I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1888: Forging Bonds Amidst the Waves

Chapter 1888: Forging Bonds Amidst the Waves

The bonds of men are often forged in adversity.

After adapting to the sea by tying his head and chewing on ginger slices, Yang Fan quickly considered himself one of the sailors. The bold spirit he had from growing up in the wild quickly brought him close to these open-hearted sailors, and he learned the name of this passenger ship—Ping’an.

In just a few days, Yang Fan bonded with the crew and sailors and learned a great deal.

For instance, the sailor’s knot, a knot that never loosens even when the rope is cut, which can keep a sailor securely attached to the mast, preventing him from being thrown overboard no matter how fierce the storm.

And other knowledge, the landlubber learned that on a long voyage, fruits and vegetables are more precious than gold, and a good storyteller is more popular than a strong man.

The strong sailor who had tied him up even taught him his most treasured skills, such as star-gazing and, most importantly, how to sail against the wind.

"At sea, nothing is more important than direction. Many sea regions can cause the compass to malfunction, so you must find something more reliable than the compass."

The sailor called Ah Qiang pointed up at the sky and said, "Nothing is more dependable than the stars above."

"Sometimes, a headwind can keep the ship from moving forward. If you want to keep going, you must allow the ship to tack, but no matter how far off course we are blown, we can always find our way back by the stars above. Learn these two things, and you will be a seasoned sailor!"

The deck at night was a haven for the sailors to brag, and it was here that Yang Fan absorbed the nutrition of the sea.

Though he dearly loved martial arts, in his interactions with these sailors, he felt the wisdom and greatness of seafarers.

He suddenly understood why Brother Mi would allow the Unparalleled City to open its doors wide to the craftsmen of the Five Elements, even gaining the support of his master.

Because in this world, to go far and deep in any trade requires as much time and effort as martial arts.

Over time, Yang Fan’s relationship with the sailors grew more harmonious, though they were sometimes curious about why Yang Fan always carried a longsword.

After all, outside of Yuanzhou and the open seas, sword practitioners were not very common, especially on Longzhou, where those carrying long knives far outnumbered those carrying long swords.

Out of respect and etiquette, the sailors didn’t ask Yang Fan to wield his sword, but Yang Fan himself was unperturbed, candidly saying he hadn’t learned swordsmanship yet, and the sword was an expectation from his master; he was heading to Yuanzhou to learn swordplay.

After speaking, he stood up and performed a round of boxing for the sailors, the powerful gusts of his punches in stark contrast to the weakling who had thrown up his bile when he first boarded the ship.

"Geez, if he’d kicked like this at the time..."

Sailor Ah Kuan, who had taken care of him with ginger tea, shrank his head and glanced at his elder brother Ah Qiang, who looked displeased.

...

Some say emptiness is an evil spirit that devours human will.

Others say emptiness is the source of strength, and only by learning to coexist with solitude can one be called strong.

Wu Huan agreed with both sayings, as over a hundred years of lying low allowed the Wu Family to escape from Xiling, the field of Asura.

Although his clansmen initially criticized Wu Huan’s actions, after the Tang Clan swiftly defeated the Mi Family and unified Lingjiang, everyone worshiped Wu Huan.

This is the folly of ordinary people, unrelated to realm; it’s because they can only see what’s in front of them, like grass on a wall, bending whichever way the wind blows.

Since then, Wu Huan was more convinced that the Wu Family should not rely on others. He chose people with vision and poise and turned the Wu Family into a solid fortress. When Qionghua Star Lord issued a recruitment order, the entire clan volunteered.

Thanks to their excellent abilities, the Wu Family easily integrated into the King’s patrol. Initially, Wu Huan didn’t show anything special, only immersed himself in the patrol’s atmosphere, engaging with various heroes and continuously recruiting Wu Family masters.

Following the Wu Family’s longstanding strategy.

Amass great momentum, hide one’s edge, slowly reveal vigor.

Opportunities always favor the prepared. After the battle of Diancang Mountain, several garrison commanders of the Fire Department were either crippled or injured.

Only then did Wu Huan reveal his edge, swiftly taking over the headless flies along with numerous Wu Family experts, catching the attention of the patrol superior, realizing this group operated distinctly from the demonic giants.

Upon discovering this elite group shared a surname, the patrol’s Fire Department was nearly entirely absorbed.

Such methods and momentum were unmatched by ordinary families. Upon investigation, they found the Wu Family was actually a noble family that fled from Xiling during a flood and was quite sizable.

Originally, under Cao Jinyu’s reign, the patrol’s recruitment was limited to sacred lineage or at least outer disciples of sects, loathing aristocratic involvement, let alone fringe groups.

With An Yushu’s ascension, however, such taboos vanished, and the Wu Family’s move was not suppressed but encouraged.

Even An Jingtian believed Wu Huan’s swift stabilization of the Fire Department was a display of capability and should be put to good use.

Since then, Wu Huan naturally took charge of the Fire Department and, supported by numerous Wu Family experts, became the Heavenly Patrol leader of the Fire Department.

Indeed, Wu Huan proved competent, excelling in reports, achievements, and depth of understanding of the patrol’s bestowed techniques. The Fire Department became the standout among the four departments, leading An Jingtian to entrust many tricky tasks to them.

Over the years, the Fire Department never disappointed An Jingtian, and this time would be no different.

The Heavenly Patrol Divine Vessel, adorned with the patrol’s banner, wove through the clouds. Meanwhile, on the "Ping’an," a nondescript passenger leisurely walked to the stern, ensured no one was around, and pressed a gold-like, jade-like object into the deck, before diving into the sea smoothly like a mermaid, leaving no splash.

Simultaneously, on the Heavenly Patrol Divine Vessel, a spy reported to the resting patrol commander on the bridge.

With years of authority, Wu Huan exuded an aura of quiet intimidation, imposing severe pressure even while his eyes were shut.

When the Fire Department Heavenly Patrol Envoy opened his eyes, the mental pressure was so intense the young spy couldn’t help his legs from trembling.

"Report to the Heavenly Patrol Envoy, the mother-daughter jade has signaled, confirming that the passenger ship with Yang Fan is within a hundred miles."

With a slight nod, Wu Huan slowly rose from his seat, paced to the center of the bridge like a dragon or tiger, and ordered the crew, "Lower the Divine Ship to two thousand yards, approach the mother-daughter jade. Inform Wu Lan to prepare for action!"

...

The sea’s ruthlessness always surpasses human expectations.

Just like the calmly quiet sea suddenly surging with monstrous waves, this abruptness even unsettled the well-seasoned sailors.

After quickly ordering the passengers to take shelter in the cabins, the sailors slipped their legs into sailor knots and climbed the mast.

Amid the chaos, the mysterious captain of the "Ping’an" emerged from the captain’s cabin, ignoring the massive waves threatening to engulf the passenger ship on both sides, and looked skyward with a sharp gaze.