As the number of fish he caught kept increasing, Jiang Chen was astonished.

He never expected that Spirit Wine would have such an effect. It truly was an unexpected discovery.

“Haha… I can brag about this for a year when I get back.” Jin Fugui grinned widely.

Previously, he hadn’t been completely skunked, but the numbers were always low. This time, however, was a bonanza. In just a short while, nearly a hundred large silver carp had been hooked.

Jiang Chen looked across the river and suddenly froze.

The person on the opposite bank seemed to have given up on fishing. He held a fishing rod in one hand and a fishing net in the other.

Step by step, he walked across the water toward them. In no time at all, he was right in front of them.

And so, the three of them stood there staring at each other.

You looked at me. I looked at you. For a moment, no one spoke. The atmosphere grew increasingly awkward.

“Um…” After a long pause, Mo Yu was the first to break the silence.

“What do you want?” Jin Fugui asked warily, eyeing the other man up and down.

Mo Yu gave an awkward smile. “Might I ask what bait you’re using?”

Taking advantage of the other’s momentary distraction, Jiang Chen stealthily slipped the Spirit Wine into his small storage pouch. Instantly, only a faint trace of the alcohol’s scent remained in the air.

Seeing their wariness, Mo Yu knew his earlier question had been somewhat overstepping. He waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t misunderstand, you two. I’m not trying to steal your bait. I’m just purely curious.”

Jiang Chen spoke up. “We’re not familiar with you. Why should we tell you?”

Mo Yu seemed to realize something, then introduced himself. “This humble one’s surname is Mo, given name Yu. I awakened a Water Spiritual Root and am a Foundation Establishment disciple of the Rain Pavilion.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen and Jin Fugui were inwardly shocked.

Good heavens, a Foundation Establishment stage fishing enthusiast. No wonder he could walk on water.

“And you two are?” Mo Yu blinked.

Jin Fugui, still somewhat muddled from drink, grinned and introduced them. “So it’s Senior Brother Mo from the Foundation Establishment stage! I am Jin Fugui, a formal disciple of Beast Mountain. This is Jiang Chen, a formal disciple of the Spirit Farm.”

Jiang Chen frowned slightly. Why did this guy reveal their real information? What if the other party had ill intentions?

Truly, alcohol causes trouble. It seems he shouldn’t bring Spirit Wine out next time.

Mo Yu gave a slight nod. “Greetings, Junior Brothers. If you don’t mind, could I join you?”

“Huh?” Jiang Chen and Jin Fugui were very surprised.

Mo Yu shrugged helplessly. “There are no fish left on my side.”

“Sure, of course.” This time, Jin Fugui didn’t refuse.

Jiang Chen watched this unfold, unsure what was going through this guy’s head. The other party was a complete stranger.

Next, Mo Yu truly chose a spot beside them. And they fished together.

But because there was no more Spirit Wine to use as bait, the three of them didn’t catch many more fish in the following hours.

As time approached the afternoon, Mo Yu, holding a half-ripe watermelon in his hands, asked, “I wonder if you two Junior Brothers know of Black Pool?”

“Black Pool?” Jiang Chen looked utterly confused.

But Jin Fugui’s eyes widened. “You mean that Black Pool at the border between the Spirit Farm and Beast Mountain? The one where legend says a demon dragon emerged?”

“Why is he suddenly bringing this up?” Jiang Chen grew alert internally.

Mo Yu glanced at both of them, noting their different reactions, and continued, “Your bait is indeed very effective, Junior Brothers. But fishing here is rather meaningless. How about we arrange a time to go to Black Pool and try for the Dragon Carp inside?”

Upon hearing the words “Dragon Carp,” Jin Fugui instantly sobered up considerably. His gaze shifted back and forth between Jiang Chen and Mo Yu.

He seemed to be weighing something.

“There’s no rush, Junior Brothers. Take your time to consider. It’s getting late; I’ll take my leave first.” Mo Yu tossed all his catch from this trip into his storage pouch. Before leaving, he suddenly produced a communication talisman.

But he didn’t hand it to Jiang Chen. Instead, he offered it to Jin Fugui.

He didn’t press. He just stood there smiling.

Jin Fugui didn’t hesitate; he immediately accepted it.

Mo Yu showed a satisfied expression. “Junior Brother, contact me once you’ve decided.”

Then, he stepped onto the river water and walked away step by step. Soon enough, he was already over a hundred meters away, and quickly disappeared from their sight.

“What exactly is going on with you?” Jiang Chen stood up and questioned him sternly.

“Sigh.” Jin Fugui sighed before answering. “Earlier I was muddle-headed. Thinking he was a Foundation Establishment disciple… I figured it wouldn’t hurt to make his acquaintance.”

Jiang Chen’s expression darkened slightly. “I’m talking about going to Black Pool.”

Jin Fugui paused for a moment before explaining. “There’s a type of Dragon Carp in Black Pool. It’s said they contain traces of a demon dragon bloodline. So each one is incredibly valuable.”

“And then?” Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow noncommittally.

Jin Fugui gritted his teeth and decided to tell the truth. “There’s a Golden Core stage fishing enthusiast in Beast Mountain. His conditions for taking disciples are extremely strict. One of them is catching rare fish species. So… I want to catch a Dragon Carp to see if I can become his disciple!”

Upon learning this was his motivation, Jiang Chen found himself speechless. Not just within the Cloud Sea Sect, but anywhere, everyone wants to advance and change their status and position.

Jin Fugui glanced around to ensure no one was nearby before speaking seriously again. “I don’t want to keep selling dirty, smelly manure forever. And I don’t want to have to beg others for cooperation everywhere. As a friend… you understand that, right?”

“But…” Jiang Chen hesitated before continuing. “This Spirit Wine might not be effective there.”

Jin Fugui took a deep breath. “Let’s just try it. What if it works?”

“What do you plan to do?” Jiang Chen’s tone softened slightly.

Jin Fugui immediately smiled. “You don’t need to get involved. I’ll go with Mo Yu.”

“Alright.” Jiang Chen took out the remaining half-jin of Spirit Wine.

Jin Fugui took it and said, “Even if it doesn’t work out… at least I’ve made acquaintance with a Water Spiritual Root Foundation Establishment cultivator. That’s not a loss for me either.”

As a friend, Jiang Chen naturally hoped Jin Fugui could catch a Dragon Carp and even succeed in becoming a disciple. Therefore, since Jin Fugui had already considered the consequences himself… there was no need for him to interfere.

Ultimately… they weren’t family. They weren’t even related by blood. No need to get entangled in it.

Time passed until evening.

Jin Fugui finally returned home. This fishing trip had been quite fruitful. His small storage pouch held dozens of large silver carp. If he ate one every day… it would last him two months!

“Woof! Woof!” The little yellow dog wagged its tail excitedly.

“Cluck! Cluck!” The Spirit Hen’s eyes darted around curiously.

Seeing this scene… Jiang Chen felt completely relaxed both physically and mentally. “Indeed… nowhere compares to home. Better just stick honestly to farming from now on.”

He immediately headed into the kitchen and skillfully began preparing dinner. For himself, for the dog, for the Spirit Hen…

Finally… everyone had a bowl containing delicious braised fish!