God-Tier Fishing System

"It's more of a guess than a secret," Eunice said quietly, her fingers tapping softly on the table as her mind moved through the possibilities.

Eunice's tone was careful yet earnest as she began, "As you know, Sun Moon Lake contains extremely rich spiritual energy, as well as two mysterious forces—the power of the sun and the power of the moon. These two powers greatly benefit cultivator's progress."

"But Sir, have you ever wondered why the Sun Moon Lake in the valley up north can absorb these two mysterious powers, but no other place can?" Eunice asked, her eyes curious and probing.

Ethan's tapping slowed until he finally stopped, gaze dark and thoughtful. "Keep talking," he urged.

"People in the Stormjade family have long speculated that there must be important treasures hidden beneath Sun Moon Lake," she explained, voice dropping to a whisper as if sharing a sacred trust.

"They believe these treasures are related to the powers of the sun and moon. Otherwise, how could an ordinary pool absorb so much essence from these otherworldly sources?"

Ethan nodded slowly, "Hmm… that makes sense."

Eunice's eyes held a flicker of hope as she pressed on, "So, what kind of treasure do you think lies beneath Sun Moon Lake? Or perhaps the lake itself is a treasure?" she wondered aloud.

Ethan responded, his voice sharpened with accusation, "If this is true, then why hasn't the Stormjade family sent people to look for it? And why would you share such an important secret with me? Is this not a betrayal of your family?"

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "I don't believe everything blindly. Tell me the truth," he said calmly.

Eunice hesitated, then confessed softly, "Honestly, although I am the eldest lady of the Stormjade family, my talent is poor. I am a name without weight in the family. Most likely, I will be married off to another family and become a victim of family politics."

Her voice broke as she admitted, "But I do not want that fate. So, I use what little leverage I have—as a bargaining chip, hoping to form an alliance with the young master, to create distance from my family's expectations."

She continued, voice lowering to a whisper, "Previously, you said you were a casual cultivator, wandering around the world. As a young girl, I do not ask for much. I only want to follow you on the path. I'm not afraid of hardship."

Ethan eyed her thoughtfully. "That's not friendship, Miss Stormjade. It is a transaction."

The silence hung between them until he finally added, "In families like yours, you must obey their decisions,....."

"You followed me, and I asked for and received everything from you. What's the difference?"

Eunice was caught off guard, unable to answer for a moment. Then, the truth spilled out, hesitant yet sincere.

"Actually... I admire you from the bottom of my heart." She lowered her gaze, biting her lip nervously. "If I can follow you, I will have a backer. You are talented, your strength—unfathomable."

Her hands clenched tightly on her clothes, trembling as she struggled with her shame. These were not easy words to voice; she was afraid of ridicule.

Ethan remained silent. Weak people bear their own sorrows; great people carry their burdens.

Yet, he thought, Eunice lacks strength and talent. If he took her in as a maid, would he not be courting trouble?

"Miss Stormjade, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave," Ethan said quietly, standing and bowing lightly.

Though he did not say it outright, Eunice knew he had declined. Her heart ached.

"Young Master Aether…" she called after him.

"What else can you ask, Miss Eunice?" Ethan paused.

"Nothing more," she swallowed the words bitterly.

"See you soon," he said without looking back, then turned and left.

This visit yielded little tangible gain—only one key piece of knowledge: a treasure lies beneath Sun Moon Lake.

Eunice watched him descend the stairs, then retreated to her room. She sat alone with her meal, chopsticks poised but appetite gone.

Biting into the food, a sudden loneliness engulfed her. Tears welled unexpectedly at the corners of her eyes.

Quickly she wiped them away. "It's not the end of the world to be rejected. There will be more chances ahead," she whispered, forcing herself to smile.

Yet the secret she withheld from Ethan gnawed at her—the true secret of Sun Moon Lake.

The moment he left, she nearly revealed the ultimate truth—the seal beneath the lake could only be broken by the direct bloodline of the Stormjade family.

That was the real secret.

Without the bloodline, even if the lake's mysteries were uncovered, access would remain forever closed.

In her heart, she understood the cold truth—Ethan was ruthless. Even with all he knew, he might never lift her from the city.

But the truth remained: treasure lay buried beneath the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake, waiting for the rightful bloodline to awaken it.

.....

Three days later, the door to Peace Inn opened with a gentle push. Ethan emerged, calm and unhurried.

He made his way to the counter on the first floor to check out.

Just then, Seraphina descended, her sharp gaze locking on Ethan.

"Aether!" she called out sharply.

"Miss Seraphina, what is it?" Ethan responded coolly.

Her voice was icy, laced with anger. "Three days ago, you actually played tricks on me?!"

"Why would you say that?" Ethan's brow arched, seemingly amused.

"I was showing you my strength—why did you leave without telling me?" Seraphina's voice trembled with frustration.

"I am Aether. I go where I want to. Can you stop me?" Ethan retorted smoothly.

Seraphina was momentarily speechless.

"Miss Seraphina, please don't dwell on this. I really have no interest in you," Ethan said dismissively.

He handed the shopkeeper a top-quality spirit stone and then turned to leave.

"You…" Seraphina gasped, fury boiling within her.

She took a deep breath, chest rising and falling rapidly.

Such treatment… she clenched her fists with fierce determination.

When had she ever been treated this way?

What did Aether mean by his cold dismissal? Did he think she was a supplicant begging for his favor?

Her teeth clenched tight.

"Aether, I remember you!" she hissed through gritted teeth.

"Your Highness, what is the matter?" Edwin appeared, concern etched across his features.

"Nothing, I just bumped into that arrogant guy again."

"Arrogant guy… who?" Edwin asked curiously.

"Of course, it's Aether," Seraphina replied, voice sharp as a blade.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters