"Then keep arguing," Kulak said with a shrug. "I don't have time to stand here and watch you two waste it. As for the other teams, anyone willing to wait can stay. Anyone who doesn't want to wait can leave first."
Kulak's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's heads, instantly bringing them back to their senses.
Indeed, their primary objective was to break through the Imperial Legion's blockade, not waste endless amounts of time arguing over a little loot.
"I suggest we put this dispute aside for now," Rex said. "We can deal with it after we complete our main objective. The most important thing right now is keeping the alliance together."
"Put it aside? Then what happens to the loot?" Brad asked unwillingly.
"A neutral team can hold it temporarily," Rex explained. "Once the mission is over, we can distribute it."
Most of the teams supported the suggestion, but neither Brad nor Morris looked particularly pleased.
They were both worried that once the spoils left their control, dividing them later would become even more difficult.
In the end, under pressure from the other teams, the two groups reluctantly agreed.
"It seems we need to draw up a more detailed cooperation agreement," Kulak said privately to several of the main team leaders. "It should cover loot distribution, command authority, dispute resolution, and every other important issue."
"Agreed," Rex nodded. "The current agreement is far too crude. It cannot possibly handle complicated situations in the field."
"But do we even have time to create a detailed agreement?" Morris asked worriedly. "The Imperial Legions aren't going to wait for us to finish discussing everything."
He was right.
Time was the resource they had the least of.
The fleet was getting closer and closer to the target area, and the time available for them to improve their internal cooperation was rapidly running out.
"Then we'll discuss it while we travel," Kulak decided. "At the very least, we need to resolve these issues before we encounter the Imperial Legions."
Rowan stood by the side of the ship and watched as the alliance fleet reorganized its formation and continued forward.
His emotions were complicated.
The argument over the distribution of the loot had given him an even deeper understanding of human nature.
Even in the face of mortal danger, greed could still drive people into making foolish decisions.
"How ironic," Rowan thought to himself.
"These people formed an alliance to resist the threat of the Imperial Legions, yet they nearly came to blows over a small amount of profit."
He looked around and observed the expressions of the members from the other teams.
Although the dispute had temporarily subsided, dissatisfaction and suspicion were clearly written across everyone's faces.
The members of the Blazing Flame Battle Group occasionally glared at the Tidal Exploration Team, while the warriors of the Tidal Exploration Team returned those hostile looks in kind.
What concerned Rowan even more was that subtle changes had begun to appear within the Wings of Freedom Exploration Group as well.
He noticed several team members quietly discussing something among themselves.
There was a greedy gleam in their eyes.
Clearly, the struggle over the wealth they had just witnessed had made everyone realize just how valuable this expedition could be.
"Amy, what did you think about that argument just now?" a team member named Martin quietly asked the vice-captain.
"To be honest, I think the Blazing Flame Battle Group did take on more of the risk," Amy replied softly. "If we encountered a similar situation, I would also fight for a larger share."
"I think so too," another team member agreed. "After all, nobody wants to be the one getting ripped off."
Rowan's concern deepened after hearing their discussion.
Even Amy, who had always seemed rational, was beginning to be influenced by profit.
That meant the seeds of greed had already taken root in everyone's hearts.
"Captain, what do you think about what happened earlier?" Thomas asked Rex.
Rex thought for a moment before answering.
"I understand their point of view. But causing internal conflict at a time like this is certainly unwise."
He paused for a moment.
"However, if we encountered a similar situation, I would also fight for the benefits our team deserved."
Hearing that, Rowan could only smile bitterly to himself.
Even Rex, who appeared to be the most steady and level-headed among them, was already considering the question of profit distribution.
The future of this alliance was easy to imagine.
"It seems I need to reevaluate the situation."
Rowan silently adjusted his strategy.
His original plan had been to rely on the alliance's strength to complete the mission.
But now, it was clear that relying too heavily on this alliance would be extremely dangerous.
With that thought, Rowan quietly activated the private communication device he shared with Silvermoon.
It was a special device provided by Virtual Universe Company, allowing them to communicate over long distances without attracting attention.
"Silvermoon, can you hear me?"
Rowan transmitted the message through a faint strand of mental energy.
"I can hear you. How are things?" Silvermoon's voice echoed in his mind.
"The situation is more complicated than we expected."
Rowan briefly described the argument that had just occurred.
