Starting with warding off evil and disaster, one can ascend to immortality after countless tribulati

"Hmm, Jiang Ming, what are you doing here?" The burly man walked over with an unfriendly expression, grabbed Jiang Ming's collar, and his brows were full of annoyance.

He took Jiang Ming aboard the Cheng family's fishing boat. Jiang Ming sat on the deck, his gaze slightly puzzled.

This man was none other than Han Cheng, the guest advisor who fought alongside Jiang Ming for the Cheng family that day.

"I was about to ask you the same thing: what are you doing here? And why are you so angry? What did I do to you?"

Jiang Ming pushed away Han Cheng's large hand, looking bewildered.

"You have the nerve to ask? The Cheng Xin you recommended to me, I've already proposed to her!"

As soon as Han Cheng finished speaking, Jiang Ming couldn't help but laugh. He had only mentioned it casually, but he didn't expect Han Cheng to actually believe it.

He's really enjoying himself now.

After calming himself down a bit, Jiang Ming tentatively asked, "Did the Cheng family agree?"

"Otherwise, how could I, a mere guest retainer, possibly get involved in the Cheng family's business?"

Seeing that Jiang Ming and Han Cheng were very familiar with each other, and that they had now boarded the Cheng family's ship, the fat steward felt very regretful.

He came from a humble background as a rogue cultivator, so he naturally knew the terror of powerful clans.

Although Han Cheng subtly expressed his dissatisfaction with Jiang Ming during their conversation, their attitudes suggested that the two were very familiar with each other and treated each other as equals.

Because of his elder brother's blindness, he missed a great opportunity to recruit talent!

He sighed in frustration, not wanting to embarrass himself by saying anything more, flicked his sleeves, and turned to leave.

"How does Cheng Xin treat you?" Han Cheng asked curiously.

The latter sighed softly, her eyes full of regret, "She's alright, but she has a terrible temper and gets angry with me all the time."

Unfortunately, she was the legitimate daughter of the main branch of the family, and I dared not offend her. So, after a while, I applied to go out to sea for training, hoping to find some peace and quiet.

"Your cultivation has reached the mid-stage of the sixth rank. It seems the Cheng family has given you quite a lot of resources."

"It's worth it. A grown man should be able to bend and stretch. If you can't even handle this little bit of grievance, what kind of man are you?"

He patted Han Cheng on the shoulder half-jokingly.

Jiang Ming didn't think it was his fault at all.

If Han Cheng had just asked around a bit more, he would have known what kind of person Cheng Xin was. Who would have thought that this guy would believe his own nonsense?

"Sigh, now that things have come to this, I've actually become indifferent to it, even though she gets angry at me most of the time."

But her family provides so many resources. If I hadn't been so busy lately and neglected my cultivation, I would have already broken through to the late stage of the sixth rank.

Coming to his senses, Han Cheng clenched his fist, his eyes filled with emotion.

"How is Cheng Ya doing lately?"

Upon hearing Jiang Ming bring up the matter, Han Cheng smiled and teased, "You're pretty tough."

The Cheng family invited you to marry into their family, but you refused. She is now at the seventh level of cultivation, and the Cheng family patriarch recently specifically requested that the family cultivate her further.

Moreover, Cheng Ya is quite promising; she might even become the head of a clan in the future.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ming remained calm, listening to the rolling waves without any surprise.

Given Cheng Ya's temperament and skills, it's only natural that she's achieved what she has today.

The reason why its development was previously limited was purely because powerful families favored sons over daughters.

In addition, Cheng Ya was all alone and did not receive much support.

But things are different now. Most of the younger generation of the Cheng family have died, and among the remaining members, Cheng Ya is the most promising.

In this situation, even if the Cheng family is unwilling, they have to treat Cheng Ya like a treasure and support her carefully.

Otherwise, the next generation of the family may easily face a talent gap.

Even though the Cheng family is a century-old family, they cannot afford this price.

"You seem quite calm, not regretting it at all?"

Han Cheng glanced at Jiang Ming with surprise, and seeing that he remained calm, he was slightly taken aback. If he were in Jiang Ming's shoes, he would definitely be extremely annoyed.

"It's all in the past." That was a very sophisticated reply.

Jiang Ming looked at the Cheng family's fishing boat with curiosity in his eyes.

Seeing this, Han Cheng chuckled. Although he didn't quite believe it, he didn't want to say anything more about it.

After all, the thought of Jiang Ming rejecting Cheng Ya reminded him of his shrewish wife at home, "Why did you suddenly decide to go fishing? We're running out of resources."

Jiang Ming nodded without denying it, then looked at Han Cheng and asked directly, "Are you short-handed for your voyage? Could you take me with you?"

"Of course, we couldn't be happier. A while ago, a demonic fish with the cultivation level of the late stage of the Qi-eating Realm appeared in the outer sea."

