Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Lu Chen chatted with the Old Fisherman at the helm, while Flesh stood straight at the bow of the boat, gazing into the distance. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the sounds of seabirds echoed around them as the tide ebbed and flowed, with the sea breeze brushing against their faces.
The Old Fisherman’s muscles and joints moved rhythmically as he crossed his arms, gripping the oars and rowing back and forth in a steady motion. The oars creaked as they cut through the water, propelling the wooden boat forward with ease.
From the Old Fisherman, Lu Chen learned that this body of water was near the Wind Blinder Archipelago. The term "Blind Girl" referred to a vast group of islands, which were generally unstable, making it rare for fishermen to venture this deep.
Numerous disciples of the Red Robe Sect were active in this area, along with many pirates and water bandits. Recently, it seemed that some unknown forces had also emerged, adding to the chaos and mystery of the nearby waters. As a result, very few fishermen dared to venture here.
"The Red Robe Sect is a counter-Zhou force established by the Sun Tzu Zhao Family based on the East Sea," Lu Chen thought to himself as he clasped his hands behind his back. He was aware of this but could not share such information with the fishermen; even the two Centurions behind him could not be informed.
What surprised Lu Chen was that there were other factions operating in this vicinity, and their numbers seemed to be increasing. It appeared that this area was also a complex chessboard. The Red Robe Sect had been entrenched for many years, suggesting that the Sun Tzu Zhao Family had long been secretly working to eliminate them, albeit with little success. This indicated that these forces were deeply rooted and had some level of influence.
Alternatively, it was possible that the Sun Tzu Zhao Family was intentionally allowing these forces to operate nearby to create chaos and cover up the actions of the Red Robe Sect.
"Old Fisherman, are there any larger islands nearby?" Lu Chen asked without turning his head.
In this stretch of water, there were often reefs jutting out from beneath the surface—some large and others oddly shaped. Lu Chen believed this was related to the nearby Wind Blinder Archipelago; the underwater terrain shared a common origin with the land above. The islands were like peaks on land, while the Wind Blinder Archipelago could be compared to a range of mountains—the starting point of these mountains would naturally consist of rolling hills and protruding rocks.
As the light grew brighter, traces resembling fire appeared on the horizon, slightly blinding; it was a sign that the sun was about to rise above the horizon.
The Old Fisherman paused his rowing and placed his hand over his eyes to scan the surroundings. After observing for a moment, he confirmed, "Within twenty miles, there is indeed an island."
At that moment, as their wooden boat drifted with the current, it nearly collided with a reef. The Old Fisherman quickly gripped the right oar with both hands and rowed swiftly, applying tremendous force that tilted the wooden boat precariously.
Under the Old Fisherman's skilled control, they narrowly avoided the reef and continued slicing through the waves.
"How big is the island? Are there usually people active on it?" Lu Chen asked again.
The Old Fisherman fell silent for a moment as beads of sweat began to form on his brow and rolled down onto the deck. He finally spoke slowly: "The island is quite large; it’s estimated to be about ten miles in circumference. However, I haven’t heard of anyone being active there since it’s generally unstable around here. We fishermen usually take advantage of good weather to cast our nets in nearby waters before returning. Those who understand these conditions wouldn’t easily rest on Shanghai Island."
Upon hearing this, Lu Chen immediately inquired about the direction of that island before sitting down at the bow. Yin Spirit Disembodiment flew forward into the air ahead.
Among these people, only Old Mu knew what Lu Chen was doing. He subtly adjusted his grip on the Demon-Slaying Sword and moved closer to Lu Chen.
After Lu Chen's Yin Spirit underwent Disembodiment, he accelerated forward. Now that his Yin Spirit had cultivated the True Yang Scripture and entered the Spirit Travel Realm, it had transformed from a formless mental energy into a portion of Pure Yang Classic aura, allowing him to wander in the daylight, though he still could not manifest physically.
Gradually leaving the fishing boats behind, Lu Chen floated for about ten miles, and a thin mist began to rise over the sea.
Beyond a certain distance, visibility diminished. Although his Yin Spirit could see up to five thousand steps at night, it could not penetrate the mist; this was common knowledge.
At that moment, he faintly heard voices within the mist ahead, along with the sound of splashing water. While the mist affected vision, it did not impair hearing.
Upon hearing the voices, Lu Chen immediately floated forward, penetrating the thin mist. As he got closer, he saw four or five boats speeding across the surface of the sea. The boats were filled with muscular men with long beards, and inside the cabins were bows, knives, and spears. These were the same group Lu Chen had encountered in the reeds that night.
"Speed up! Go faster!"
Lu Chen recognized the voice urging from one of the boats; it was Luo Gongshuai.
Luo Gongshuai continued, "I have already discovered who killed my sworn brother He Zai Jin and even confronted them. This time I must deliver the news to Qi Kingdom and report to my adoptive father."
"Second Master, look at how formidable Third Master is; he is the son of the Black Fist Sect's leader. Who would dare lay a hand on him?" asked a burly man on the boat.
Luo Gongshuai snorted coldly and replied, "My brother's black fist technique is deeply rooted in my adoptive father's true teachings and is three points more skilled than mine. However, the person I encountered earlier was even more difficult to deal with. His Qigong seems related to Star Gate."