"This alliance is extremely unstable. It could collapse at any moment."
"My situation is similar," Silvermoon replied. "There are plenty of conflicts within the Treasure Seekers Alliance as well. Everyone looks harmonious on the surface, but in reality, they're all making their own calculations."
"Looks like we underestimated human greed," Rowan sighed. "In the face of enormous profits, any promise or agreement can become fragile."
"Then what do we do next?" Silvermoon asked.
Rowan considered the matter for a moment.
"I don't think we can completely rely on these temporary alliances. From now on, find a way to separate yourself from the Treasure Seekers Alliance and move closer to my position."
"Separate myself? That might attract suspicion," Silvermoon said worriedly.
"You don't need to leave completely. Find a reasonable excuse, such as scouting or making contact with another group."
Rowan's voice grew serious.
"The important thing is that when real danger arrives, we need to be able to support each other."
"Understood. I'll find a way."
After ending the communication with Silvermoon, Rowan once again observed the surrounding environment.
The alliance fleet had already been sailing for nearly six hours.
According to the navigation system, they were now less than a hundred kilometers from the target area.
"Everyone, pay attention."
Kulak's voice was broadcast through the alliance communication channel.
"We are about to enter a dangerous zone. From this moment onward, all ships are to remain on high alert."
Following Kulak's warning, the atmosphere throughout the alliance fleet immediately became tense.
The various teams began checking their weapons and equipment.
The mages began gathering their law energy.
The entire fleet entered a state of combat readiness.
"Jack, have the scanners discovered anything?" Rex asked the technician.
"Nothing unusual so far."
Jack stared at the screen.
"But I'm detecting extremely powerful energy fluctuations ahead. It could be some kind of massive structure or a formation."
"A structure?" Amy asked curiously. "What kind of structure could exist in a deep-sea region like this?"
"It might have been the residence of a Sealed King Immortal before his death," Thomas analyzed. "Or perhaps some kind of special cultivation site. Warriors at that level usually possess their own personal domains."
Rowan extended his mental energy toward the area ahead.
He immediately sensed an ancient and powerful energy fluctuation.
There was something familiar about it.
It felt as though he had encountered a similar aura somewhere before.
"This energy fluctuation..."
Rowan carefully searched through his memories.
"It resembles the characteristics of an ancient ruin, but its power is far greater."
Just as everyone was discussing the matter, a thick fog suddenly appeared ahead of them.
Unlike the fog they had encountered earlier, this fog carried a faint blue hue.
More importantly, there seemed to be a rhythmic energy pulse moving through it.
"What is that?" someone asked, pointing toward the fog ahead.
"It looks like some kind of protective barrier," Kulak analyzed. "It was probably left behind by the Sealed King Immortal."
"A protective barrier? Can we pass through it?" Brad asked worriedly.
"We should be able to," Kulak replied. "After so many years, the barrier's power must have weakened considerably. Still, we need to be careful."
The alliance fleet cautiously approached the blue fog.
When the first ship entered the fog, its entire hull was immediately surrounded by a layer of blue light.
However, no attack followed.
"Looks like it's safe," Kulak said with a sigh of relief. "All ships, follow behind and maintain formation."
As the entire fleet entered the fog zone, Rowan felt something strange.
The fog seemed to possess a screening function.
It was examining the strength and intentions of every person who entered.
That feeling of being watched made him extremely uncomfortable.
However, Rowan carefully controlled his aura and made sure not to reveal his true strength.
"This barrier is interesting."
Rowan silently analyzed it.
"It isn't simply an offensive or defensive system. It seems to possess some kind of intelligent identification function."
After passing through the blue fog, the sight before them left everyone completely stunned.
Ahead of them, rising from the surface of the sea, stood an enormous complex of buildings.
The structures possessed a classical design.
Their main bodies were constructed from some kind of transparent crystal material that glittered brilliantly beneath the sunlight.
The most eye-catching structure was the tower at the center of the complex.
It stood at least three hundred meters tall.
The tower spiraled upward, and at its peak, a massive storm symbol slowly rotated.
The entire complex was protected by a transparent energy shield.
It looked both mysterious and magnificent.
"Is this the palace of Severus, the Storm King?" someone asked in shock.
"It should be," Kulak replied, his voice filled with awe.
"A structure of this scale could only have been built by a Sealed King Immortal."