The boat rammed and wrecked the He family's fishing boat, resulting in the deaths of several people.

These days, everyone is on edge, so having a skilled helper would be extremely beneficial.

Han Cheng readily agreed and led Jiang Ming into the cabin. There was no need for Han Cheng to introduce him; the Cheng family members recognized Jiang Ming immediately.

They walked over and greeted him kindly; they all had a very deep impression of this guest of the Cheng family.

Upon hearing that Jiang Ming planned to join the team, everyone was overjoyed.

Compared to businesses like mineral mines, the Cheng family's fishing boats were merely a peripheral industry and were not valued at all.

He repeatedly requested the Cheng family to send a seventh-level cultivator to protect him, but he never received a response.

Since they are unwilling to take action and oversee things later on, having multiple late-stage sixth-tier Jiang Mings is also very good. In this way, we can have a better chance of dealing with both water bandits and demonic fish.

"Fishing is not difficult. For ordinary fish, all you need to do is scatter bait and then wait for the right moment to haul in the net. We don't need to lift a finger."

We only need to be present when we encounter the demon fish. You'll see how ferocious these beasts are once you meet them.

He sighed with apprehension and waited for the rest of the Cheng family's crew to arrive.

At Han Cheng's command, the huge fishing boat instantly set sail and headed straight into the deep sea.

"Our cultivation level is not high enough, so we can just go to the inner sea. On average, each of us can earn about one hundred spirit stones per trip."

As for the two of us, we'll split it even higher; three hundred spirit stones won't be a problem.

The fishing boats continued to sail into the deep sea, while birds circled overhead.

The surging waves rolled in the gale, making the large fishing boat feel as if it were about to capsize.

In the nearby waters, many returning fishing boats were badly damaged, clearly having just experienced a fierce battle.

"It seems that going to sea is not easy. We haven't even started to reap any rewards yet. We've already seen many fleets that have come up empty-handed."

Looking into the distance, Jiang Ming sighed, feeling a deep sense of unease. Indeed, fishing was fraught with risk.

"It's like this no matter what we do. I've become indifferent to it lately. If we make a profit, we'll get rich together."

There's no rush if there's no harvest yet. After all, the ship belongs to the Cheng family, and each voyage only requires a few hundred spirit stones as fuel.

The Cheng family can afford to lose these resources. Unlike those independent cultivators, whose boats are all rented, they don't gain anything and even lose some spirit stones.

Compared to them, I'm content with my current situation. Once I reach the late stage of the Qi Refining Realm, I'll stop cultivating, live a quiet life, and enjoy life.

Han Cheng handed Jiang Ming a cup of herbal tea, which he drank in one gulp, and then took the initiative to bring up his future plans.

Jiang Ming was taken aback, then asked in confusion, "Why don't you continue your cultivation?"

With the Cheng family as your backing, you should have the opportunity to break through to a higher level in the future, if you're willing, right?

Shaking his head, Han Cheng finished his tea in one gulp, glanced around to make sure there was no danger, and then continued chatting.

"Hmm? You have absolutely no understanding of the later stages of cultivation?"

From the seventh to the eighth rank, one needs to draw the energy of the earth veins into the body; from the eighth to the ninth rank, one must obtain a complete earth vein for refining.

Needless to say, the state of perfection requires an enormous amount of resources.

I'm just a son-in-law, where am I supposed to get such good resources? There's nothing I can do. You, on the other hand, have a better chance within the sect.

I've come to terms with it. What's the point of living a life if you're just looking for comfort?

I've diligently cultivated myself for over ten years, and seeing no hope of further advancement, I might as well calm down, enjoy life, and truly experience the joys and sorrows of this mortal world.

boom!

A loud bang interrupted their conversation.

With a leap, Jiang Ming scanned the deep marks on the ship's deck, his brows furrowing slightly. "We almost broke through the iron plate. Could it be a demonic fish?"

"This mark, it should be it. Be careful, the demon fish will attack people on its own."

Nodding solemnly, Han Cheng looked at the many employees of the Cheng family and gave a serious order, "Prepare all the protective talismans you have."

"The demonic fish will appear soon, so be alert. We came with a full crew; we can't afford to lose anyone here."

Looking back at Jiang Ming's calm face, Han Cheng solemnly warned, "Be careful, some of the demon fish are poisonous. If you get poisoned, you'll have a slim chance of survival."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ming nodded emphatically, drew his White Bone Sword, and prepared to attack at any moment.

boom!

Another loud bang. Sensing the enormous, ugly fish that resembled a ball of iron spikes, Jiang Ming frowned and slashed at it without hesitation.

Swish!

The sword flashed, and the White Bone Sword shot out, piercing straight into the demon fish's body. However, it only barely broke through the defense and did not touch the root of the problem.

"This body is tough enough." Frowning, Jiang Ming looked at Han Cheng, who had come to check on the situation, and sighed before launching another sword attack.

