Chapter 193: Reunion

Chapter 193: Reunion

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhan gave Chief Escort Su a glance and nodded slightly. "In your opinion, Chief Escort Su, how should we handle this?"

Su Mo smiled. "I'm merely a mere passenger on the ship; how would I dare offer strategies on such matters to the host? I'm just giving Mr. Zhan a heads up, so you won't be at a disadvantage when the time comes."

"You're being too modest, Chief Escort Su."

Mr. Zhan nodded but didn't continue with any requests for advice. Instead, he gestured to Li Zhongcheng beside him and said,

"Go fetch a telescope over here."

"Yes."

Li Zhongcheng turned and left, and after a short while, he returned.

Holding a brocade box, he stood next to Mr. Zhan.

Mr. Zhan smiled slightly and said to Su Mo,

"Meeting is destiny. Among all the ships in Three Rivers Bay, Chief Escort Su chose ours, which speaks to a deep fate."

"At the moment, I have no valuable items with me, so I'd like to offer this telescope as a gift to Chief Escort Su, so you may keep it as a token."

"Telescope?"

Su Mo blinked, and Mr. Zhan smiled lightly, nodding at Li Zhongcheng.

Li Zhongcheng opened the box, revealing a metal cylindrical object. Su Mo could already see the reflection of the glass on one side of the metal tube.

This made Su Mo's expression turn somewhat peculiar.

"This object is called a telescope; it can see a thousand miles away."

Mr. Zhan took the item out of the box and said with a smile,

"Chief Escort Su, have you ever heard of the West?"

"I have heard of it, of course."

Su Mo lightly raised his eyebrows. "I've heard that the West is home to many skilled craftsmen. Was this item made by one of them?"

"Chief Escort Su, young as you are, have broad knowledge and experience."

Mr. Zhan was somewhat impressed.

"This item was indeed crafted in the West. They use secret methods to refine crystal and create various ingenious objects.

"One of these is the telescope… However, it is most commonly used in the Southern Sea.

"When sailing on the sea, across vast waters, if you encounter pirates or bandits, it's impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye from afar. However, with this item, you can see from far to near and monitor distant movements. It's a powerful tool at sea.

"Because of this, the item is monopolized by many maritime sects, with very few circulating outside.

"This time, I obtained a batch of telescopes through another channel, as part of the goods I brought into the Eastern Wilderness.

"Here, Chief Escort Su, please take a look."

Su Mo nodded and reached out to take the so-called "Chiliommeters," which was essentially a telescope.

It felt slightly heavy in his hand, one end larger than the other. Su Mo lifted it to his eyes and found it indeed quite good.

He smiled and said, "It is indeed a fine piece."

"Ha ha ha."

Mr. Zhan laughed heartily, "Meeting Chief Escort Su today, I would like to present this item as a gift. Please do not disdain it, Chief Escort Su."

"Not at all."

Su Mo quickly replied, "To receive such a generous gift upon our first meeting, I am truly honored. I have nothing of value on me now, and I don't know how to reciprocate."

"Chief Escort Su, you misunderstand. I arrived here by ship, and my goods are all aboard. I can easily choose a gift. Chief Escort Su is on an important mission; how could you carry such burdens?"

Mr. Zhan waved his hand dismissively, "Don't worry about returning the favor. Just accept it."

"In that case, I will not decline."

Su Mo played with it for a moment before placing it in the brocade box held by Li Zhongcheng.

He then asked, "Is this your first trip to Donghuang, Mr. Zhan?"

"Yes."

Mr. Zhan nodded and casually explained his background.

He was originally from Xizhou, near the South Sea. After coming of age, he began trading between the sea and land.

However, in recent years, maritime trade has become increasingly difficult, which is why I decided to come to the Eastern Wasteland to look for new opportunities. As this is my first visit, I didn’t dare to bring too much cargo, to avoid losing all my capital.

This trip is, essentially, a preliminary exploration.

