It was a grander and more magnificent flying ship, with flags fluttering and soldiers standing at attention. At first glance, it appeared to be a military vessel rather than a passenger one.
The larger flying ship blocked their path, seemingly intending to halt their progress.
With no other choice, Song Xin'an ordered their flying ship to stop.
His heart was in turmoil. Having finally escaped the merfolk, now an army had appeared from nowhere to cause trouble. It was not easy to conduct business in this era!
At that moment, a figure appeared on the opposite flying ship, gazing intently in their direction.
Prince Bei recognized him immediately and shouted, "It's the Galactic Emperor! It's the Galactic Emperor!"
Seeing Song Xin'an's worried expression, he couldn't help but pat his shoulder, "Don't worry, it's fine. The Galactic Emperor, I know him. He might be here for me."
The others immediately gathered around, chattering, "Prince Bei is truly amazing! Such a grand reception, even the Galactic Emperor himself has come to greet you."
"Prince Bei is truly the foremost prince of the Ten Thousand Islands! No one can compare to you alone."
Listening to these praises, Prince Bei became rather conceited, casting provocative glances at Mo Qi from time to time.
Mo Qi, however, did not look at him at all throughout the entire exchange.
Just then, the Galactic Emperor glided forward and landed gracefully on their flying ship, walking directly towards the crowd.
The crowd became incredibly excited, "What? Is he here for Prince Bei?"
"He must be. Why would he come for anyone else? The Galactic Emperor governs all the star worlds in the galaxy and is extremely busy. How could he have the time to bother with these insignificant individuals?"
Hearing these flattering words, Prince Bei was filled with joy, his face beaming.
"Ah, it's nothing much. I have meat to eat, and I'll let you have a sip of the soup," Prince Bei said generously.
With that, Prince Bei enthusiastically stepped forward, "Your Majesty, are you here for me?"
The Emperor looked confused, "Who are you?"
The crowd fell silent, and the air grew heavy.
What? The Emperor didn't recognize him?
Prince Bei felt even more embarrassed, "I am Prince Bei of Golden Fish Island."
The Emperor thought for a moment, finding no recollection. He then casually pushed him aside, "I don't care who you are. Don't block my way; I have important matters to attend to."
Huh? Was this the so-called extremely close relationship?
The crowd was shocked once again.
Qin Xiao let out a chuckle.
Only she knew that the Galactic Emperor was here for Mo Qi.
At this moment, the Galactic Emperor continued to walk towards the crowd.
Everyone held their breath, wondering who would be the lucky one. Could it be Princess Qin Xiao?
To everyone's surprise, the Emperor walked directly to Mo Qi and patted his shoulder, "I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
Everyone was dumbfounded. He was actually here for him, someone who was neither a prince nor a princess.
What could he possibly want with him? It was unlikely to be anything good; he was probably being ordered to do some menial task.
To everyone's astonishment, the Emperor said, "I wish to ask you for a favor."
What? Everyone was shocked!
The all-powerful Emperor needed a favor from him?
If the Emperor couldn't do it, how could he?
What merit did he possess to receive such a request from the Emperor?
Prince Bei slowly got up, also stunned, "How is this possible?"
Mo Qi also felt bewildered, "How can I possibly help you? You think too highly of me."
The crowd nodded in agreement, indeed, was he being overestimated?
"It's like this, the merfolk have captured the River God. I heard you have a good relationship with the merfolk, and I'd like to ask for your help to intercede for him and have him released," the Emperor said urgently.
So, he was indeed here to ask Mo Qi for a favor. Although people had witnessed the merfolk showing leniency under Mo Qi's intervention, they still couldn't believe he could rescue someone from the merfolk.
Mo Qi, however, was equally shocked, "What? The merfolk captured Xiao He?"
Xiao He? The crowd nearly collapsed.
"Yes, it's absolutely true. If there wasn't a way to kill the River God, they would have likely killed him by now," the Emperor said. "Their deep-seated hatred is simply endless and unspeakable."
"No, how could the merfolk capture Xiao He? Did Xiao He just stand there and let them?" Mo Qi still couldn't believe his ears.
He knew the strength of the merfolk. Even though their combat power had increased after arriving in this world, it shouldn't be this exaggerated!
Although Xiao He relied on his immortality and was not diligent or ambitious, he still had a foundation. His cultivation was at least at the Great Perfection of the Saint King realm. How could he possibly be captured by the merfolk?
The Emperor gave a wry smile, "It wasn't a willing surrender; it was after a fierce battle."
This was too bizarre. Could this be what they called a complete transformation?
Mo Qi marveled inwardly. The Emperor, anxious, urged him, "Hurry and think of a way. Although the River God has immortality, once he falls into their hands and is at their mercy, they might devise some method. If the River God dies, the entire galaxy will collapse."
Mo Qi sighed, "If it's a deep-seated hatred, my going there will be of no use. What merit do I have to resolve such ancient grudges?"
The crowd nodded, "Yes, yes!"
The Emperor's face contorted, "If you don't go, the River God is doomed. Let him fend for himself."
"If you put it that way, then I have no choice but to try. To refuse again would be ungrateful," Mo Qi said.
The Emperor patted his shoulder again, "That's more like it."
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
Prince Bei curled his lip, "What's so smug about him? A nobody who got lucky!"
