Chapter 82

Outside Guangling City.

On the vast and turbulent Dacang River, a huge multi-story ship was moored.

It had nine-story buildings, with twelve pavilions, all intricately carved and painted, exuding an ancient and elegant charm.

Many passengers stood on the deck, gazing far into the distance at Guangling City.

Some passengers had also disembarked, taking advantage of the rare docking time to stroll and play on the shore, buying snacks and small treats, creating a lively scene.

When Su Yi arrived, the city lord Fu Shan, Yuan Luoxi, and Cheng Wuyong were already waiting.

To Su Yi's surprise, Huang Yunchong and Huang Ganjun were also there.

"Mr. Su."

Everyone came forward to greet him.

When these important figures bowed to Su Yi, a young man, it immediately drew the attention of many, including those on the ship.

"Where are the other guards?"

Su Yi glanced at Yuan Luoxi.

"I had them all ride back to Yunhe County City yesterday."

Yuan Luoxi was still in her military attire, standing there with a spirited and graceful demeanor, beautiful and charming.

Su Yi nodded, then looked at Huang Yunchong and his son, smiling, "Why are you here too?"

Huang Yunchong hurriedly smiled, "Mr. Su, it's quite a coincidence. I was planning to send Ganjun to the Qinghe Sword Mansion for training in the next few days. By chance, I learned from City Lord Fu yesterday that Mr. Su would also be traveling to Yunhe County City on this ship today. So, I thought, could he travel with Mr. Su? When I asked today, it turned out there were still some spots available on the ship, so I brought my son here quickly."

Su Yi laughed, saying nothing.

Huang Ganjun looked somewhat awkward; who couldn't tell that the "coincidence" his father mentioned was anything but?

However, seeing that Su Yi didn't object, Fu Shan and Cheng Wuyong remained silent, not exposing the truth.

Only Yuan Luoxi raised an eyebrow, puzzled, "Uncle Yong said yesterday that the ship was already fully booked. We only managed to secure some living space through City Lord Fu's connections. Could the ship owner have lied to us?"

Huang Yunchong coughed, "Miss Yuan, as the saying goes, money can make the devil grind. With a hefty sum, someone is bound to give up their spot."

Yuan Luoxi realized, "So it's about money. I can do that too."

"What do you mean, 'I can do that too'..."

Su Yi couldn't help but laugh.

As they conversed, a bronze-skinned, bearded, and stern-faced old man in a gray robe approached from a distance.

"Old Fu, we're about to set sail. Are these the distinguished guests you mentioned?"

The old man in the gray robe asked.

He wore an old battle robe, with a bow and knife at his waist. Though old, his presence was extremely powerful, exuding a faint aura of blood and slaughter.

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the present company, ignoring Su Yi, Huang Ganjun, and Yuan Luoxi, the young people.

Only when he saw Cheng Wuyong did his gaze pause, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"Indeed."

Fu Shan nodded, smiling, "This is Zhang Yiren, the commander of the Lincheng city guard. He served for twenty years in the 'Qingjia Army' under Marquis Wuling, rising to the rank of commander of ten thousand. His martial arts were honed on the bloody battlefield, and his temperament is fierce and bold."

The old man in the gray robe, Zhang Yiren, waved his hand, "Old Fu, stop flattering me. Now, I'm just a hardworking sailor, my life is tied to this ship."

Cheng Wuyong clasped his hands, "So you are a warrior under Marquis Wuling Chen Zheng. My apologies."

Marquis Wuling Chen Zheng!

One of the top five marquises among the eighteen non-royal marquises of the Great Zhou.

Chen Zheng and his Qingjia Army were stationed year-round on the side of the "Blood-soaked Demon Mountain," slaying countless demons, with remarkable achievements and a renowned reputation.

Zhang Yiren was somewhat surprised, "Do you know my marquis?"

Cheng Wuyong replied, "I had the honor of witnessing Marquis Chen Zheng's battle against the 'Green Snake Demon.' His demeanor was like that of a god, and I admire him greatly."

Zhang Yiren's face lit up, "Once we're on the ship, I'll invite you for a drink. We can chat then!"

He looked at the sky, "It's time to set sail. Please follow me on board."

Originally, Fu Shan planned to introduce everyone, but seeing this, he could only give up.

"Old Fu, we're off."

Zhang Yiren waved and strode forward.

Su Yi and the others followed.

Soon, all the passengers had boarded the ship.

As the huge multi-story ship slowly disappeared on the distant Dacang River, Fu Shan, Nie Beihu, and Huang Yunchong finally turned their gaze away.

"Great men hide their talents, waiting for the right moment to act. I wonder how much turmoil Mr. Su will stir up in Yunhe County City."

Fu Shan sighed.

He had a premonition that with Su Yi's abilities, it would be easy for him to cause a storm in Yunhe County City!

Nie Beihu and Huang Yunchong were also deeply impressed.

...

"Senior Qingjin, can you identify the identity of that young man in green?"