Su Mo was quite curious about the matters of the Southern Sea, so he asked.

Mr. Zhan did not withhold any information and said with a smile:

“The Southern Sea is dotted with numerous islands, and they vary in distance from each other. The ones that are close form alliances. The ones that are far simply become their own nations.

“Of course, there are those with exceptional martial prowess and formidable power who occupy several islands, with their influence spanning hundreds to thousands of miles of ocean, making them sea lords, incredibly majestic.

“There are also many seafaring laws, too numerous to enumerate.”

Su Mo originally just planned to investigate the Jiaolong Association, but now he was engaging in a fruitful discussion with Mr. Zhan.

The informal conversation gave Su Mo a clear understanding of the Southern Sea.

The Southern Sea is dotted with numerous islands, and political forces are deeply intertwined.

According to Mr. Zhan, there are three dominant forces in the Southern Sea that are not to be underestimated.

They are the Dragon King Temple, Ruined Island, and lastly, the Southern Sea Coalition.

These three are vastly powerful, each possessing unique martial techniques, and wherever they go, they command the authority of maritime emperors.

However, this is just visible on the surface…

The storms at sea are even more unpredictable, and the mysteries of the waters are profound. There are numerous hidden islands and clandestine sects.

Some islands are shrouded in storms, making them difficult for common folk to find. However, there are also occasions when people stumble upon them due to fate, discovering the way in.

Legends often tell of people who, after enduring storms, emerge on a wondrous island.

The island is filled with beautiful women, lakes of fine wine, heaps of exotic delicacies, and roads paved with gold and silver.

The inhabitants of the island welcome outsiders as esteemed guests.

Guests can freely enjoy all the island’s offerings, ensuring they depart contentedly.

However, there is one stipulation… if one chooses to remain on the island, all requests will be granted.

However, if one decides to leave, they must not take anything from the island.

If they do, they will surely perish at sea.

"Of course, this story is most likely just a legend," Mr. Zhan said with a smile. "Most of it is not credible. However… if such a place truly exists, it would be tempting to explore it. Oh, by the way, Chief Escort Su is a martial artist. There is a place in the South Sea that martial artists all wish to visit. If Chief Escort Su gets the chance to travel on the sea in the future, you might consider exploring it?"

"Oh?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "I would like to hear more."

"It is said that deep in the South Sea, there is a Southern Sea Martial God Temple.

"The exact location is known only to a select few.

"According to legend, during a specific time each year, emissaries depart from the island to search for the strongest martial artists in the South Sea, inviting them to the Southern Sea Martial God Temple as guests."

"On that island, the martial arts of all sects in the Southern Sea converge.

"If someone can stand out after undergoing the trials, they will have the opportunity to reside in the Southern Sea Martial Deity Temple and uncover all the martial arts mysteries of the Southern Sea.

"Some even say that if someone can obtain this inheritance, including the three major powers, Dragon King Hall, Ruins Island, and Southern Sea Alliance, all the sects and factions in the entire Southern Sea will surely acknowledge this person as their master, becoming the ruler of the entire Southern Sea."

Mr. Zhan said with a smile, "Chief Escort Su, does this stir your heart?

"Indeed, it does stir my heart somewhat."

Su Mo said with a smile, "I didn't expect such a wondrous place to exist in this world."

"Yes."

Mr. Zhan also sighed, "There are too many mysteries at sea, which often evoke longing, but those who can truly appreciate their allure are one in ten thousand."

Su Mo nodded, nodding in agreement.

After a few more exchanges with Mr. Zhan, he finally took his leave.

Clutching a brocade box containing a telescope, he returned to where the others from the escort agency were.

Naturally, this item also sparked curiosity at the escort agency.

Su Mo unlatched the box, and upon seeing it, Wei Ziyi widened her eyes:

"Telescope?"

"Miss Wei, you are indeed well-informed."

Su Mo glanced at Wei Ziyi, not particularly surprised.

