"Ji Xiaoyou, please hold on."

Ji Yuan, who had already been prepared, stopped in his tracks at the right moment, while the other transformed demons took the opportunity to leave, leaving only Ji Yuan, Mei Manor, and Lu Yingying, one human and two demons, in the great hall.

"Let's go. It's not easy to come here, so let's take you for a tour around this Land of the Sea Ruins first."

Before Ji Yuan could react, Manor Master Mei had already taken him from there.

Thus, in the nearly month-long period that followed, Ji Yuan, who was by Manor Master Mei's side, managed to tour the entirety of the Land of the Sea Ruins, inside and out.

And it was precisely because of this tour...

...that Ji Yuan came to know just how deep the foundations of the Sea Ruins were today.

Or rather, just how grand Manor Master Mei's ambition was.

After all, before seeing it with his own eyes, Ji Yuan couldn't imagine what it looked like to cultivate Tier Three Demon Beasts as an army.

Much less the countless Tier One and Tier Two Sea Beasts.

They were like little soldiers under the leadership of these Tier Three Sea Beasts.

In addition, Ji Yuan also saw a dedicated "breeding zone" in this Land of the Sea Ruins, or perhaps a "nursery zone."

That is, some infant demon beasts, not long after birth, were placed in a designated area for nurturing.

It's as if they were quietly waiting for them to grow up so they could become tools of war.

Thus, after nearly a month of wandering, Ji Yuan had one feeling.

That the entire Land of the Sea Ruins seemed to have turned into a massive munitions factory.

A munitions factory that is always preparing for war.

After taking Ji Yuan on a tour of the Land of the Sea Ruins, Manor Master Mei did not take him back to the Dragon Palace but led him to an island on the sea.

The island wasn't large, but to Ji Yuan, it felt exquisite and beautiful.

There weren't many buildings on the island, just a small pavilion built for enjoying the view on the highest hill.

"Come, sit."

Upon reaching this spot, Manor Master Mei brought out wine and pastries with a wave, then invited Ji Yuan to sit.

"Thank you, Manor Master."

Ji Yuan exchanged pleasantries as he sat opposite Manor Master Mei.

"In truth, after living under the sea for a while, I always feel the need to come up to the surface for some fresh air. After all, I'm not a Sea Race member and can't handle living underwater all the time."

Manor Master Mei poured Ji Yuan a glass of wine and then smiled, saying:

"This Unrivaled Wine is made by my own hands using several Tier Four Treasures of Heaven and Earth from my treasure vault. Ji Xiaoyou should give it a taste... I believe a cup of this will be beneficial for your future advancement to the Peak of Core Formation."

"Oh?"

On the surface, Ji Yuan appeared genuinely pleased, but inwardly, he was extremely alert.

Can you really drink what Manor Master Mei offers?

Just like earlier in the Dragon Palace when he said he'd find a good place for me to stay, only to leave a trace inside to monitor me at all times.

As for the Treasures of Heaven and Earth needed for advancing to the Peak of Core Formation, indeed, Ji Yuan himself wasn't lacking.

So, he didn't really need this cup of spirit wine.

...But since Manor Master Mei offered it, is there really a way to refuse without drinking? Is there a way?

Thoughts flashed through Ji Yuan's mind.

For someone else, this might really not be something easily managed, since once Manor Master Mei offered, it's almost impossible not to drink, and once consumed and swallowed... never mind anything else.

But unfortunately, sitting in front of him was Ji Yuan.

For others, anything swallowed into their bodies would be difficult to manage further.

But within Ji Yuan... there was a storage space, so even if swallowed, he could immediately transfer it within his Spirit Platform Mountain of Mind and Heart.

"Then this junior truly encounters a grand opportunity."

Ji Yuan appeared extremely pleased, instinctively raising the spirit wine, then remembering to clink glasses with Manor Master Mei.

"No rush, no rush."

Manor Master Mei said with a hearty smile.

Ji Yuan raised the wine and drank it all in one go.

Yet the moment the wine entered his body, he had already stored the Unrivaled Wine within the Spirit Platform Mountain of Mind and Heart.

Meanwhile, he left a mouthful of "Unrivaled Wine" in his stomach.

A sip of Unrivaled Wine could temporarily increase the power of techniques by 20%, so Ji Yuan forcibly activating the Unrivaled state caused his face to flush red, and even the mana within him seemed to boil.

"Haha."

Observing this, Manor Master Mei laughed heartily and said: "Wine brewed with Tier Four Treasures of Heaven and Earth is not something a Core Formation Cultivator like you can down in a single gulp. Don't worry, take it slow, it'll pass."

Ji Yuan held on for a while, then maneuvered his cultivation technique to forcibly suppress the effects of the Unrivaled Wine, finally exhaling a long breath of wine exhalation.

"Manor Master's... fine wine, truly fine!"

"What, care for another cup?" Manor Master Mei looked at the wine nearby and said with a casual smile: "If you want more, help yourself, I won't pour for you."

"No, no, the strength of this wine is too overbearing. I'm afraid drinking another mouthful would make my body explode."

Ji Yuan hastily waved his hand in refusal.

Manor Master Mei, while holding his wine, took slow sips, savoring several mouthfuls before setting it down, sighing, and even his expression turned sour.

"Manor Master, what's wrong...?"

Seeing Manor Master Mei like this, Ji Yuan couldn't help but ask. To remain silent would indeed be too fake.

"Ji Xiaoyou, what do you think of this Land of the Sea Ruins?" Manor Master Mei asked.

"Hmm... strong troops and solid defenses."

Ji Yuan answered.

A hint of pride appeared on Manor Master Mei's face, but this pride quickly disappeared.

"I'll not hide it from others, nor from you. To be honest, I do have plans to counterattack the Cangluo Continent."

After saying this, Manor Master Mei clearly exhaled a breath of relief.

Though Ji Yuan had some suspicions earlier, to hear Manor Master Mei himself admitting it was still somewhat shocking.

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