The Unparalleled Sword Emperor
Chapter 302 - 301: July Wharf

Chapter 302: Chapter 301: July Wharf

July Wharf was a dock specifically constructed for the mooring of trading ships on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital. Every July, a large number of commercial ships from all directions would converge in the Imperial Capital.

This was how July Wharf became famous.

When Lin Bai arrived at July Wharf, he looked at the gargantuan ships docked there, like colossal beasts upon the water, towering and imposing.

Among them, a merchant ship emblazoned with the characters "Treasure Pavilion" particularly caught Lin Bai’s attention.

This ship belonged to the Treasure Pavilion.

Under the Treasure Pavilion’s merchant ship, a chubby middle-aged man was beckoning the warriors to board the ship.

Noticing Lin Bai approaching, the man immediately greeted him with a beaming smile and a fist salute, "I am Huo Shu, steward of the Treasure Pavilion. May I know what this brother’s business is on our ship?"

Lin Bai replied with a smile, "It’s a privilege to meet you, sir. I’ve heard that your ship set sail for an overseas city, the City of Thousand Islands?"

The City of Thousand Islands was the largest city in the East Sea and the most frequented destination for merchants.

Many merchant associations of the Shenwu Kingdom transported their cultivation resources to the City of Thousand Islands.

Hence, warriors from overseas flocked to the City of Thousand Islands to make their purchases.

Over time, to ensure the constant supply of cultivation resources from the mainland, the local warriors of the East Sea agreed upon a pact that none of the factions was allowed to interfere with the City of Thousand Islands.

Once this agreement was established, warriors from over a thousand large islands in the East Sea signed the agreement.

Hence, this place was named the City of Thousand Islands.

Huo Shu frowned slightly and said, "Yes."

Lin Bai, delighted to hear this, immediately asked, "I mean no offense, but I also intend to head out to sea. I wonder if you could possibly give me a lift. Of course, I am willing to pay for the fare."

Hearing Lin Bai’s request to board the ship, Huo Shu frowned and said, "If the young warrior wishes to set sail, you can wait for another three days. In three days’ time, the Treasure Pavilion will send a specialized merchant ship to transport warriors overseas."

"As for us... haha, I don’t mean to be secretive, but we’re embarking on this voyage to transport an important batch of resources to the City of Thousand Islands, so I’m afraid it would not be right to bring along outsiders."

Lin Bai chuckled wryly and replied, "I have pressing matters to attend to overseas, otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken the liberty to impose upon you, sir. I ask for your consideration. I promise to adhere to your arrangements and not cause any trouble."

Huo Shu appeared to be in a dilemma.

However, he observed that Lin Bai, with his poised demeanor and gentlemanly aura, exuded warmth with his smiles. He didn’t seem to be of ill intent.

"Well, as long as you comply with the arrangements, I can allow you on board. As for the fare, don’t bother with it. Consider it my way of making a friend", Huo Shu relented and agreed after some thought.

"Thank you, sir."

Upon hearing Huo Shu’s consent, Lin Bai couldn’t help feeling overjoyed and thanked him.

"Fine, get on board. We will be setting out in one hour."

Huo Shu spoke with a smile.

Huo Shu led Lin Bai aboard and provided him with a small cabin. He instructed Lin Bai about the restrictions on the ship and advised him to stay inside his room and not to wander about.

Lin Bai agreed to everything.

A little over an hour later.

The ship set sail. Lin Bai went to the deck and watched as the Imperial Capital gradually receded behind him. He looked at the ship, breaking the waves, speeding down the tremendous river.

The ship was sailing downriver towards the East Sea, hence it departed quickly. Within half an hour, it had already left the environs of the Imperial Capital.

It then entered a channel flanked by rows upon rows of mountains on both sides.

"Did you hear that a warrior of the Spirit Sword Sect named Lin Bai overpowered a host of challengers in Chaoyang Palace, defeating warriors from the other three major sects?"

"I heard something about that too. It’s said that this man, although possessing a Yellow Level First Grade Martial Soul, has an incredible fighting ability. They say he is highly accomplished in skills like body movement and physical endurance."

"I heard that even the military’s Zhan Feng fell before him in just one move."

"Wow, even General Zhan Feng is no match for him. Looks like a real expert has arrived at the Four Major Sects this time."

"Isn’t that the truth? Every year for the Year-end Tail Sacrifice, the Four Major Sects are always at each other’s throats."

"This time, Canghai Yuntai Palace even dispatched one of the Seven Kings, Yi Han, but he couldn’t stop Lin Bai or the Spirit Sword Sect."

"This Lin Bai’s sword skill is extraordinary. They say he was born with a natural affinity for swords, even holding a Grade 9 Spirit Sword at birth."

