Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

“How is the relationship between the Four Seas?” Xu Ming asked curiously while paying attention to Ao Yiner’s reaction.

If Ao Yiner showed resistance or wariness, he would drop the question.

However, Ao Yiner didn’t think much about it. She still had that innocent and carefree expression.

“I think the relationship between the Four Seas is just average,” Ao Yiner pondered for a moment before responding.

“It’s not particularly good, but it’s not too bad either. We don’t see each other often, but we do attend each other’s celebrations. However, the other three seas don’t have a great relationship with the Northern Sea. The Northern Sea seems more distant from us. Meanwhile, the Eastern, Southern, and Western Seas have a better relationship with each other.”

“I see,” Xu Ming nodded.

From Ao Yiner’s description, the relationship between the Four Seas was similar to that of distant relatives—neither too close nor too estranged. If there was no particular reason to interact, they simply wouldn’t. But if something happened, they’d deal with it then.

Such a relationship was indeed quite ordinary. And in times of crisis, such “relatives” could easily turn against each other.

As for why the Northern Sea was more distant from the other three, it made sense—after all, the Dragon Empress didn’t seem like the type who enjoyed socializing.

“Xu Ming, it’s my turn, my turn! I’m going to ask now!” Ao Yiner eagerly continued, “I heard that people on land eat things like chicken and duck. Is it tasty?”

Xu Ming answered her question, “Not everyone can afford to eat chicken or duck. Most common folk rely on grains and staple foods to fill their stomachs. Being able to eat chicken or duck at every meal is a luxury only for well-off families.”

“As for the taste… it depends. It really comes down to the skill of the cook.”

“Huh?” The girl was surprised. “So you guys can’t eat meat for every meal?”

Xu Ming looked at this naïve young lady. “No, we can’t. Chicken, duck, and pork are only eaten occasionally, or during festivals. It’s impossible to have them in every meal.”

Ao Yiner tilted her head. “Then why not eat fish? Don’t people on land like eating fish?”

Xu Ming felt like this girl was giving off a “let them eat cake” vibe. But it was understandable—she had been sheltered her whole life. What could she possibly know?

He patiently explained, “Only people living near the coast can eat fish. It’s difficult to transport over long distances; otherwise, it would spoil. And it’s not just about losing freshness—eating spoiled fish could make people seriously ill. In fact, for most people, eating fresh fish is even more of a luxury than eating chicken or duck.”

“Oh…” Ao Yiner nodded, sympathizing. “Then the common people on land really have it tough. Even a small fish in our Four Seas can eat seaweed and be full.”

Xu Ming: “…”

“When productivity improves, people’s lives will get better. But that will take time,” Xu Ming said.

“What is productivity?” Ao Yiner immediately asked, fully embracing the spirit of asking questions when she didn’t understand something.

“That’s a bit complicated to explain. It’s not easy to put into simple words,” Xu Ming replied.

“Oh…” Since Xu Ming wasn’t going to explain, Ao Yiner didn’t push further.

Xu Ming looked at this willful yet pure-hearted girl and asked, “Miss Ao, do you know the general process of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony?”

Xu Ming only knew that the Four Seas Grand Ceremony was the most important event for the Four Seas, where representatives from all the seas gathered to celebrate. But beyond that, he didn’t have much information.

After all, the Kingdom of Wu was quite far from the Northern Sea. In Wu’s political and power structure, the Northern Sea wasn’t even considered. This time, the Northern Sea’s invitation to Wu was entirely unexpected.

Thus, the Kingdom of Wu didn’t have much knowledge about the Northern Sea.

Not to mention, Xu Ming had left in a hurry, leaving him no time to study detailed records. He could only make the most of his time by learning about Northern Sea’s etiquette and important customs to avoid any diplomatic mishaps.

“Of course, I know!” Ao Yiner nodded enthusiastically. “This is something every disciple of the Dragon Palace must learn.”

She then started explaining to Xu Ming with an air of a little teacher, taking her role quite seriously. “The timing of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony isn’t fixed—it can take place anywhere between 500 to 1,000 years apart. Do you know why?”

Xu Ming asked, “Why?”

Ao Yiner smirked proudly and glanced at the teacup in front of her.

Xu Ming chuckled and poured her a cup of tea. “Miss Ao, please have some tea to moisten your throat.”

Ao Yiner took a sip, coughed lightly, and then continued, “It’s because of the most treasured artifact of the Four Seas—the Dragon King’s Soar.”

Xu Ming raised an eyebrow. “Dragon King’s Soar?”

Ao Yiner nodded. “That’s right! Dragon King’s Soar is the totem of the Four Seas. It is said to have been passed down from ancient times. But it’s not just an ordinary immortal weapon. My father once told me that so-called immortal weapons are merely the highest tier of magical artifacts. But this Dragon King’s Soar surpasses immortal weapons—it seems to be something called an ‘Emperor Weapon’?”

Xu Ming asked curiously, “Then what exactly does Dragon King’s Soar do?”

Ao Yiner shook her head. “My father said it has the power to stabilize the Four Seas, but I don’t know exactly how it does that. Anyway, back to the main point—because Dragon King’s Soar has the ability to maintain balance, the Four Seas take turns hosting it for a period of time.

And every time Dragon King’s Soar is passed from one sea to another, that’s when the Four Seas Grand Ceremony takes place.”

Xu Ming frowned slightly, pondering deeply. A few unsettling thoughts began to form in his mind. “Miss Ao, which sea currently holds Dragon King’s Soar?”

Ao Yiner smiled. “Naturally, it’s in the Eastern Sea now.”

Xu Ming hesitated before asking, “Then how is the Eastern Sea supposed to hand it over to the Northern Sea? Does that mean the Eastern Sea will be bringing Dragon King’s Soar there?”

But the moment he asked this question, he realized it was far too sensitive.

However, Ao Yiner had absolutely no guard against him. She simply smiled and said, “Who says Dragon King’s Soar has to be physically taken out in order to be transferred?”