In a pavilion on the ship, a young man standing by the window asked with interest as he watched Su Yi and his group follow Zhang Yiren onto the ship.

He wore a light purple robe, a feather cap, and a green jade belt, standing tall and handsome, exuding an invisible aura of nobility.

"Your Highness, why not send someone to ask?"

Beside him, a woman leaning against the window spoke indifferently.

She was about seventeen or eighteen, with her hair tied in a ponytail, delicate and beautiful features, and skin as smooth as porcelain. Her eyes were sharp and bright like blades.

Her figure was extremely alluring, and even in a loose, light white robe, her prominent chest and slender waist were hard to miss. She wore no jewelry, except for a string of green jade bracelets on her wrist, which made her skin appear even more fair.

"Senior Qingjin, you're good at everything, but you're too lazy. You don't care about anything, and that's not good."

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap shook his head and sighed.

"Worldly matters are far less satisfying than slaying demons. There's nothing to care about. Besides, my only responsibility this time is to protect your safety. I don't care about anything else."

The woman yawned, turned, and climbed onto a soft couch, stretching her alluring body comfortably, her sharp, bright eyes narrowing.

Like a lazy cat, she had no grace, but exuded a wild and captivating beauty.

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap couldn't help but be captivated for a moment, his heart fluttering.

But thinking of his aunt's fierce temper, he shivered and averted his gaze.

"Senior, you rest first. I'll go for a walk."

He turned and walked out of the room.

"If you encounter danger, shout."

The woman mumbled, then fell into a deep sleep.

"Danger? This is Marquis Wuling's ship. What danger could there be?"

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap smiled, walked out of the room, and gently closed the door.

"Your Highness."

Outside the room, a middle-aged man bowed, his demeanor as solid as a mountain.

"Our mission requires secrecy, and we cannot allow any suspicious individuals on the ship. Zhang Du, go and investigate the backgrounds of those who boarded with Zhang Yiren."

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap instructed, "Remember, be polite and don't reveal our identities."

The middle-aged man, Zhang Du, replied solemnly, "Yes, Your Highness."

Seeing the young man in the purple robe and feather cap walk away, Zhang Du couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, where are you going?"

"Shh."

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap put a finger to his lips.

He glanced nervously at the door behind him, lowering his voice, "I'm going to play chess with Miss Chajin. If I can listen to her play a tune, that would be even better."

Zhang Du worried, "Your Highness, to prevent any accidents, it would be better if Senior Qingjin accompanied you. I would feel more at ease..."

The young man in the purple robe and feather cap ignored him and walked away.

Zhang Du couldn't help but smile bitterly. This prince was good at everything except for being too frivolous...

He shook his head and hurried away, deciding to find Zhang Yiren first to gather information about the new passengers.

In the room, the sleeping Qingjin suddenly sneered, "Men are all the same, not a single good one!"

...

The Wen family.

In the Flower Fragrance Hall, Old Lady Wen finished writing a letter and placed it in front of her.

The letter was addressed to Wen Lingzhao.

The content was simple, telling Wen Lingzhao that if she ever met Su Yi, she should treat him as a stranger.

The key point was not to rush to dissolve the marriage, as according to her estimation, the more active Su Yi was, the closer he was to death.

Once Su Yi died, the marriage could be easily dissolved.

Old Lady Wen carefully read the letter several times to ensure the message was clear, then put it in an envelope.

At that moment, a servant reported from outside, "Old Lady, Su Yi has already left on the ship."

Old Lady Wen was taken aback, fell silent for a moment, and sighed softly, "Third Young Master, if you had stayed in the Wen family and lived a simple life as a赘婿, you might have survived. But you insist on causing trouble, isn't this just inviting your own destruction..."

She knew too well the terror of the Su family in Yucheng, whose immense power could make even the world's martial arts masters tremble!

...

In the 399th year of the Great Zhou calendar, on the 6th day of the second month.

Su Yi left Guangling City on the ship.

That night.

In the Ghost Mother Ridge, the night was as dark as ink.

A majestic immortal crane, with wings like blades, cut through the heavy clouds and landed outside a peach grove on the Ghost Mother Ridge.

A figure dismounted from the crane.

He wore a light yellow Daoist robe, a young man with clear and handsome features.

He gently rubbed the crane's head and softly instructed, "Crane, wait for me here. I'll be back soon."

With light steps, he walked into the peach grove.

As he went, the colorful peach mist receded like a tide, making way for him.

Soon, the Pure Yang Fire Peach Tree came into view.

The young Daoist scanned the surroundings and clasped his hands, "Where is Tao Qingshan? I am Ge Qian, sent by my master, the Sea Swallower King Ge Changling, to pick the fire peaches."

---

PS: This chapter introduces several minor characters, such as Zhang Yiren, Chen Zheng, and Zhang Du.

Ge Qian is a minor character for the reader "搁浅". Please enjoy!