Sage of Humanity
Chapter 1383 - 1381: All Phenomena Ocean
How many islands are there in the All Phenomena Ocean? Just from the scene before him, one can glimpse it, there must be tens of thousands of islands floating on this vast ocean.
Some islands, rather than being islands, are more like reefs suspended above the sea, spanning only a few meters in diameter; if not carefully explored, one might easily overlook them.
Most are such small islands, too small to be marked on a star map.
There are also many islands that are marked on star maps, each with its own name. These named islands are gatherings of cultivators and resources that various factions compete for.
Among these islands, Lu Ye recognized some familiar names.
For example, Yellow Dragon Island, Five Colors Island, Ten Thousand Demons Island, Winged Heaven Island, and so on...
The names of these islands correspond to those top domains! Only those top domains are qualified to exclusively own an island in this gathering place of heroes.
There are also some islands named after star systems, such as Grotto Void Island, Daqian Island, Tiger Leap Island... The owners of these islands don't have the foundation of top domains to exclusively own an island, but cultivators from different domains within the same star system can unite to occupy an island.
Moreover, there are some names with unclear origins, making it impossible to trace the owner's background.
By merely looking at the various island names on the star map, Lu Ye could feel the undercurrents surging here. Indeed, it was so. Shortly after entering the All Phenomena Ocean, he saw from afar a large group of cultivators besieging an island. The island's protective array was enveloped and shimmering under multicolored lights, and who knows how much longer it could hold.
This was undoubtedly a conflict between two groups of cultivators for island ownership, mostly involving Constellations, with a few Moon Jades among them, but only three to five individuals.
The presence of Sun Blaze Realm cultivators can't be seen in such confrontations, as only a few Sun Blaze Realm individuals from the home galaxy are stationed here in the All Phenomena Ocean. Outsiders are not allowed to linger here, nor are they allowed to participate in conflicts. The main reason is that once a Sun Blaze makes a move, the commotion becomes too big and hard to manage, and the strong from various star systems are willing to adhere to this rule.
This is the method for the Sun Blaze of the home galaxy to control the All Phenomena Ocean. Not to mention Sun Blaze Realm, even Moon Jades from various star systems have a quota limit when entering the All Phenomena Ocean — it's not as if any number of Moon Jades from the family can just come here.
This information Lu Ye had already explored in the jade slip from the Dwarf Race.
Normally, Constellations can come here without any restrictions and won't be subjected to checks. They can come and go as they please. However, if a Moon Jade intends to come, they must first report to the Sun Blaze of the home galaxy and clarify their background to be allowed to stay.
So Lu Ye estimated that Tang Jun should currently be undergoing checks by the Sun Blaze of the All Phenomena Galaxy. As for whether he'd leak his presence during the checks... there was no need to worry. Sun Blaze in All Phenomena only oversees the place and generally won't interfere in matters.
Cultivators at their level were too lazy to meddle in the petty squabbles of lower cultivators.
Referring to the star map in his hand, Lu Ye chose his destination for this journey.
The very center of the All Phenomena Ocean, the largest island—All Phenomena Island! This is the foundation for local cultivators from the All Phenomena Galaxy here. Since it's the largest, it's naturally also the most bustling place.
He needed to gather information, as well as handle some other matters, so naturally, he'd choose such a place and also wanted to get familiar with the area through All Phenomena Island.
A multitude of cultivators came and went, with a variety of races, some looking like undeveloped members of the Demon Race, some not even resembling a human form, and some even without a precise shape…
Lu Ye, having seen major scenes, still found it quite remarkable.
Sailing over the sea, bypassing island after island, slowly approaching All Phenomena Island, considering the speed, Lu Ye estimated it would take him about half a month to reach All Phenomena Island, which was quite helpless.
While he was focused on his journey, a single flash suddenly flew over from an oblique angle. Being in a constant state of alert, Lu Ye immediately paused and looked on coldly.
The single flash came to an abrupt stop in front, the light dispersed, and a small spirit ark appeared in Lu Ye's view. This spirit ark was even more petite than Tang Jun's, likely accommodating only three people.
On the ark, a young man with a slightly dark complexion, looking extremely healthy, smiled slightly at Lu Ye, cupped his fist, and saluted: "Greetings, Fellow Daoist!"
"What's the matter?" Lu Ye placed his hand on the handle of the Boulder Mountain Saber, expression serious.
The young man opposite didn't look much older and appeared similar in age to him. What was rare was that he already had cultivation at the Constellation Early Stage.
A person like this must have a decent background, and his aptitude should also be good, but for some reason, he stopped Lu Ye.
"Seeing Fellow Daoist hurriedly traveling, are you heading for All Phenomena Island?" The young man continued smiling, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth, easily giving an impression of being harmless.
However, Lu Ye didn't let down his guard, promptly shaking his head: "No."
