Presence of Mind in an Emergency

Whoosh...

A chilling gust of wind shot straight up his spine, and the North Sea Emperor nearly cursed aloud in shock!

He had actually heard his own title mentioned?

Damn...

This Shi Tianchuan was truly a piece of work!

A mere human, not only aware of the might of the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan but also seemingly privy to his own connections with them?

What methods had this guy used to dig up so much intel on the sea tribes?

Absolutely ridiculous!

Even more absurd was that he’d blurted it out right in front of Master Yi!

Wasn’t this just asking for trouble?

A foreboding sense of disaster gripped his heart as the North Sea Emperor tensed up, stealing a glance at the seat of honor.

Sure enough.

Master Yi’s interest was immediately piqued, and he asked with curiosity:

"North Sea Emperor..."

"Who is this person, and what’s his connection to the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan? Is he truly that formidable?"

Three questions in a row, and the North Sea Emperor’s heart sank halfway to his feet.

The Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan was already doomed.

If Master Yi found out about his friendship with Ao Budong, it’d be no different from a death sentence!

The more he thought about it, the more terrified he became.

He nearly couldn’t stop himself from leaping to his feet and shouting in defense:

"I have nothing to do with the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan!"

Fortunately, a warning glance from Old Crab beside him snapped him back to his senses, preventing him from giving himself away.

But even as he forced himself to sit rigidly, his mind was anything but calm.

Ears perked, he stared at Shi Tianchuan while desperately reassuring himself:

"He’s just a human—he couldn’t possibly know much. At most, it’s just hearsay!"

"Yes, it must only be rumors!"

Yet, against all odds—

Shi Tianchuan clasped his fists again and launched into a detailed explanation!

"Since Master Yi asks, I shall hold nothing back."

"Rumors say the North Sea Emperor is a once-in-an-era genius of the North Sea Clan, having cultivated in seclusion for a hundred thousand years. His current power is terrifying, akin to a supreme elder among the sea tribes!"

"He and Ao Budong are sworn friends, having met during their coastal seclusion. For twenty thousand years, they’ve shared tea and discussed the Dao, becoming inseparable confidants! If Dragon Emperor Ao Budong were to call upon him, even this reclusive sea sovereign would surely lend his aid!"

...

With every word spoken,

Not only did the entire hall erupt in shock and awe at the North Sea Emperor’s reputation, even Yi Feng couldn’t help but murmur in admiration, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.

"To think such a figure stands with the mermaids..."

"It seems the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan truly has some tricks up their sleeves. We mustn’t underestimate them—this battle’s outcome is far from certain!"

A soft sigh escaped him, and the North Sea Emperor’s heart trembled violently.

It’s over...

It’s over!

His name had undoubtedly been etched into Master Yi’s little black book!

Soon enough, he’d be marked for death!

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined his doom would come in such a manner!

What cursed luck!

Humans often said, "Fame is a double-edged sword."

Today, he realized sea tribes had it even worse!

A little notoriety, and suddenly you’re staring death in the face!

The North Sea Emperor felt his heart turn to ice, cold sweat pooling in his palms, nearly dripping to the floor!

And the worst part?

That damned Shi Tianchuan was still talking!

"Indeed!"

"If this North Sea sovereign were to intervene, the Seventy-Two Islands of the East Sea would face annihilation!"

"And not just that—"

And not just that?!

Goddamn you, Shi Tianchuan!

The North Sea Emperor’s fury blazed, curses lodged in his throat!

Seeing Master Yi growing even more engrossed, he felt an executioner’s blade hanging over his head. He could endure this lethal praise no longer—forget propriety!

Gritting his teeth, he shot to his feet and roared to cut him off!

"You—you’re spouting absolute nonsense!"

Perhaps his terror had amplified his voice, for his shout not only shook the hall but sent echoes reverberating endlessly!

"Absolute nonsense—sense—sense!!!"

The thunderous roar startled everyone present!

All eyes snapped toward him in bewilderment!

