I really didn't expect that after chasing for so long, we would end up in such a dead end.

There are even traces of people who came here many years ago.

However, such a scene is indeed chilling.

Suddenly, a shout, like that of a street performer, rang out.

"I have what you want! Energy, an outlet, or even weapons and medicine! I don't need much; trade what you have!"

My pupils suddenly contracted. Who would have thought that someone would come to hawk their wares in such a godforsaken place?

Looking in the direction of the sound, the merchant was standing in the corner of the palace passageway in the coral cave, dressed in a tattered crimson-purple outfit that looked like it had been treasured for a long time, with the bells on the sleeves ringing occasionally.

A crooked coral hat was perched on his head, and the half of his face pressed under the brim looked extremely pale.

It looked like a corpse that had been soaking for a long time.

After all, I grew up in this kind of environment, and I've seen this kind of situation many times.

I dare say that with such a dilapidated and pale appearance, it would definitely not have reached this level of condition in less than a month or two.

Besides that, I noticed even more what was horrifying about his appearance below the neck.

His skin was the color of tattered coral, and although it was covered by a piece of straw cloth, it was not completely covered; the color was a dark purple.

Just like his lips, they were like rotten coral and seaweed.

And in that mouth, the corners of the mouth were forced open as if they reached behind the ears, and the wide-open mouth revealed two rows of thin, sharp teeth, which looked more like they were made from crushed seashells and then installed.

He tried his best to keep his hat brim down, but when he saw me, he suddenly revealed a pair of frighteningly bright eyes.

This is definitely not a benevolent light.

"Sir, if you need anything, just let me know. There's nothing you can't buy in this Coral Valley shop."

The merchant continued to speak to himself, his enthusiastic and melodious voice completely at odds with his appearance.

At that moment, Yiyi nudged me from the side.

I suddenly realized, good heavens, according to this merchant, we've entered his trading area.

Such a face, appearing so deliberately here, is definitely not a kind person.

Besides, she is clearly one of the second-in-commands of this manor, so how could this blind guy not recognize her?

I was a little confused, so I just looked at Yiyi, and the girl's eyes showed a mixture of opportunism and fear.

Without saying much, I heard the telepathic message in my head.

“Master, Yiyi is the leader of one of the two major forces in the manor. It’s probably normal for small merchants like you not to have seen her before.”

I frowned. That made sense. It would be strange if the leaders of the two major companies were both in the public eye.

Moreover, the girl in front of her was even more unwilling to reveal her condition.

I imagine very few people know the name Yiyi or her current face.

I hesitated for a moment. Indeed, the conditions this guy offered, such as replenishing energy and escaping from the Dragon Palace, were very tempting.

And that is precisely our most pressing task right now.

But then I thought again, where would such a pie fall from the sky? Besides, why would a merchant sell a way to escape from the Dragon Palace?

I glanced at the girl beside me, and at that moment, Yiyi's eyes showed some emotion.

It really stirred something within me.

It seems that Yiyi wants more than just a way to get out; she also wants a way to extract energy.

After all, the previous wave of corpses wasn't enough to replenish her supplies. If she could gain something, that would be wonderful.

Judging from this guy's strange appearance, he might actually have some skill; even the few translucent threads hanging from his fingernails looked like strange seaweed.

"Gentlemen, there's no need to hesitate any longer. Come with me! I'll take you out!"

As he spoke, the merchant reached out and walked towards us, trying to grab Yiyi's collar with one hand.

At that moment, I remembered the booklet inside my backpack.

At this point, it seems that the booklet can be of great help!

I gestured for them to stop and wait a moment, then took out the booklet from my backpack that had saved me from danger time and time again.

I carefully opened it, and this time, it was the title page of the second page.

How could I forget such a helpful assistant! If you have any questions, check here first to see if there are any relevant instructions or records!

On the second page, several large characters slowly emerged from the title page.

"Please be aware of potential businessmen who may want to do business with you; never refuse them outright."

"If the businessman's face shows any unusual signs, try to talk to him as little as possible!"

"Don't overlook any unusual details!"

Brief and fleeting.

I didn't understand. This instruction is absolutely crucial!

Although it wasn't very detailed, it was a great help to me in that eerie atmosphere!

This is similar to those strange and unusual rules found in novels.

Does that mean this booklet won't provide any specific methodology, and the bottom line is simply to ensure my survival?

There was no time to think about the logic behind this booklet's actions; the businessman's urging came from beside me once again.

This time, the voice was no longer as cheerful as before.

Instead, it was a threatening and impatient, hoarse and eerie whisper.

"Esteemed guests, if you decide not to make this deal, I will take my leave. After that, your fate will be beyond my control."

I quickly chimed in, "Yes, of course we should do this business."

Hearing the change in his voice, I can hardly imagine what the consequences would be if we rashly rejected him.

What follows will likely not be a simple business transaction, but rather a violent conflict!

Or perhaps it's just that ordinary corals and aquatic plants suddenly rush up and restrain us when we're caught off guard?

I think it's worth giving something a try when it comes to the unknown.

After all, this is an opportunity; there is crisis, but also new opportunity.

We can always run again later!

Seeing that we had relented, the merchant seemed to be full of enthusiasm again, opening his mouth wide and laughing loudly.

"Since you two have such discerning eyes, come with me here. I have what you're looking for... especially the export goods!"

I hesitated for a moment. Goodness, this kid knows our purpose?

These creatures underwater certainly have some unique ways of surviving.

But after taking two steps, I noticed something was wrong.

This is underwater, so the temperature should be lower than on land.

Even if it's not lower, it should at least be the same level.

But after following this guy for a while...

The surrounding scenery was no longer so eerie; instead, it felt unusually warm.

It has a somewhat gentle feel to it.

Suddenly, the sound of the Thunder Strike Sword rang out.

"Master, this guy seems to be taking us to sleep? And there's only one bed!"