and only then did he show a surprised look, asking curiously, “Can Ironclad Sharks really understand human speech?

That’s amazing…

What if it doesn’t understand?

Do I need to lead it to Sigh Cliff with bait?”

“…No, you don’t.

Even if you simply gesture towards the sea, it will understand what you mean.”

Ian really wasn’t very good at dealing with people who were too rigid.

It turned out that Scott’s lack of shock or curiosity was because he hadn’t been given permission before—such a person would certainly be the most reliable as a subordinate, which explained why he could be promoted despite his rigidity, but when it came to social interaction as friends, he was really choking.

Afterward, Ian asked Scott about the recent movements of the Natives.

Lately, the Natives had been lying low; even at the edges of the wilderness where different factions met, the Native Hunters were very restrained.

They actively avoided any encounters with Guard Squads and never provoked conflicts.

“This is not normal.”

Scott concluded, his expression quite serious, “If it were just the Mountain Tide Faction doing this, it would be understandable, but now the Tenglan Tribe, which used to greet us actively, is also avoiding us…

This might be a sign of another alliance between the Mountain Tide Faction and the Tenglan Tribe!”

“When I reported this to Yamm’s Battalion, they didn’t seem to care.”

“Hmm.

As expected.” Ian wasn’t surprised because, according to the information he had gathered, the Tenglan Tribe, or indeed all the Natives, were likely preparing in secret for the ‘Deep Sea Crystal Dragon,’ a brand new and powerful Magical Beast.

If they could turn the Deep Sea Crystal Dragon into their ‘Totem Spirit’…

their potential would exponentially surpass that of any Sea Eel Crocodile Dragon or Shadow Spider.

Probably, only the true foundation of the Natives, the Great Redwood Forest, could be considered comparable.

In that case, Harrison Port would likely have a considerable headache.

And the Aam Knight not caring…

Ian felt that was impossible.

Yamm, who had dealt with the Natives for decades, could not possibly ignore such crucial intelligence about them.

But what if it was intentional?

Yamm was Viscount Grant’s right-hand man; his will was Viscount Grant’s will…

If Viscount Grant was allowing the Natives’ actions to emphasize his own importance in this reconnaissance and capture plan, to better bestow favors upon the Ellen Family and harvest more merit in the Imperial Capital…

It wasn’t impossible.

At least, Ian believed that Viscount Grant was indeed the kind of person who would do such a thing.

With the movements of the Natives and the safety net for summoning Shasha taken care of, Scott would undoubtedly carry out the tasks he promised with all his might.

“Right.”

Coming to that conclusion, Ian spoke again—this time, his young eyes lit up with a watery halo, “After the storm starts and you go to find the Ironclad Shark, you might also check in on the Natives.”

“If you had to choose, where would you go to detect shifts in the Natives’ activities?”

“Shifts in activity…” Upon this mention, Scott seemed troubled.

He had some difficulty with choices; that’s why he preferred others to assign tasks to him.

After thinking for a long time, he tentatively said, “The outskirts of the Misty Forest?

That area is a boundary between the two major tribes.

To investigate the situation, that place would definitely be important.”

In Foresight View, Scott’s aura was very calm, free of ominous red and black signs.

“And?” Ian didn’t confirm or deny, “Name a few more.”

“Fluorescent Sea?” said Scott again.

“Hmm, next one.”

“South Redwood Tidal Flats…”

“Oh, that’s a good one.

What else is around here?”

“If that is the case, then only the Clodare River outlet to the north of Sigh Cliff remains.”

Scott also pondered for a while after Ian continually denied several possibilities, before he came up with the answer, “That place is the core area of the Tenglan Tribe, where they build ships to go to sea.

I do observe it from afar, but I dare not get too close…”

Speaking of this, he became resolute, “However, if you need me to go, I’m willing to take the risk…”

“There’s no need,” Ian quickly shook his head.

“That place, you absolutely should not get close to.

Just return to Harrison Port after the Ironclad Shark sets off.”

“Ah, okay, no problem.”