Whether it was Yi Feng or the ordinary island elders, all wore expressions of utter confusion. Shi Tianchuan, especially, stood dumbfounded, staring blankly.

No one understood why this elder had suddenly erupted in rage.

The hall fell deathly silent.

With that one outburst, the North Sea Emperor became the center of attention.

The atmosphere was unbearably awkward.

Under the weight of countless stares, the North Sea Emperor finally realized his blunder. Frozen in place, he couldn’t even recall his next line!

Stuck with such a disastrous ally,

The other two elders looked ready to vanish into the earth, squirming in their seats, unable to salvage the situation.

The silence stretched for several breaths.

Yi Feng glanced over, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

"Friend, we’re in the middle of discussing enemy intel. What’s the rush?"

Initially thrilled to hear about the formidable North Sea Emperor, his excitement had been cut short by this outsider’s interruption, leaving him visibly displeased.

Under Yi Feng’s narrowed gaze, the North Sea Emperor’s panic spiraled.

In an instant,

He felt the terrifying premonition of being exposed!

Summoning every ounce of composure, he forced a smile—though it looked more like a grimace—and stammered out an excuse:

"Ah, well..."

"Was I... rushing?"

Thankfully, he was a seasoned schemer. His mind worked at lightning speed, and in that critical moment, inspiration struck!

"Master Yi, please understand."

"I merely feared Island Master Shi’s misinformation would jeopardize our united front against the sea tribes. In my haste, I spoke out of turn. If I’ve caused offense, I beg your forgiveness—and Island Master Shi’s as well!"

Yi Feng eyed him skeptically.

"Misinformation?"

"You’re saying Island Master Shi’s intel is unreliable?"

The moment those words left his mouth,

Shi Tianchuan stood abruptly, clasping his fists with solemn gravity!

"Absolutely not!"

"Master Yi, I stake my life on this—the North Sea Emperor is a true powerhouse, and his ties to the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan are undeniable. Every word I’ve spoken comes from firsthand intelligence, with not a shred of falsehood!"

Hearing this, the North Sea Emperor nearly ground his teeth to dust!

Shi Tianchuan was signing his death warrant!

The man was undeniably talented, having uncovered such secrets—but the North Sea Emperor was no pushover either. Seizing the opportunity, he channeled his rage into a counterattack.

With a derisive laugh, he retorted sharply:

"Hah! Hahahaha!"

"Firsthand intelligence?"

"Island Master Shi, did you witness any of this yourself?!"

His aura shifted dramatically, as if he’d become a different person entirely. Shi Tianchuan faltered under the pressure.

"Well... I admit I didn’t see it with my own eyes..."

The North Sea Emperor nodded faintly.

Heh.

Still too green!

Trying to bury me? Fine—I’ll play this game to the end!

Steeling himself, he took a bold step forward.

"Exactly as I thought—Island Master Shi’s claims are baseless!"

"Hence why I called it misinformation!"

Turning to Yi Feng, he clasped his fists and addressed the crowd:

"Master Yi, esteemed allies!"

"From what I know, this so-called North Sea Emperor is nothing but a fraud! Though his true form may be massive, he’s a coward at heart, content to while away his days by the shore. Why else would he willingly surrender his own throne?"

"A worthless weakling like him couldn’t possibly possess terrifying power!"

"As for his alleged friendship with the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan—utter nonsense! The clan is notorious for its greed, and the Dragon Emperor is ruthlessly savage. Why would he bother with such a pathetic creature?"

"Rather than wasting time on this trash, we should focus our efforts on the real threat—the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan!"

His words rang with conviction, each syllable dripping with scorn.

"Trash! Trash!"

Such words made everyone question just how powerful the North Sea Emperor truly was.

The entire hall was stunned, unable to discern truth from falsehood in that moment.

Those seated silently in the grand hall exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with confusion. Even the two sea clan magnates who had arrived with him sat stiffly in the front row, utterly disoriented.

Holy hell…

What kind of move was this?