Ao Zhan looked at the twenty-three Water and Fire Pills in Zhu Mangqi's palm, and his expression instantly turned from gloomy to bright, revealing a hint of joy.
When the other pearl divers looked at Zhu Mangqi again, they felt that he was emitting the holy light of a savior. All their past jealousy and resentment towards him disappeared at this moment.
Shen Luo looked at this scene and smiled knowingly.
Indeed, if a stranger like him suddenly came out and said that he had found twenty-three Water and Fire Ming Pills in one go, it would definitely arouse suspicion and jealousy from others.
But if the best pearl diver Zhu Mangqi came to announce this matter, the result would be very different.
The noise outside soon alarmed the treasure ship, and Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South China Sea, walked down from it and asked:
"What's the commotion?"
"Reporting to my father, the Water and Fire Pills have been gathered." Ao Zhan shouted excitedly.
Ao Qin was delighted when he heard this and came over. When he learned that twenty-three of the twenty-eight Water and Fire Pills came from Zhu Mangqi, he smiled and asked, "Where did you find them?"
"This is a pearl hiding place that I discovered some time ago, in the deeper Purgatory Sea. I didn't dig it out all at once because I thought that rare things are valuable. But now that I have seen the Holy Face of the Dragon King, I dare not keep it privately anymore." Zhu Mangqi gave the answer that he had been thinking about all the way back.
"You deserve a great reward for such a great achievement." Ao Qin praised him when he saw that he did not look fake.
After saying that, Ao Qin called the weapon refiner and ordered him to take the Water and Fire Pill away to inlay it into the hull and do the final finishing work.
"Ao Zhan, take them back and reward them handsomely, especially him." Ao Qin raised his hand and nodded at Zhu Mangqi, and gave the order.
"Yes." Ao Zhan clasped his fists.
The rest of the people turned around and wanted to leave, only Zhu Mangqi and Shen Luo stood still.
"Your Majesty the Dragon King, I do not want any reward. I just want to ask for one favor." Zhu Mangqi suddenly spoke.
“Tell me about it…” Ao Qin was very pleased at this moment. He asked Ao Zhan to take the others away first, and then signaled Zhu Mangqi to continue.
"We two are just casual cultivators, wandering around. We want to join the Dragon Palace and follow the Dragon King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Zhu Mangqi had already received Shen Luo's message and bowed immediately.
Shen Luo also hurriedly followed to pay homage.
Upon hearing this, Ao Qin did not agree immediately, but looked at Shen Luo and the other person, pondering in silence.
Shen Luo had already restrained his breath. His soul was now strong, and his consciousness was comparable to that of a Taiyi cultivator. Even Ao Qin could not find any flaws for a while.
"To be honest, I have been stuck in the early stage of Mahayana for many years. I know that it is hopeless to break through in this lifetime by relying on my own. Only by joining the Dragon Palace and making more contributions can I have a chance. Your Majesty the Dragon King, I am quite proficient in pearl diving. At least among the pearl divers on the ten islands of Dahe, I am the only one who can dive into the Purgatory Sea. I can definitely help Your Majesty collect more Water and Fire Pills." Seeing that he didn't speak for a long time, Zhu Mangqi immediately added.
After these words came out, Ao Qin's expression suddenly changed, and he said with a smile: "This time we happen to be heading to the Purgatory Sea. Since you have been there, it is indeed useful. You two, just follow on the boat and help out."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Shen Luo and the other two were overjoyed upon hearing this and hurried to express their gratitude.