Mr. Zhan, the shopkeeper, had already mentioned that this item was quite prevalent on the Southern Sea.

Although it was monopolized by many sects, it’s likely that some would still have leaked out.

Part of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance's operations are at sea. After all, Sunset City, being adjacent to the Southern Sea, had a natural geographical advantage.

Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that Wei Ziyi recognized this item.

"Cut the act."

Wei Ziyi frowned. "Where did you get this?"

Su Mo recounted his conversation with shopkeeper Zhan in brief.

Wei Ziyi frowned. "This shopkeeper Zhan is probably not an ordinary person... He’s right; this item exists at sea and is indeed monopolized by many sects.

"However, the situation is far more serious than you might think...

"This item is banned at sea, and possessing it privately can lead to death.

"Didn’t he tell you this?"

Su Mo was taken aback. "Really?"

"Why would the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, knowing about this item, fail to obtain it?

"In fact, this item has been registered in our alliance, and we’ve tried to have skilled craftsmen replicate it.

"However, every attempt failed, and the project was eventually shelved.

"Of course, don’t overthink it. He probably assumed that as a small chief escort of a security firm, you wouldn’t have the chance to set foot on the Southern Sea, so he didn’t mention it to you, lest he scare our esteemed Chief Escort Su and ruin the gesture of giving a gift."

Amid her sharp words, Wei Ziyi seized the opportunity to mock Su Mo, seeking revenge for the embarrassment she suffered that night when he saw her make a fool of herself.

Su Mo ignored her and put away the telescope, saying:

"Let’s not talk about this. Something seems to have happened with the Jiaolong Association... Brother Li, please ask the men to be extra cautious. I’m afraid the water route ahead may not be peaceful."

"Alright," Li the lead escort nodded, indicating his understanding.

Wei Ziyi asked for more details, and Su Mo explained honestly.

"Are we overthinking this?"

"We’ll see as we go."

Su Mo said, "If something has happened to make the Jiaolong Association mobilize all their forces, then this matter is significant. It’s likely that more than just the Jiaolong Association is involved."

"Hmm..."

Wei Ziyi nodded.

And as Su Mo had predicted, over the next few days, they passed by several water strongholds.

All were deserted, with only a few people left to guard the gates.

They ignored the boats traveling along the river.

After three days of travel, the territory of the Red Leaf Gang should be ahead.

That night, inside the cabin, Su Mo was meditating with his eyes closed when he suddenly felt the ship dip slightly and immediately opened his eyes.

A moment later, he heard shouts rising up.

Another voice shouted loudly:

"This waterway is temporarily closed. A significant event will occur ahead tomorrow. If you don’t want to get involved and risk your lives, it’s best to turn back now. Once the matter is resolved, you can make new plans."

The voice was loud and boisterous.

The voice sounded familiar to Su Mo, and after a moment's thought, he identified the speaker.

The others in the cabin, including Li the lead escort, were also awakened by the noise, opened their eyes, and instinctively looked at Su Mo.

Su Mo pondered for a moment and said to Li the lead escort and Fu Hanyuan, "You two stay and guard the cargo. I’ll go check it out..."

Wei Ziyi quickly volunteered.

Su Mo frowned but nodded and said to Fu Hanyuan, "Send someone to bring Little Situ to help watch over things."

"Understood."

Recently, Fu Hanyuan had been very obedient, so Su Mo temporarily promoted him.

It wasn’t a direct promotion from an assistant to an escort.

Instead, he was appointed as the leader of the assistants, able to issue minor, unimportant commands.

Fu Hanyuan was quite satisfied, feeling that his status had already been elevated even before completing the escort mission.

If this mission is completed, wouldn’t he become an escort leader?

For a moment, he felt extremely confident and motivated, believing that even as an assistant, there was great potential ahead.

The only regret was that despite his new status, he still had no horse to ride.

Meanwhile, Su Mo and Wei Ziyi had already left the cabin and reached the deck.

