'The Swan's Seamount? What's that?' Harry frowned.
'Actually, what's a seamount?'
He supposed it had something to do with the Swan Sea, but he didn't recognize that unfamiliar word. And what did the Sect Master mean by it was erupting?
He stepped out his residence, deciding to go to the beach to see what was going on. As he did, he saw crowds of disciples excitedly running towards the beach. It seemed like whatever the Swan's Seamount was, and whatever it meant for it to be erupting, it was a good thing.
When people passed by Harry, they all stopped to offer congratulations. Though he didn't know it because he was wholeheartedly absorbed in cultivating over the last few days, the way the rest of the Swan Sea Sect viewed him underwent a complete reversal. There weren't so many looks of fear, rather, everyone was giving him looks of admiration and even respect. Well, everyone besides those from the Ivory Fist Clan and the Alchemy Hall, who just looked even angrier than usual. Seeing their enemy turn into the most popular disciple overnight put them all in a sullen mood.
No matter what James did, he was never punished. On the contrary, people were even finding ways to twist his actions so James was portrayed in a positive light.
Before, James was the idiot who dared to offend the Alchemy Hall and attack Alchemists. Now, people started referring to James as the noble cultivator who stood up for his fellow Outer Disciples.
Before, James was the idiot who dared to kick Walden Macnair's personal disciple in the nuts. Now, James became known as the one who got revenge for the Swan Sea Sect's Inner Disciples.
Some people even managed to twist James' action of crippling Maynard into one where he was defending his parents' honor after Maynard insulted them.
All this newfound popularity sent Harry's enemies into an insane rage. Why did the obviously crazy Outer Disciple become the hero of the Swan Sea Sect?
Further, James' strength left them all uneasy. It seemed he was getting stronger and stronger with each passing day, even though they never saw James cultivate. While everybody else worked as hard as they could to earn cultivation resources, James loafed around the sect, coming up with stupid schemes to earn money. He didn't even attend classes, and his teacher didn't dare to force him to go. Yet somehow, James was the strongest Outer Disciple.
Harry accepted all the congratulations, and took this opportunity to ask what the Swan's Seamount was. The disciples around him didn't conceal anything, and directly told him the details.
As it turned out, a seamount was an underwater landform, like an island that didn't quite reach the surface of the water. And within the deepest area of the Swan Sea, an area well over 200 meters deep, a mysterious structure known as the Swan's Seamount existed. It was a rock formation that rose straight out of the seabed, located about ten miles out from the shore. The structure was only 10 meters tall, so well below the sea level, but over 100 meters wide and five miles long, forming a large plateau at the bottom of the Swan Sea.
But most uniquely, an underwater vent ran through the entire length of the seamount. It formed a narrow fissure on an otherwise flat surface. The vent was only a few feet across at the widest, but it split the seamount into two equal halves all the same.
The majority of the time, the fissure was just a hole in the bottom of the sea that served no purpose. But once every few years, pressure built up underground, causing water to erupt out of the fissure like a geyser. But this was no ordinary geyser – the force behind these eruptions was so powerful that it shot enormous quantities of water straight out the Swan Sea, forming a five-mile-long wall of water that could reach hundreds of meters high.
This made for an interesting spectacle, but the eruptions didn't just shoot out water – it also shot out treasures! Precious Natural Essences formed within the fissure, which were usually inaccessible. But when the eruptions occurred, they brought the treasures out with it.
Once people realized this, the eruptions of the Swan's Seamount became the most anticipated event of the Swan Sea area. For hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years, these eruptions happened infrequently but regularly, every twenty to thirty years or so. Whenever they did, it was the liveliest time of the Swan Sea. If one's luck was good, they could get rich overnight.
The eruptions were always preceded by a period of frothing and bubbling in the Swan Sea directly over the location of the vent. It was impossible to predict when they'd happen, but whenever they did, eruptions were sure to occur afterwards. And just earlier this morning, such a sight was seen. By now, the whole Swan Sea area must have known about it.
As for what caused the eruptions or why treasures grew within, those were mysteries. Over the centuries, people all across the empire had come to study the structure. But due to its location, any sort of study was difficult and dangerous to perform. Despite all the studies that had been performed, no answer could be found. In the end, people just chalked the eruptions up to pressure that built up underground, and the treasures to good fortune. Eventually, the Swan's Seamount become regarded as one of the Seven Mysteries of the Scarlet Phoenix Empire.
Harry learned all of that through the excited chatter of the Swan Sea's disciples, but he only took a few words to heart – namely, the ones claiming treasure could be found! That was the only interest he had in this event, and he wasted no time in asking his friends what kinds of treasures they could find.
"Basically, there are two kinds of treasure," Sam explained to him. "The first are the Magic Plants that grow on the seabed. I've heard that they grow in enormous patches all around the Swan's Seamount. Rarely, they'll be shot out along with the water. But don't even think about diving down there to pick the plants. There are thousands of Earth Grade Magic Beasts in that area, and even a Heaven Grade one might make its nest near the Swan's Seamount. If we tried to dive down there, we'd become beast food without a doubt."
