"Oh..."

Xu Duoduo continued, "Two thousand years ago, Emperor Wu of Han took this Dinghai Pearl from our people, almost exterminating my ancestors in the process, wanting to monopolize the method of making the Dinghai Pearl. However, the refining method of the Dinghai Pearl was passed down, reaching my grandfather, but due to modern shipping developments, the tradition was accidentally lost."

"I've been looking for this Dinghai Pearl, asking around everywhere, and finally got some information, initially determining its location, and boarded the same ship as you. I thought you were also there to seize the Dinghai Pearl," Xu Duoduo said.

"So that's why you let the air out of Xiaodong's tank," Chu Xianling recalled the event, her anger rising again.

"Xianling, don't be like that. In the end, didn't he save my life? Coach Xu nearly perished under the sea himself," Song Xiaodong quickly appeased Chu Xianling.

"This matter, I wrongly blamed Mr. Song. I'm really sorry," Xu Duoduo stood up to apologize to Song Xiaodong again.

"No, no, Coach Xu, you don't know how many times you saved everyone's life on this ship. We should be the ones thanking you!" Song Xiaodong quickly stopped Xu Duoduo.

"Yes, yes, it's good that everyone is back safely," Sun Yiyi quickly chimed in.

"I don't understand, was there something more valuable than the Dinghai Pearl on that ship?" Xu Duoduo asked Song Xiaodong.

"Well, Coach Xu, there were some significant historical documents on that ship. We didn't want my business competitors to get them. I went underwater not for money, but to prevent these materials from falling into the wrong hands," Song Xiaodong said, revealing some hints without directly mentioning the Dark Night Sect and Song Xiaodong's affairs.

Xu Duoduo nodded.

"This time you've obtained the Dinghai Pearl, should you be able to pass down the method of creating the Dinghai Pearl?" Song Xiaodong asked Xu Duoduo again.

"Well honestly, my father isn't very enthusiastic about Dan People affairs, but I really like it. After obtaining the Dinghai Pearl, at least I know what it looks like, then I can slowly research it. Truthfully, I'm not very confident," Xu Duoduo said with a bitter smile, shaking his head.

"Coach Xu mentioned refining? Could it be that the Dinghai Pearl is also made using alchemy techniques?" Song Xiaodong asked.

"Yes, we still have a pill furnace at home, but my dad uses it as a washbasin now," Xu Duoduo said.

"Hmm, speaking of alchemy, I know a thing or two. It seems the Dinghai Pearl is a kind of external elixir," Song Xiaodong said, stroking his chin.

"External elixir?" Xu Duoduo expressed unfamiliarity.

"An external elixir acts on external objects. I practice alchemy for consumption to strengthen the body and prolong life, while some elixirs are meant to alter the external environment, like the Wind-Calming Elixir and the Dinghai Pearl," Song Xiaodong explained.

Sun Yiyi exclaimed, "Journey to the West" has appeared, and so has "The Investiture of the Gods."

Chu Xianling, however, was eagerly listening.

"However, such a powerful elixir is rare. I wonder what kind of person could refine such a potent elixir," Song Xiaodong said, his face showing an expression of longing.

"Our Dan People's ancestors indeed had some people with amazing divine skills, but the historical records are incomplete, so I don't know," Xu Duoduo said.

"Ah..." Song Xiaodong suddenly furrowed his brows, remembering something.

That day, confronting a young man in a white suit from the Dark Night Sect across the sea, the ship was incredibly stable amidst the gigantic waves. How did they manage it? Was it also using the Dinghai Pearl?

Song Xiaodong asked Xu Duoduo, "Coach Xu, has your family's method of refining the Dinghai Pearl always been a family secret?"

"Of course, without the Dinghai Pearl, how could our ancestors serve as clan leaders? Now that everyone uses steamships, our family has completely lost its influence," Xu Duoduo said, a trace of disappointment flashing across his face.

"What is it?" Xu Duoduo noticed Song Xiaodong looking as if he remembered something, so he asked him.

"That day at sea, I saw a ship that could remain still in a storm, even avoiding the waves. I'm not sure if it was also using the Dinghai Pearl," Song Xiaodong replied.

"I see..." Xu Duoduo seemed to be in deep thought.

After a while, Xu Duoduo made a decision and said, "The method of making the Dinghai Pearl is indeed known only to our family, but decades ago, my grandfather's younger brother left home because he was dissatisfied with my grandfather's attitude toward the land. He also knows the method of refining the Dinghai Pearl, though not completely. I guess he might have passed it on to his descendants!" Xu Duoduo explained.

"I see, that makes sense now," Song Xiaodong also nodded.

This also explained why the Dark Night Sect suddenly became aware of the shipwreck.

The group continued chatting, and before they knew it, night had deepened, and after a meal and drinks, they bid each other farewell.

"Coach Xu, I'll arrange a place for you to stay!" Song Xiaodong said.

"No need, the Dinghai Pearl has been retrieved. I want to go home and study it carefully," Xu Duoduo replied.

"How are you leaving now? There's no car," Song Xiaodong said to Xu Duoduo.

"I'm not taking a car; I'm going by ship," Xu Duoduo said with a smile.

"Hmm?" Song Xiaodong, Sun Yiyi, and Chu Xianling all looked puzzled.

"I want to return to my hometown, not to the Ming River," Xu Duoduo laughed again, replying.

"You're going to the sea?" Song Xiaodong asked.

"Yes, Mr. Song, Yiyi, Xianling, goodbye until we meet again." Xu Duoduo waved to everyone and left by taxi, heading straight to Quanzhou Port.