Upon hearing "Star Gate," the burly men on the boat gasped in shock. After all, Star Gate had a notorious reputation; even ten Black Fist Sects combined could not compare.
"Do not sigh!"
Luo Gongshuai expressed slight dissatisfaction before adding, "This time our Black Fist Sect is joining forces with King of Qi, Giant Barbarian Island, Sui Mo Di Family, and various other martial arts factions to prepare for an all-out assault on Great Zhou Dynasty. When we issue our command, even giants like Taiji Gate, Five Element Sect, and Eastern Shaolin will have to come pay their respects and declare their stance. What is one Star Gate compared to that? We will investigate this matter thoroughly and keep a record; sooner or later they will have to answer for it."
With Luo Gongshuai's words, the morale of those burly men on the boat rose even higher.
It seems that Luo Gongshuai mistook Lu Chen for someone from the Star Gate due to the Crazy Serpent Seven Star Classic. He is still unaware that this capture of the flower thief was a request for help sent by Governor Wang Qiao of Fishing Yang Province through a secret letter to the Five Element Sect. While this matter is public within the Five Element Sect, it remains unknown outside of it.
However, the influence of the King of Qi has long infiltrated the Five Element Sect, and spies have been placed there. It is only a matter of time before this information spreads, though it hasn't reached here yet.
Even if the news gets out, Lu Chen is not afraid. He has already realized that breaking ties with the Crimson Lotus Princess is inevitable. Moreover, he is now aligned with Sun Zizhao and is connected to the royal descendants of the former dynasty. Eventually, a confrontation with the Qi Kingdom will become a settled matter.
At this moment, Lu Chen is analyzing the forces of Luo Gongshuai and others. He did not expect that this person was actually an adopted son of He Yingqing, the leader of the Black Fist Sect, and a sworn brother to He Zai Jin. Therefore, it becomes clear that these individuals are all affiliated with the King of Qi.
Lu Chen wonders why the King of Qi has arranged for these people to be here. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly realizes that it may be related to Giant Barbarian Island.
Giant Barbarian Island is a small island nation located in the East China Sea, possibly thousands of miles away from land, making it inaccessible to fishing boats; only large ships with masts and sails can reach it.
Such a great distance would affect communication between the King of Qi and Giant Barbarian Island. The simplest and most direct method would be to establish relay points, similar to how the court sets up post stations on land, allowing messages to be relayed quickly from one station to another. This would simplify matters significantly.
Since these individuals are the eyes and right-hand men of the King of Qi, Lu Chen thinks it would be better to eliminate them entirely. Indecision is unworthy of a gentleman; mercy is not a trait of a true man.
At this moment, Luo Gongshuai and his group have slowly approached an island, which must be the one belonging to Old Fisherman. There is a thin mist surrounding the island's perimeter, but no fog on the island itself; something seems strange. Lu Chen suspects it may be due to some mysterious artifact.
No wonder those fishermen do not dare to rest on these islands; it turns out this place is a den for thieves.
He sees those boats approaching a makeshift dock established along the coast. Luo Gongshuai leads about ten people ashore and heads into the island.
Lu Chen's Yin Spirit hovers in the air, scanning everything visible. He discovers that there are lookouts hidden in the grass onshore. Ordinary people would definitely not see them, but with his Yin Spirit's scan, he immediately spots clusters of intense masculine energy coiled in the grass like flames.
Lu Chen does not act rashly; he notices that several strong men are shaking their boat and heading toward another side of the island, seemingly toward its rear. Lu Chen closely follows behind them.
After about half a quarter of an hour, Lu Chen sees those strong men skillfully maneuvering their boat into a gulf.
Lu Chen follows them and observes that this gulf was naturally formed; its entrance is not large but opens up inside to reveal more space. In addition to dozens of wooden boats, there is surprisingly also a large ship with masts and sails, measuring about one hundred steps long and capable of accommodating hundreds of people.
Lu Chen was slightly surprised to find such a scene behind the island. He saw those strong men dock their boats and then head ashore.
Additionally, Lu Chen noticed that there were also seven or eight Lookouts in this Gulf. Some were sitting in the grass, while others stood up casually, enjoying their pipes with a relaxed demeanor.
The Lookouts behind the island were clearly much more laid-back than those in front.
"To have set up so many Lookouts, it seems this island is not as simple as it appears. I should return first and devise a thorough plan before coming back."
Having made up his mind, Lu Chen sent the Yin Spirit back to the ship and took his place. At this time, Old Mu and the others had not yet entered the foggy area, but they were getting close.
Once Lu Chen and the Yin Spirit returned to their positions, he immediately said to the Old Fisherman, "Fog is starting to form ahead; be cautious."
The Old Fisherman initially did not believe him. He thought that with such strong winds and waves during high tide, how could there be fog?
After a moment, however, the front became hazy, with white mist stretching far beyond sight. There was no way to avoid it. Only then did the Old Fisherman accept the reality and promptly informed the fishermen behind them.
Next, Lu Chen called over two Centurions and Old Mu to start discussing their plans.
Comment 0 Comment Count