The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 322 - 207 Azure Dragon Mountain

Chapter 322: Chapter 207 Azure Dragon Mountain

The wind was gentle and the sun shone brightly, causing the sails to billow.

As the shadow of Yunyang Prefecture grew smaller and smaller, the elderly boatman finally removed his bamboo hat and walked into the cabin.

A tall figure with weather-beaten skin darkened by years of exposure to the sun, his face bore wrinkles from age. Though clad in a tattered, coarse blue garb, his white hair was neatly combed, lending him an impressive aura.

"Senior, we are at your presence."

Everyone promptly stood up.

"You are too kind," the old boatman replied with a hearty laugh, saluting with clenched fists, "I am Zhang Shuisheng, friends in the trade bestow upon me the title ’Fast Ship Zhang.’"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan and the others instantly treated him with great respect.

Matters concerning Xiang Man’er in the pugilistic world were not to be taken lightly.

Either your sword must be swift, your martial arts superb, or you possess a unique skill that excels in a certain trade, and it should withstand the test of time.

After all, gaining a reputation takes time to spread.

Or others would hardly know before one perishes, rendering even a well-known name uncallable. And it would also require validation from peers within the pugilistic world.

Self-proclaimed titles are often laughed at.

Being called "Fast Ship Zhang" was enough to attest to his abilities.

The old man laughed heartily again but then his expression turned solemn, "Old Han and I are old acquaintances, and recently, the river has not been very peaceful."

"If not for Elder Han’s face, and the fact that everyone here is a formidable Magician, I really was planning to take a break."

"Oh?"

Li Yan furrowed his brows slightly, "Could senior elaborate..."

"Just a moment!"

Zhang Shuisheng was about to speak, when suddenly Lv San’s ears twitched, and he gestured with his hand for everyone to quiet down.

He approached the riverbank and listened intently.

The waters were clear, and the sailboat cut through the waves, with nothing heard but the splashing of water.

But Li Yan and the others had already become alert, their hands pressed on the hilts of their blades.

Lv San’s special ability, the "ear divine power," exceeded that of normal people, enabling him not only to understand the language of animals but also possessing exceptionally acute hearing.

He activated his positive techniques to listen, surely having detected something.

Lv San listened for a while, then his expression suddenly became strange; soon, he started patting the side of the boat and making odd noises.

Splash!

Before long, the surface of the water churned with waves as several rounded, armor-clad heads emerged and swam towards them from all directions.

All of them Tuo Dragons.

The term ’Hubei’ is synonymous with ’crocodile,’ associated with the ancient state of Hubei.

On his journey, Li Yan had noticed numerous Tuo Dragons in the waters, also known as Alligators in his past life.

Tuo Dragons, also known as Earth Dragons, pose little threat when young and are somewhat clumsily cute. They often appear in heavy river mists and are considered to be spiritual creatures.

Splash!

The water beside the ship violently quaked as a rotund figure burst forth from the river, scrambling into the cabin in a fluster.

It was none other than the wealthy, chubby young master, Mr. Lin.

Dressed in a tight black outfit with a leather knapsack on his back, he had a bulging object in his mouth.

On his hands, he wore leather gloves with barbed hooks.

He had just boarded the ship, coughing and spitting out water, his face a mess as he removed the object from his mouth — a thing resembling a fish bladder, still emitting a faint yin energy.

"Well, well."

Sha Lifei chuckled, "Mr. Lin, you’re quite prepared, aren’t you? Is this something from the sea explorer lineage?"

Mr. Lin looked embarrassed, "I apologize for the scene."

Li Yan’s expression darkened, "Mr. Lin, you truly are bold to follow us stealthily, aren’t you afraid we might find an opportunity to dispose of you?"

Mr. Lin turned pale and hurriedly waved his hands, "Don’t misunderstand, I meant no harm. I just couldn’t bear to not see what it was after waiting so long."

"Plus, that thing must be a treasure. Without me acting, you might not even find it."

"I just want to see what it is. After seeing it, I won’t be interested anymore..."

Li Yan still looked seriously concerned, "Elder Chen has taken great care of you, intending to send you to the Capital. Isn’t this a bit irresponsible of you?"

But to everyone’s surprise, Mr. Lin shook his head, "Don’t be deceived by him; the Chen Family is not as simple as it appears."

"Their family power is enormous and they are plotting something that involves court strife. Even my father warned me not to get too involved."

"To acquire, one must first give."

"That’s written in the Chen Family’s teachings. Dealing with them, whatever benefits you gain now will come at a much higher cost later."

"If I allow myself to be escorted to the Capital by him, it won’t take three days before this becomes known throughout Jiangsu and Zhejiang, enhancing the Chen Family’s reputation. Should someone get embroiled because of them, that would be my fault..."

Li Yan nodded slightly and didn’t dispute the claims.

Indeed, he had already sensed something fishy.

If Chen Yuanqing were just an ordinary merchant, how could he place Han Kun into a position as an elder in the Cao Gang?

Bluntly exposing the heritage of the three veins, he clearly possessed deep knowledge about the Mystical Sect...

As of now, Emperor Great Xuan, by supporting the Chamber of Commerce through opening up sea trade, was suppressing local gentry across the regions, a well-known fact.

Yunyang Prefecture being of strategic importance, with opponents establishing a base there to silently observe the turmoil in the city, who knew if they might be a player in the game?

Li Yan didn’t concern himself with those who came out swinging, ready to fight; he would find a way to deal with that.

But it was these affable, sly old foxes that were truly concerning.

With this thought, he subtly glanced to one side.

Seeing this, "Fast Ship Zhang" quickly gestured with his hand, "I am only responsible for transporting people. Other matters, I completely disregard. Since we are friends, please handle it amongst yourselves."

With that, he bowed a salute and left the cabin.

Li Yan then turned towards Mr. Lin, shifting the topic and inquired, "Mr. Lin, are you abandoning your privileged life as a wealthy young master and giving up on fame, intending to roam the pugilistic world?"

"Of course not."

Mr. Lin responded naively, "Frolicking impulsively is fine, but if it causes me to miss the examination in the Capital, my father would definitely skin me."