Under normal circumstances, there's nothing good about people who suddenly come up to strike a conversation. Being new to the area, he certainly didn't want many entanglements.
The young man did not retreat; he seemed to have encountered similar situations before. He skillfully spoke: "Fellow Daoist, there's no need to be wary. I'm a ferryman under the All Phenomena Merchants Guild, specializing in transporting people like you." As he spoke, he pointed to the side of his starboat.
Lu Ye looked intently and indeed saw the large words "All Phenomena" in that location!
The young man pointed in another direction: "Fellow Daoist, look here. Our ferrymen do this job. We mainly facilitate travel between the islands for Fellow Daoists without starboats, saving time."
Lu Ye turned his head and saw a starboat identical to the young man's passing by. On its side were the same two words "All Phenomena," with cultivators aboard.
He had noticed the existence of such starboats before, and not just one or two, but several. He had thought such small starboats were popular here; now it seemed they were specifically used for ferrying.
Indeed, the All Phenomena Merchants Guild is thorough in their considerations. Cultivators who own starboats are ultimately a minority, as these things are expensive. Most Constellation Realm cultivators cannot afford them. Even those who can may hesitate to buy one, as cultivation in the Constellation Realm also requires spending spirit jades.
However, Lu Ye realized this service certainly wasn't free. It probably required some fee.
"How much does it cost?" Lu Ye asked.
The young man smiled and replied: "It depends on where Fellow Daoist is headed. We ferrymen charge based on the distance."
"To All Phenomena Island!"
"Ten spirit jades!"
Lu Ye raised his eyebrows; this price was not expensive. With a Single Flash, he landed on the starboat and handed over ten spirit jades to the young man.
The young man accepted them, his mood brightened: "Fellow Daoist, please stand firm!"
Saying this, he turned the boat towards All Phenomena Island.
Halfway there, Lu Ye asked: "How did you know I wanted to go to All Phenomena Island?"
The young man replied with a smile: "I observed Fellow Daoist and determined it's likely your first time here at All Phenomena Ocean... If one knows anything about this place, Fellow Daoist would have actively sought us ferrymen. Since you didn't, it's either due to financial difficulty or lack of knowledge. Observing Fellow Daoist's extraordinary demeanor, you're not someone petty over a few spirit jades, so it must be your first time here. Typically, newcomers choose to visit All Phenomena Island first. We ferrymen have seen so many people that it's easy to pick up some clues."
While explaining, he subtly praised Lu Ye's character. Indeed, those in business know how to speak well and observe carefully.
"Would Fellow Daoist be willing to leave an audio talisman marking?" the young man continued, "Next time, when you need to go somewhere, you can summon me easily. I generally work in All Phenomena Ocean. Even if I am unavailable temporarily, I can call a nearby brother to reach your designated location."
Such convenience made it unreasonable for Lu Ye to refuse, so he immediately exchanged audio talisman markings with the young man.
The young man also introduced himself, and Lu Ye learned his name was Fang Wanli.
"If I want to go to places outside All Phenomena Ocean, will you ferrymen take me?" Lu Ye asked.
Fang Wanli laughed and said: "As long as it's within All Phenomena Galaxy, there's no place the ferryman can't reach! In addition, throughout the journey, the All Phenomena Merchants Guild ensures the safety of passengers, and no accidents will occur."
He spoke with confidence, highlighting the substantial strength of the All Phenomena Merchants Guild.
"If it's convenient, could you tell me about the All Phenomena Merchants Guild?" Lu Ye said while taking out several spirit jades and handing them over.
Fang Wanli accepted them joyfully, thanked him, then began explaining.
With his explanation, Lu Ye understood the foundation of the All Phenomena Merchants Guild. It can be said to be the largest and most powerful force in the All Phenomena Galaxy. Though named with "All Phenomena," it's not limited to just the All Phenomena Galaxy.
It's formed with the local forces of All Phenomena Galaxy as the main body, with participation from elites in various major domains, creating a massive structure.
The involvement of external forces isn't deep. For example, the renowned Yellow Dragon World has strong Sun Blaze experts registered with the guild. They cannot interfere with the guild's normal operations, but if any major incident arises, the guild has the right to ask these Sun Blaze experts to assist.
Correspondingly, the guild sends spirit jades annually as a tribute. Though it might not be much, nobody refuses freebies like these.
On the surface, the entire All Phenomena Merchants Guild only has a few Sun Blaze experts overseeing All Phenomena Ocean, managing various operations. But in reality, it has behind-the-scenes support from elite domains, or mutual checks and balances.
The internal situation is quite complex and hard to explain concisely.
This involvement with elite domains is what has allowed the All Phenomena Merchants Guild to dominate All Phenomena Ocean for countless ages, becoming the strongest force here. It binds top domains to it in a subtle yet firm manner. Without a doubt, it's a clever strategy.