Diving 200 meters was no problem for a cultivator, but the problem didn't lie in the depth, rather, in the location. The seamount was located in the most dangerous part of the sea, in the middle of all the aquatic Magic Beasts. To swim down there was no doubt suicide.
Harry nodded and agreed. Earth Grade Magic Beasts didn't seem so scary after seeing thousands of them die during the Beast Surge, but that was only because they came out of the water and onto land, where humans had the advantage. If a human fought an aquatic Magic Beast in the water, the battle wouldn't go well at all.
"Alright, what's the other?"
"That's the one we're after!" Sam stated. "Natural Essences!"
Harry perked up. Did Sam say Natural Essences?
"That's right, Natural Essences!" Shaun echoed. "The Swan's Seamount naturally gathers Water Qi, which is why there are so many plants growing at its base. But inside the fissure, there are lots of Natural Essences that have formed. When the seamount erupts, all the water shooting out will also dislodge some Natural Essences, sending them above the surface!"
"I'm in," Harry blurted. Natural Essences full of Water Qi? There was no way he was going to turn this down. Though he couldn't refine Water Qi just yet, he could at least stock up for it beforehand. He still had all those Earth Grade Beast Cores laying around in his room, just waiting to be used. Ideally, the moment he was able to finish Forging Bone, he'd be able to make significant progress in Washing Marrow too.
"What do they look like?"
"They – well, they just look like rocks. I don't know how else to describe their shape. They're blue, as blue as the sky and water. And don't worry, when the eruption happens you'll see plenty of them. The only issue will be all the other people there."
Their group was gathered by the area they had first met – on the main beach of the Swan Sea. Around 500 disciples were there too, mostly Inner Disciples but along with a fair number of Outer Disciples. They were joined by around a dozen Alchemists, which Harry noticed included Noah. A line of Elders, along with the Sect Master, stood in front of the disciples, preparing to give out instructions. Rows of large wooden rafts were docked by the shore.
"The Swan's Seamount is about to erupt, which represents an enormous opportunity for everyone here, along with our Swan Sea Sect. I'm sure everyone is already familiar with what this seamount represents. But just to remind everyone, historically, hundreds of Earth Grade cultivation resources have been obtained every time an eruption occurs. And although very rare, even Heaven Grade resources have appeared before."
"One of the most famous legends around the Swan's Seamount is about the founder of our Swan Sea Sect. He was a talented cultivator who lived 800 years ago, managing to reach the 1st level of the Core Formation Realm. During his time, he participated in one of these eruptions, and a rare Heaven Grade Natural Essence appeared. He fought a bloody battle, defied all odds to obtain it, and ended victorious. After he refined it, he ended up in the 4th level of the Core Formation Realm, and even comprehended a form of Water Intent. It allowed him to quickly learn the cultivation techniques related to Water Qi, and with his power, he led his sect to dominate this area of our empire. Later in his life, he renamed his sect to the Swan Sea Sect, out of respect for the source of his strength."
"Granted, such an opportunity is extraordinarily rare. But Earth Grade treasures are guaranteed to come out each time. If you can obtain one and refine the energies inside, your cultivation will soar. And if squander this chance, I guarantee you will regret it for the rest of your lives. Our hope is that everybody will get their share and improve their cultivation. This way, our Swan Sea Sect can collectively grow by a level."
"Although hundreds of treasures will come out, there will be many thousands of people out on sea. I know that fighting and conflict will break out. I shouldn't need to remind you that anyone who breaks a sect rule will be punished. And while you are here, the rule is that whoever gets to a treasure first owns it. If two people get it at the same time, or the first person can't be determined, you two can settle it with a duel later. But while we are here, our sect will present a united front."
"What about all the other people?" someone asked.
Indeed, thousands of other cultivators could be seen arriving at the Swan Sea. Some were already on boats of their own, and rowing towards the center of the sea. The eruption was a well-known event, and it was inevitable that other people would come to participate.
Roughly speaking, the Swan Sea was in the shape of a semicircle, and the Swan's Seamount was located right at the center. The sect only owned a quarter of the shoreline. The rest of the shoreline was mostly steep cliffs, but there were other beaches, where anyone could access the Swan Sea. Right now, those beaches were packed with cultivators.
"Don't shame the sect by picking fights against the weak. Remember that our Swan Sea Sect is the protector of the Swan Sea City and its inhabitants. If someone fairly gets a treasure first, consider it their good luck. But if they provoke you, remind them who we are."
The disciples nodded when hearing those instructions. The image of the Swan Sea Sect was very important. If they were seen bullying the weak, it would reflect badly on the sect's reputation. But at the same time, they couldn't be seen as weak themselves, and tarnish the reputation of the sect that way either.
Under normal circumstances, no one from the surrounding areas would dare to fight members of the Swan Sea Sect. However, these were no normal circumstances. Everyone would soon begin competing over the treasures that would be appearing. For the sake of wealth, people lost their minds, and there was no telling what they might do. During these times, disciples couldn't rely on their status as members of the Swan Sea Sect to protect themselves, as a cultivator desperate for a treasure might pick a fight anyways.
"Based on historical experience, the eruptions should begin in a few hours, and last until tomorrow evening. When you're ready, you all should split into small groups and pick a raft."
That was the signal for the disciples to get going. Harry and his friends hopped on one of the rafts, and his friends used their Qi to propel the raft forward. Harry just sat back and watched the fleet of rafts moving across the Swan Sea. The Sect Master was in the lead, followed closely behind by rafts of Elders. Then there was a fleet of rafts carrying Inner Disciples, and in the back, even more with the Outer Disciples. Because those disciples couldn't use their Qi to propel the raft, they had to paddle and quickly fell behind.
"Hey, who are those four people?" Harry asked, pointing at four rafts trailing slightly behind the Sect Master. Each held one person, who propelled their raft singlehandedly but managed to keep pace with the Elders and ahead of the disciples.
"Those are our four Core Disciples," Shaun responded. "I don't think you've met them, have you? They're usually away from the sect, completing missions abroad, or in cultivation seclusion. But I guess it's natural they all came out for this event."
The Core Disciples? Harry was startled. So, these were the four most talented cultivators of the Swan Sea Sect, the ones who managed to reach the Core Formation Realm by the young age of just 28.
"That one is Mark," Shaun pointed at the one all the way on the right. "He's from the Ivory Fist Clan… actually, I think he's Maynard's cousin or something. Let's stay away from him."
Harry nodded quickly. He wasn't surprised that the Ivory Fist Clan had a Core Disciple in the Swan Sea Sect. Mark was a towering man, much larger than Maynard, but he sat on his raft quietly, like he was meditating. When Harry looked at him, he got the impression of an immovable rock.
"That one is Wendell Hopkins," Shaun pointed to an ordinary looking man standing on the raft next to Mark. "You know Wayne Hopkins, right? The first one from your group to become an Inner Disciple? That's his older brother. Both Wendell and Mark are 28 this year, and at the 1st level of the Core Formation Realm."
'As expected of the Hopkins Clan. They have a Core Disciple too,' Harry thought, impressed.
"The third one is Maxwell. He's, er, I think he's like Maynard's second cousin? He's 31, and at the 2nd level of the Core Formation Realm, which makes him the strongest disciple of our sect. So, let's stay away from him too."
'Another one from the Ivory Fist Clan?' Harry groaned. But now that Shaun said it, it was clear as day he was from Maynard's clan. The big frame and huge muscles gave it away. In contrast to Mark, the feeling he got from Maxwell was that of a large, aggressive beast.
"Alright, we'll keep our distance. What about the woman on the fourth boat?"
A pretty woman was gracefully standing on the fourth raft. Her dark hair blew in the wind like long streamers, and her cheeks were tinged with a light pink shade. For some reason, she reminded Harry of the Sect Master. Perhaps it was in her appearance, or the nimble way she stood on her raft.
"That one is Hestia Jones," Shaun said. "She's the younger sister of our Sect Master. She's at the 1st level of the Core Formation Realm, but only 27 years old. Without a doubt, she has the best cultivation talent out of the four."
Harry's eyes widened. Someone reached the Core Formation Realm at just 27 years old?
"Haha, don't look so surprised. I heard that our Sect Master reached that realm at an even younger age. She was accepted into the only Tier 1 sect of our empire, after all."
"Hestia Jones' nickname in the sect is the Swan Sea Fairy, since lots of men are in love with her," Sam whispered conspiratorially to Harry.
'What an interesting pair of nicknames… the older sister is the Swan Sea Harpy, and the younger sister is the Swan Sea Fairy,' Harry mused.
"Let me warn you, James," Slade suddenly said. "No matter what, don't piss Hestia Jones off. The Sect Master loves her younger sister very much. If you do something to her… well, nobody will be able to save you."
"I won't, I won't!" Harry exclaimed. But his friends just chuckled and shook their heads wryly.
"I warned you about Macnair, and what did you do?" Slade laughed. "You actually kicked his personal disciple in the balls! Alright, he deserved it, I'll admit that. But please, don't do anything to Hestia Jones, or your life will actually be over."
Possibly by coincidence, Hestia Jones turned around at that moment to look over the fleet of disciples, and her vision briefly landed on the raft Harry was sitting on before sweeping past.
"Did you see that?" Sam whispered excitedly. "She was looking at me!"
"Why the hell would she look at you?" Scott snorted.
"Obviously, because of my good looks and –"
"Pfft. She's in the Core Formation Realm, and you're just at the 5th level of the Qi Absorption Realm. How could she be attracted to you?"
"A toad that wants to eat swan's meat," Slade mocked.
"Hey! A man can dream, right?"
Their group descended into laughter, just as the rafts finally reached the vicinity of the Swan's Seamount. A large crowd of cultivators were already gathered around, waiting on boats of their own, and when Harry's eyes landed on a particular group, his expression paled.