"I heard that too. When Lin Bai was born, a divine dragon even showed its face in the sky. When there are strange phenomena, it signifies the birth of a monstrous genius."

"I heard Lin Bai is very ugly, his face animalistic, his teeth protruding, his face full of pockmarks. It’s so bad that it makes it difficult for people to eat. I wonder if it’s true."

"..."

Lin Bai stood by the railing, watching the mountains on both sides receding rapidly.

He heard the warriors on the deck discussing the great battle that occurred in Chaoyang Palace.

Especially the news of Lin Bai overpowering all competitors, it spread across the Shenwu Kingdom like wildfire.

"Cough, cough." Lin Bai suddenly found himself described as the paragon of ugliness. He couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. He looked down at his reflection in the water and, with a twinge of puzzlement, said, "Am I really that ugly? My father always told me I was handsome."

"Little brother." At this moment, Huo Shu approached, holding a cup of clear water out to Lin Bai.

"Thank you, senior." Lin Bai took the water and took a sip.

"You don’t need to be so formal. Although I’m somewhat older than you, I am hardly qualified to be your senior. After all, I’m only at the fourth layer of the Heaven Martial Realm." Huo Shu declared pleasantly, "If you don’t mind, just call me Big Brother Huo Shu."

Lin Bai laughed, "In that case, I’ll drop the formalities, Big Brother Huo Shu."

";

Huo Shu chuckled. Noting that everyone around was discussing Lin Bai, he turned and remarked, "This Lin Bai is like a fish, suddenly bursting from the water, a young prodigy dominating the Chaoyang Palace!"

"Lin Bai? Ha," smirked Lin Bai after hearing the remarks, "He’s hardly the prodigal youth everyone makes him out to be."

Huo Shu said, "Oh come now, don’t speak ill of him. Lin Bai held sway over the Chaoyang Palace, beating down the military and elders of the four major sects, barely breaking a sweat."

"With such cultivation and strength, who among this god of war could do the same in Shenwu Kingdom?"

"The Spirit Sword Sect has found itself a true gem this time."

Huo Shu spoke with a smirk.

"Is that so?" Lin Bai was noncommittal.

"From the sound of it, it seems like you don’t think much of Lin Bai." Huo Shu questioned curiously.

"It’s not that I look down upon him," Lin Bai said, "I just don’t think he’s as miraculous as the rumors would have us believe. He was born as an ordinary man, without a Divine Dragon blessing or any rare celestial phenomena."

"Nor is he ugly enough to turn heads. He is simply another face in the crowd."

;"Just a normal person."

Lin Bai concluded with a soft laugh.

Only now, brought up by Huo Shu, it dawned upon Lin Bai that he had managed to blaze a trail so dazzling that it evoked such discussions.

The number one external disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect.

The number one in the Earth Martial Realm of the Spirit Sword Sect.

He had overpowered the military geniuses and the standout disciples of the Four Major Sects in the Chaoyang Palace, making a name for himself in the Shenwu Kingdom.

At this, Lin Bai said wistfully, "And yet, he does not know when or where he was born."

Lin Bai was somewhat melancholic.

From the time Lin Bai had gained self-awareness, he had grown up in Lingxi City.

Lin Duo had never really informed Lin Bai about his exact place or time of birth.

Everything about Lin Bai’s early years was an enigma. Lin Duo had never spoken of it.

"My young friend, many warriors sailing on the sea share your melancholy. After all, it’s a lonely life at sea." Huo Shu, long accustomed to such expressions from Lin Bai, spoke these words of comfort.

Huo Shu, who spent many years at sea, had encountered many warriors who were deeply reflective and sentimental when alone on their boats, thinking about their past experiences.

"Regardless, Lin Bai dominated everyone at the Chaoyang Palace. He deserves the respect of all warriors. Remember, this world only respects the strong!"

"Over the years, only two individuals have managed to dominate at the Chaoyang Palace."

"One was the saint of Canghai Yuntai Palace, Duan Canghai, three years ago."

"And the other is the recently rising star, Lin Bai."

"The strong should always be respected."

Huo Shu said neutrally, a soft laugh on his face.

Lin Bai just nodded.

"You should enjoy the view," Huo Shu continued, "I can see that it’s your first time at sea, so take the time to enjoy the beautiful view. Not everyone gets such an opportunity."

With that, Huo Shu went inside the cabin.

Lin Bai stood at the railing, watching Huo Shu leave, a faint smile on his face.

Just then, Lin Bai felt a chilling sensation at his throat.

Some malicious intent was locking onto him.

Lin Bai’s face flickered, and he turned around to pinpoint the source. But just as quickly as it came, the murderous intent vanished, leaving no trace behind.

Lin Bai turned back, standing at the railing for a long time before finally returning to his room.

Just as Lin Bai walked away, a shadow emerged from the darkness.

It was Qi Yang!