At that moment, the deck was crowded with people.

Looking up, before Su Mo could see who had arrived, he saw the river ahead, brightly lit.

In the distance, there were dozens of large ships.

With different flags, it was clear that the major bandits of the river had gathered at the Red Leaf Gang’s territory.

As they approached, they heard Mr. Zhan say with a smile:

"Heroes, greetings. We are just passing through. If there are any matters to settle, we will not hesitate. Please, let my small boat pass..."

"Are you not understanding?"

The voice of the rough man angrily said, "I’m not saying we won’t let you pass, it’s that no one can pass right now.

"A major incident is about to happen here. They are forming a ship formation right now. If you barge in, aren't you just stirring up a hornet's nest?

Just as these words were spoken, several voices angrily shouted:

'Nonsense, who are you calling dirt?'

The speaker was startled and impatiently waved his hand toward the river behind him, 'I wasn’t talking about you!'

Then he turned back and said, 'If you’re unwilling to return to Three Rivers Bay, then dock your ship and wait here for a day.

'We’ll see what fate holds for you. If you're lucky, you might have a chance to survive and sail down the river...

'If you're unlucky, you'll just die on this river.

'Hey... what's the saying? Good advice falls on deaf ears when fate has decided otherwise. I've already made everything clear. When the time comes to cry and beg, don't blame me for not warning you.'

Mr. Zhan was left stunned by these words, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

Then a voice coldly chuckled and said:

'What a big mouth, is this how the powerful in Eastern Wilderness always act so unreasonably?'

A black-clad man with a stern face stepped forward, 'We’ve done our best to speak reasonably. If you still don't make way, then let’s settle this with our fists.'

'Hmm?'

The man's face darkened, 'Fine, fine, fine. I’ve been operating on this river for many years, but today I’ve met a dragon crossing the river!

'Come, come, let me see how you plan to show me your moves.'

As these words fell, the sound of rushing wind was heard as several more people landed on the bow of the ship.

They glared coldly at Mr. Zhan and his group.

Realizing the situation, Mr. Zhan knew things weren't looking good.

As the saying goes, even a mighty dragon doesn’t crush the local snakes. The black-clad man next to him was indeed a highly skilled martial artist, but now that they were on someone else's turf, even a real dragon had to follow the rules.

At this moment, the verbal provocation had already crossed a line.

He immediately stepped forward to smooth things over:

'Heroes, heroes! My brother here spoke rashly. Please don’t take it personally. I'll apologize on his behalf. Please forgive us.'

'No way!'

The man who had spoken earlier said with a cold smile, 'On this river, we always prefer talking over fighting. It’s better to avoid unnecessary casualties. But today, we’ve encountered a dragon crossing the river, planning to show off on our turf?

'If this gets out, it won’t be easy to explain. Even if I could let him go like a passing wind, if this spreads, what will become of my reputation?

'If everyone starts thinking they can barge into my territory and act like a passing wind that I should just let go, should I or shouldn’t I?'

At this point, there seemed to be no room for maneuvering.

The black-clad man’s face turned pale, but he had his reservations about making a move. While dealing with the people on these ships wouldn’t be too difficult, there were simply too many people under those below...

The only option now was to capture the leader first."

If we can seize their leader, we will definitely be able to open a path to survival. But from then on, passing through here again will be extremely difficult.

For a moment, both sides were locked in a tense standoff, on the brink of conflict, when a voice rang out:

"Haha, I was wondering who was here in the middle of the night, chattering away like this.

"Ah, it's the chief of Xuanlong Water Village. It's been a while, how are you?"

As he spoke, a figure arrived with the wind, and in a flash, positioned himself between the two sides. He quickly scanned behind the chief and recognized many familiar faces.

Among the crowd were Zhuge Changtian of the Jiaolong Association and the leader of the Red Leaf Gang.

In the firelight, as the newcomer emerged, the three cried out in shock:

"Chief Escort Su!?"