Qin Xiao glanced at him, "Is he really smug? Or are you just jealous?"
Prince Bei said indignantly, "This guy just got lucky and met the merfolk. He doesn't have any real ability. If knowing someone is a skill, then my skills are far superior to his."
Qin Xiao could no longer tolerate it. She returned the Three Souls Grass to Prince Bei, "I really don't like listening to you. Here's your stuff back. Take it and go far away."
Prince Bei refused to take it, but Qin Xiao shoved it into his hand and walked away in anger.
The passenger flying ship had to continue its journey. Mo Qi boarded the Galactic Emperor's flying ship, and Xue Ying naturally followed.
Qi Aolai and Ling Feng insisted on accompanying Mo Qi, as after the matter was settled, the Emperor's flying ship would still take Mo Qi across the river, and they could ride along.
Qin Xiao was eager to witness Mo Qi's success, so she also followed Mo Qi.
Prince Bei was also curious about whether Mo Qi could succeed, so he followed as well.
The rest of the people continued on their flying ship, proceeding with their voyage.
The Emperor's flying ship continued forward, while Mo Qi was essentially traveling in reverse.
Sitting on the ship, Mo Qi couldn't help but ponder a question: I am familiar with the merfolk, and everyone on the flying ship might know this, but how did the Emperor know?
If someone on the flying ship had sent him a message, who sent it? And how was it transmitted?
With these questions in mind, he watched as the flying ship slowly began to descend!
The sails of the entire flying ship were furled, and a thin membrane enveloped the hull, resembling mist or ripples of water, seemingly formless yet incredibly sturdy.
The flying ship submerged and sailed underwater. The water automatically parted to the sides. Fish and shrimp in the water curiously came to observe for a while before darting away.
Before long, merfolk appeared, walking on the water and forming a formation before the ship. An invisible pressure was subtly released, causing the flying ship to slow down.
"Who are you? How dare you trespass into the Merfolk King's palace!" a leading merfolk said.
The flying ship stopped. The Emperor stood on the ship and cupped his hands, "Kindly inform the Merfolk King that the Galactic Emperor and an old friend, Mo Qi, have come to visit."
Upon hearing Mo Qi's name, the merfolk automatically parted to the sides, "The Merfolk King has decreed that all our people shall grant unconditional passage to any benefactor."
Prince Bei nearly fainted!
The flying ship stopped before the palace gates. Merfolk King Yu Cang, along with his ministers, was already waiting at the entrance.
The Emperor and Mo Qi's party disembarked. Yu Cang ignored the Emperor, instead cupping his fists towards Mo Qi, "Long time no see, Brother Mo."
The Emperor coughed dryly, "Forgive our presumptuous visit."
Yu Cang calmly said, "Since you are here, please come in."
Mo Qi couldn't help but wonder at this moment, if Yu Cang claims to be the Merfolk King, then where are Chief Xi and Chief Guang?
Perhaps he could try to divine it, though it wasn't very reliable!
He rarely used his laws of heaven and earth, only gaining fragments through flashes of inspiration. However, if he carefully pieced these fragments together, he could still derive some important information.
After being seated according to their ranks, Mo Qi began to make small talk, reminiscing about his time on Mermaid Island after leaving, and mentioning Yu Sheng's abrupt departure, which had worried him for a long time.
He also inquired about the reason for their greatly increased cultivation. Yu Cang answered intermittently, but he was very interested in Mo Qi's experiences.
Mo Qi also recounted his experiences since arriving in this world in detail.
Yu Cang listened, gasping repeatedly, "I never imagined you would have such a convoluted journey. You've even become the Emperor of the Red Leaf Empire?"
Mo Qi humbly shook his head, "That's hardly worth mentioning. It was the collective effort of my people that placed me in that position."
Prince Bei felt as if struck by lightning. He had thought Mo Qi was a commoner, but unexpectedly, he was an emperor!
How shameless! How could he snatch all the good fortune?
Yu Cang couldn't help but ask, "Then, your choice for Empress..."
The Emperor nudged Mo Qi subtly, urging him to get to the main point.
Mo Qi coughed dryly, "Your Majesty, I heard that you recently captured the River God. May I ask why? I happen to have some acquaintance with the River God, so I came to inquire."
Yu Cang's expression immediately turned grim, "So you have indeed come for the River God. Then there's nothing more to say. No one will take the River God away."
A smile surfaced on Prince Bei's face: "Gotcha, you arrogant fellow!"
Mo Qi forced a smile, "Actually, I'm not here for the River God; I'm here for you."
Prince Bei snorted coldly, "He really dares to say that!"
Yu Cang asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"Recently, I've had some free time and learned a bit of innate deduction techniques. I calculated that your tribe will face a calamity, and I've come to help you overcome it," Mo Qi said.
Yu Cang was half-believing, "What calamity? Tell me about it."
"Chaos is about to emerge, and the world will face a great catastrophe. The Water God, Gonggong, will confront the Galactic Heavenly Palace. He is renowned for his water techniques, and at that time, he will flood the Heavenly Palace with the waters of the galaxy. The River God guided the myriad stars of the river regions to offer effective resistance, thus averting this catastrophe. If the River God is no longer present, then you will be the one to confront Gonggong. I hope you are fully prepared."