In the youth’s eyes, the fog surrounding Scott transformed from a rich crimson to its original green halo before he nodded in satisfaction, contemplating, “It seems that the Tenglan Tribe will also try to capture young Deep Sea Crystal Dragons during the storm.”

“Indeed, Foresight View does require an observation intermediary to exert such an ability to acquire information.”

Ordinary people are of no use, only someone like Scott, who faithfully carries out requests and is also extremely dedicated in his conduct, could yield such great effects.

“Right.”

Then Ian remembered another matter, “In the second layer of the storage at my home, there’s an Alchemical Longsword.

During the storm, go to my house, take the sword and give it to the Ironclad Shark to deliver it to me.”

This time Ian could vaguely see a flicker in Scott’s eyes.

He was also quite curious why Ian would have an Alchemical Longsword, and why the Ironclad Shark could even do something like delivering a sword.

Beneath his serious and rigid exterior, the captain of the Iron Folk Guard was actually in his early twenties, still a young man with a vigorous curiosity and a desire for help.

But this time, Ian did not give him the opportunity to ask—as he said goodbye, he could even see Scott’s expression droop, looking like a somewhat downhearted big dog.

It wasn’t that he intentionally teased Scott, but the origin of the Alchemical Longsword indeed could not be shared with him.

After bidding farewell to a slightly despondent Scott, leaving the Guard Squad building, Ian estimated the time, then decided to head to the Elder’s Hall to discuss matters related to the Natives with Elder Prude.

Even though Viscount Grant might indeed have had plans in place, there were still things that needed to be said.

However, an unexpected event occurred.

“Ian?

You’ve come at just the right time, can you appraise the flavor of this tea for us?”

In the office on the second floor of the Elder’s Hall, to Ian’s surprise, he saw Viscount Grant and Elder Prude drinking tea together, relaxedly conversing while sitting on leather sofas, apparently having chatted for quite some time.

“I wouldn’t dare to speculate, Lord Viscount,” Ian glanced at the tea on the table—coming from the Nine Cold Mountain Oasis, the tea was fragrant and a hundred Talle for a brick.

Even Elder Prude usually spared himself from drinking too much: “I’m not much of a tea drinker, as you know.

I prefer tasteless distilled water.”

“Haha, indeed, young people should drink purer water—the noble youths from the Imperial Capital drink only the purest potions and water from an early age to ensure their Path of Sublimation is unaffected.”

With another gulp, Viscount Grant finished a large cup in the time it took to exchange these few words with Ian…

Seeing Elder Prude’s expression was like watching a cow eat peonies, he couldn’t bear to look!

“Who would have thought, Prude, I thought you only liked to drink alcohol.

I didn’t expect you to have a taste for leisure and refinement, much like the Elves.”

After finishing, the Viscount even took the initiative to pour more tea for himself, prompting Elder Prude to snatch the teapot and pour it for him instead.

Ian could see that the two old men were teasing each other—it must have been not long since Elder Prude had voraciously drunk the Viscount’s prized collection, so today the Viscount came specifically for payback.

Ever since Harrison Port became wealthy, everyone had more leisure time to enjoy life.

Not to mention, even the White Folks who once struggled for meals could now contemplate whether to eat whole wheat pancakes or toast for breakfast.

“Lord Viscount, Elder Prude, since you are both here, I’ll just report directly.”

Although Ian didn’t particularly want to disturb their harmonious atmosphere, there were still things that needed to be said.

The youth’s tone made the two men on the sofa pause slightly; they exchanged a glance and then sat up straight, listening carefully to Ian’s report.

But his first sentence left them stunned: “I have a premonition of Yisen Gard’s death.”

“His voyage this time will surely meet with unforeseen danger…

and whether it’s the Natives, an accident at sea, or an assassination attempt, I do not know.”

Having said this, something else came to mind, and he added, “Also, there’s more.”

“Today as I left, I, along with Yisen Gard and his guards, seized firearms from the attack of the Natives.”

“They say the style of the weapon is from Fiery Flame Land, somewhat peculiar.”