"Be careful, this is a poisonous barbarian fish. Its black barbs can be ejected when it encounters danger."

Once you're hit, the chances of recovery are slim, and there's a high probability it will damage your very foundation.

After patiently giving instructions, Han Cheng joined the battle. A flash of golden light appeared in his palm, and several darts slashed through the air.

In an instant, it grew to the size of a wheel and slashed straight at the demon fish's body.

Threatened by this attack, the demon fish shrank into a ball, then suddenly leaped out of the water, spun around, and shot out hundreds of sharp spikes like raindrops.

Jiang Ming activated the White Bone Sword to spin in the air, using it as a shield to protect himself and block the first wave of attacks from the Poison Sting. He then intended to press his advantage.

But Han Cheng shouted to stop him, saying seriously, "Don't rush, it's not over yet. This fish has an invisible layer of fine bones, that's the most troublesome part."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ming's expression gradually turned serious as he cautiously guarded against the demon fish's counterattack.

"This beast is trying to escape. Brother Jiang, make your move. Try not to damage its body, or you won't get a high price."

After giving him some instructions, Han Cheng signaled Jiang Ming to intercept them.

He cultivated the Sea Gold technique, which was powerful and unrestrained, so he entrusted the task of killing the demonic fish to Jiang Ming because he was worried that he wouldn't be able to hold back his strength.

After all, once the fish shoots out its venomous barb, it's practically a defenseless ball of flesh.

If you're not careful, you can turn it into mincemeat, ruining all your efforts.

Although sword cultivators have high attack power, they have even better control over that power. Apart from Jiang Ming, no one else present could handle the finishing touches better.

He nodded, drew his white bone sword, and swung it lightly.

The longsword pierced the fish's body, killing it instantly, and then swiftly returned to the ship.

"Great! Only 10% of its condition is damaged. Just this monster fish alone will make our trip worthwhile."

"Brother Jiang lives up to his reputation. We're almost at the spot where we scattered the bait last time. We're sure to have an even bigger harvest then."

……

Hearing the praise from everyone, Jiang Ming showed no arrogance whatsoever.

On the contrary, he came to a complete understanding of the hardships faced by fishermen.

This job sounds like casting and catching a net, or killing a monster fish, but in practice it's a little different.

How to kill different kinds of demon fish, and how to avoid their attacks.

These are all issues worth considering.

Without experience, it's difficult to gain more profit, and you might even lose your initial investment.

Take what just happened, for example. When the Poisonous Stinger Fish launched its spikes, many disciples used protective talismans to defend themselves.

A single talisman is worth tens of spirit stones.

If you time it right, you can completely avoid such expenses.

Arriving at the Cheng family's fishing grounds, Han Cheng scanned the water's surface and nodded, waving his hand dismissively.

The Cheng family sailors immediately threw out their fishing nets and then waited patiently.

"Fishing requires patience; we can't go back until tonight after this net is cast."

If we don't encounter any monster fish during that time, the profits will depend entirely on that net we just caught.

Hmm, that ship seems to be in trouble…

Pointing to the distance, Han Cheng looked over but didn't rush to help. He turned back to stare at Jiang Ming, slightly surprised.

"This ship seems to be the one that just rejected you. They're entangled by demonic fish. Are you familiar with them?"

"We're not familiar with it, so don't worry about it. Just focus on guarding our ship."

Otherwise, it would be bad if a monster fish came and attacked our ships.

Jiang Ming had no liking for the leader of that ship.

Seeing them encounter danger and struggle, he felt no schadenfreude. Instead, he flew through the air on his sword, cautiously surveying the surroundings.

"Be careful, there's more than one demonic fish over there, hmm? They've brought their boat over..."

"Damn it! Are they trying to shift the blame? They've forgotten the rules of going to sea. They should deal with the trouble they encounter themselves."

"What the hell is it to bring a boat over and pull us into the water?"

With a curse and a roar, Han Cheng, though unwilling to meddle, was unwilling to move the boat, as the net had already been cast.

A single net costs a full two hundred spirit stones. If we retreat voluntarily because of interference from others, we will not only lose the net, but also waste the bait we used to prepare the fodder.

"Help! Help us! We've encountered a swarm of demonic fish... They're attacking our stern." As the boat drew closer, the leader's voice trembled slightly with tears. He was clearly panicked, and his words were becoming incoherent.

Frowning and glaring at him, Han Cheng retorted rudely, "Who told you to bring the boat here? Don't you know the rules?"

Now I have to clean up their mess!

"Hey brothers, please help us! Our boat is going to leak if you don't help us soon!"

"Then the demon fish will attack you..."

Hearing the continuous sounds coming from the stern of the ship, and the metal sheeting gradually being blasted open, the leader shouted urgently and immediately rushed to the stern of his own ship to join the fight.