"It's incredible," Amy exclaimed. "The technology used to build something like this is completely beyond our understanding."
Rowan carefully examined the complex.
He quickly discovered that it contained extremely profound law mysteries.
Every architectural element had been carefully designed.
The entire complex was like a gigantic law rune, radiating a powerful and stable energy fluctuation.
"This isn't merely a residence."
Rowan analyzed the structure in his mind.
"It looks more like some kind of sacred cultivation ground. The Storm King must have studied countless profound law mysteries here."
Just as everyone was still overwhelmed by the magnificent sight before them, the alliance's detection equipment suddenly began emitting an urgent alarm.
"Enemy contact!"
A warrior responsible for security shouted.
"Large numbers of ships are approaching rapidly from behind!"
Everyone immediately turned around.
Sure enough, dozens of warships were rapidly approaching from the rear.
Their designs were clearly different from ordinary exploration vessels.
Their hulls were far more durable, and their weapon systems were much more advanced.
"It's the Imperial Legions."
Kulak's expression became serious.
"Judging from their numbers, there are at least two legions."
Through his telescope, Rowan could see the flags flying from the warships.
Half of them bore the black dragon banner of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.
The other half carried the thunder banners of the Qianwu Empire.
It seemed the two empires had truly joined forces.
That was definitely not good news for the alliance.
"They're moving fast," Jack reported nervously. "At most, they'll catch up to us within half an hour."
"Then we need to move quickly."
Kulak immediately made a decision.
"All teams, prepare to land at once. Enter the interior of the complex."
"Wait."
Brad raised a question.
"We don't know anything about the interior of that structure. Wouldn't entering blindly be too dangerous?"
"We don't have a choice anymore," Kulak calmly analyzed.
"Either we enter the complex and search for an opportunity, or we stay out here on the open sea and allow the Imperial Legions to surround us."
He looked at Brad.
"Which option do you think is better?"
Indeed, facing an enemy several times their own strength on the open sea was clearly unwise.
The complex was unknown and potentially dangerous.
But at the very least, it provided cover.
It might even offer them a route of retreat.
"I agree that we should enter the complex," Morris said in support. "In a complicated environment, our chances of victory should be somewhat higher."
The captains of the other teams also voiced their agreement.
Although they were worried about the unknown structure, compared with directly facing the Imperial Legions, this was clearly the best choice available.
"Then begin the operation."
Kulak issued the order.
"All noncombat personnel remain on the ships. Combat personnel, prepare to land."
He looked at the gathered warriors.
"Remember, once you enter the complex, everyone must remain on high alert."
The various teams immediately began preparing for the landing.
The warriors checked their equipment.
The mages began storing law energy for the battle that was about to come.
The entire alliance fleet began making tense but orderly preparations for combat.
"Rowan, are you ready?" Amy asked with concern.
"No problem."
Rowan answered while secretly confirming that his communication link with Silvermoon was still functioning.
He needed to make sure he could protect Silvermoon's safety during the chaos that was about to unfold.
"Wings of Freedom Exploration Group, prepare to land."
Rex issued the order to the entire team.
"Everyone, stay close to me. Don't fall behind."
Following the command, the alliance's combat personnel began leaping from the ships into the sea and swimming toward the complex.
Rowan followed the members of the Wings of Freedom Exploration Group while carefully observing his surroundings.
When they reached the area near the complex, Rowan discovered that the transparent energy shield did not prevent them from entering.
It seemed that the defensive system was primarily designed to resist large-scale external attacks.
It did not restrict individual entry.
"This defensive shield is intelligent."
Rowan silently evaluated it.
"It can distinguish between different levels of threat. It allows explorers to enter, but it should be capable of resisting military-level attacks."
The alliance's warriors quickly reached the outer platform of the complex.
The platform was made from some kind of special material.
Even after thousands of years, it remained in perfect condition.
"I've never seen this kind of material before."
Jack crouched down and carefully examined the platform's structure.
"It feels even stronger than the highest-grade alloys."
"This should be some kind of law material," Thomas analyzed. "A construction material condensed from law energy. Its durability is beyond imagination."
Rowan looked toward the ancient complex ahead.
The Imperial Legions were rapidly closing in behind them.
The mysterious palace of the Storm King stood before them.
And somewhere inside that ancient structure, an unknown opportunity was waiting.
But before they could discover what the ruins held, they first had to survive the storm that was about to arrive.
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