Only now did Evan Chu notice that the elder known as Old Owen was actually disabled—he was missing an arm, and his whole bearing spoke of years of hardship. Especially those eyes, sharp enough to pierce straight through a person's heart.
A one-armed old man, praised so highly by Selena, couldn't possibly be ordinary. And the Teleportation Tokens he sold were nearly identical, yet the prices varied so wildly—there had to be a reason.
Skylar Yule stepped forward. Old Owen's 'shop' was really just a thatched hut, with a table set up outside. On the table lay a brush and a sheet of white paper. Anyone wanting to buy a token had to write a few words on it—basically, their heart’s wish.
Looking at Old Owen, Skylar Yule asked, "Senior Zhou, does it work if I just write anything on the paper to buy a token?"
"That's right. But you have to write down the thing you most want to come true. If I’m satisfied, the price will be very low. If not, it’ll be extremely high—so high you might not be able to pay." Old Owen replied.
Evan Chu noticed that Old Owen’s mouth never moved, yet his voice was clear and distinct. It was strange.
Selena caught Evan’s confusion and whispered, "This senior is using ventriloquism. It takes serious cultivation to project sound with just the vibration of abdominal muscles."
Skylar Yule thought for a moment, then wrote four characters on the white paper—'A prosperous realm and peaceful people'—and handed it to Old Owen.
Old Owen glanced at the words and smiled. "Young man, you have the aura of an emperor. You must be of royal blood. To have such a wish proves you’ll be a good emperor someday. I’ll sell you the Teleportation Token for five Starstones."
Skylar Yule immediately took out five Starstones from his storage ring and handed them to Old Owen, saying, "Here are the Starstones you asked for, Senior." His words were crisp and to the point.
Old Owen opened his palm, revealing a square golden token. Judging by its material, it looked like pure gold—worth at least twenty Starstones.
Skylar Yule took the token and felt its incredible weight—like it was crushingly heavy, almost slipping from his grip. He couldn’t help but look at Old Owen in confusion.
"Young man, the token in your hand is as heavy as the burden you carry. You must always remember—a nation’s peace and prosperity demands endless effort."
Skylar Yule nodded, then turned to leave with the token. Suddenly, it felt light as a feather in his hand.
Next up was Luna Chu. She simply wrote four words—'Assist husband, teach children'—and handed it to the one-armed elder.
Old Owen didn’t say anything extra to Luna Chu, just named the price—twenty Starstones. Luna handed over the Starstones Evan had prepared for her and received the token.
Selena felt a bit nervous, worried that the elder would see through her identity. But given his strength, he probably already knew—and just chose not to interfere.
Thinking it through, Selena also wrote four words—'Humans and Demons coexisting'—and handed it to the one-armed elder.
Old Owen glanced at it, his expression shifting. "Girl, your wish is truly difficult. I didn’t expect you to have such an idea—rare indeed. For you, the token costs just one Starstone. But you must promise me one thing."
Selena was instantly delighted—she hadn’t expected the one-armed elder to go easy on her. Smiling, she said, "Please say it, Senior. If it’s within my power, I’ll do my best!"
"I want you to remember those four words you wrote. If you ever betray their meaning, I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth and kill you. It’s rare to have such ideals at your age—don’t do anything foolish!" Old Owen’s gaze was like lightning as he spoke to Selena.
Selena couldn’t help but tremble. This was a true expert’s majesty, something others couldn’t even sense. "I’ll remember, Senior. You can rest assured."
She received the Teleportation Token. Now only Evan Chu was left without one. If he got his, everyone could enter the Sea Regions; but if not, Selena, Luna, and Skylar’s tokens would be useless. If Evan didn’t go, no one else would either—even if they wanted to, they couldn’t.
Evan Chu was feeling nervous too. Selena’s attitude toward Old Owen made it clear this elder’s strength was extraordinary. If he failed to get the token, there’d be no hope for the Water Spirit Pearl.
When Evan stepped up to Old Owen, he didn’t rush to write his wish. Instead, he quietly studied the elder—because just then, he heard a strange voice. It was coming from Old Owen.
"Young man, do you know Heaven Ape?" Evan Chu heard these words loud and clear.
Evan Chu nodded. It seemed Old Owen also knew Heaven Ape. Maybe Heaven Ape had passed through here on his way back to the Azure Tide Ruins and told Old Owen something. But that seemed unlikely.
Old Owen didn’t say anything more, just stared at Evan Chu, making him feel uneasy. "Senior, may I begin?"
Old Owen nodded. Evan Chu picked up the brush and wrote six bold, sweeping characters. When Old Owen saw them, he was stunned—his face full of shock. "Young man, could you show me your sword?"
Evan Chu saw Old Owen’s expression and understood—this old man definitely knew Heaven Ape. Otherwise, he wouldn’t ask this. He was probably trying to confirm Evan’s identity.
Evan Chu took out the Frostbane Sword and handed it to Old Owen. "This is my sword, Senior. Is there something you wish to ask?"
Old Owen examined the Frostbane Sword carefully. "It’s a fine blade, though it hasn’t been fully awakened yet. Your wish is the hardest in the world—so I’ll just give you the Teleportation Token."
And there’s something else—a credential for you. There’s someone waiting for you in the Sea Regions, but he buys Teleportation Tokens rather than sells them. Give him this, and he’ll take you somewhere important."
As Old Owen spoke, a red jade pendant appeared in his hand. On it was the character 'Qing,' and faint energy rippled across its surface.
Evan Chu accepted the pendant and put it in his storage ring. Then, taking the Teleportation Token, he said to Old Owen, "Thank you, Senior. Even if hope is slim, it’s my duty. I’d risk death without hesitation."
"Go. The Sea Regions are dangerous, but with that person’s protection, you should be safe enough!" As Old Owen finished speaking, he vanished, leaving the waiting crowd baffled.
Evan Chu found it odd. Had the old man been waiting just for him? After handing over the pendant, was his task complete?
"Evan, let’s go! Look at all those people eyeing our Teleportation Tokens—if we stick around, there’ll be trouble for sure," Selena urged.
So Evan Chu and his companions hurried away. Fighting here would be pointless—a complete waste of time.
The teleportation gate into the Sea Regions was just ahead. A huge stone bore a clear inscription: the gate lay behind it, but entry required a Teleportation Token—without one, entering meant certain death…