Free Web NovelChapter 851: Chapter 105: Compared to Linzi
After the incident with the master from Diao Hai Building, Jiang Wang temporarily halted his journey on Little Crescent Island. free𝑤ebnovel.com
Zhao Wuyan, having been duped once, seemed to have become enlightened and relaxed his grip on cultivation, spending his days enjoying the scenery and entertainment. Xu Xiangqian still doggedly followed him, pestering every day.
Li Longchuan, while handling the affairs of his family’s Near Sea Archipelago, inevitably found himself co-opted into various endeavors from time to time.
Jiang Wang, however, refused to go out at all, not wanting to be used by Xu Xiangqian as a "bargaining chip."
He simply announced that he was going into seclusion, but in reality, he was both cultivating and waiting for the arrival of Zhongxuan Sheng and Jiang Wuyou.
During these days spent observing the Near Sea Archipelago, he exchanged letters continuously with Zhongxuan Sheng, and the plan for rescuing Zhu Bijing was overturned and replayed time and again.
The arrangements that could be made by Linzi were complete, and by now, everyone should almost be gathering at sea, making final preparations.
Descending from the Discussion Platform, Jiang Wang ended his cultivation in the Taixu Illusion Realm for the day.
He only made it to rank seventy-seven in the Inner Mansion Realm because he didn’t use his Divine Skills or his unique Dao Techniques. Moreover, he devoted more time to exploring the Inner Mansion itself.
He wished to find his second secret hideaway before the ocean sacrifice began, but this was not a matter to be rushed. The hideaways he came across weren’t to his liking, so he had to let them pass gently by.
The fifteenth of March had already slipped by during his cultivation, and his blessed land ranking slid once more, from Mount Lun down to Mao Gong Altar.
The anticipated change in the Taixu Illusion Realm had yet to occur, but it was gradually drawing closer.
This was the sensation the "blessed land" imparted to him; perhaps because he never truly "owned" the blessed land, he did not receive clearer guidance.
Jiang Wuyou arrived at Little Crescent Island on the twentieth of March. Zhongxuan Sheng had diverted to Eternal Winter Island and had not accompanied him.
By coincidence, Yan Fu, who had been wandering the Near Sea, was also set to return to the island on that day.
Or perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence.
Before coming to Little Crescent Island, Yan Fu had sent word ahead to inform a few people, but his straightforward and honest friends, whether forgetful or not, had not reminded him that Jiang Wuyou was also present on the island.
Holding a banquet to welcome Jiang Wuyou at Chunfeng Tower certainly wasn’t appropriate, and places like tea houses were too quiet, unsuitable for such a reception.
In the end, it was decided to hold it at Sanwei Zhai.
The name might seem related to Jiang Wang’s Samadhi True Fire, but in fact, it is completely different, coming from "Reading the classics tastes like grains, reading history tastes like dishes, reading from the Hundred Schools of Thought tastes like vinegar and pickles."
Sanwei Zhai was thus named to poetically compare the beauty of literature to the flavors of food.
The most famous offering here was the seafood feast.
The attendees included Jiang Wuyou, Jiang Wang, Li Longchuan, Xu Xiangqian, Zhao Wuyan, Zi Shu, and Yang Liu.
Everyone was seated two by two, with a food stand in front of each, where an array of seafood was delicately arranged.
Yang Liu felt somewhat out of place among the banqueters, but in recent times, he had determinedly decided to challenge Xu Xiangqian, refusing to allow Xu Xiangqian any opportunity to be alone with Zhao Wuyan.
Jiang Wang even declined his participation under the pretense of being short on funds, but he immediately offered to pay his own way. If Jiang Wang and the others were hosting a banquet in this hall, he would take care of the adjoining banquet hall.
Through repeated "clashes" with Xu Xiangqian, Yang Liu’s skin had visibly thickened, and overall, he was quickly growing.
In the end, they all joined the banquet in an awkwardly unembarrassed manner.
As for the plan to rescue Zhu Bijing, for the time being, it remained a private matter discussed only among Jiang Wang, Jiang Wuyou, and Zhongxuan Sheng. Therefore, the banquet conversation was limited to various marine experiences.
Jiang Wuyou talked about a Sea Beast losing control on the way there. Jiang Wang also mentioned that he had encountered one and had personally slain it. freewebnoveℓ.com
Yang Liu immediately took over the conversation, "The recent incidents of sea beasts going out of control have indeed become more frequent. We at Diao Hai Building have noticed and have arranged for an investigation. The results will be out soon."
The implication was clear, the people of Qi Country needn’t worry too much about it.
However, Jiang Wuyou seemed not to catch the implication, "Then, in your personal opinion, what do you think might be the cause?"
She was fully aware of Yang Liu’s identity as a true disciple of Diao Hai Building and her question was very direct.
Yang Liu shook his head, "We cannot jump to conclusions about this matter. We need to wait for a thorough investigation before we can provide an accurate statement."
Although he appeared somewhat immature in the pursuit of Zhao Wuyan and dealing with Xu Xiangqian, he was certainly not foolish. When it came to sect affairs, he was very tight-lipped.
Jiang Wuyou was unconcerned and turned to ask, "Miss Zhao, what do you think?"
Zhao Wuyan did not demur and after a moment’s thought, she responded, "The methods of controlling sea beasts were created many years ago, and it might be time for an overhaul."
She did not speculate on the immediate causes of the frequent incidents of sea beast control loss but pointed out a fundamental issue instead.
As for whether the loss of control was due to some kind of evolution among the sea beasts themselves, or the ulterior motives of certain forces, or it being tied to the Sea Clan, she avoided discussing all of that. Yet, everything was implied without being said.
She was impressively astute.
Li Longchuan took over the conversation, "Speaking of which, we at Binghuang Island do have a sea beast, but the control method is different from the one reported by Diao Hai Building. I wonder whether it has been breached. I also wonder what the causes behind the frequent loss of control of sea beasts are and whether it will bring about bigger turmoil."
At this point in the conversation, as a cultivator from Diao Hai Building, Yang Liu could no longer pretend to be unaware and could only say, "In fact, we at Diao Hai Building have some clues. I cannot say much about the specifics, but we will have it handled by mid-April for sure."
After saying that, without waiting for anyone to ask further, he turned to look at Jiang Wuyou, "I have yet to ask your highness, the son of a thousand gold, why risk the seas in person? This place is prosperous, but surely it cannot compare to Linzi."
"Linzi is indeed incomparable, but it has its own charms," Jiang Wuyou did not mind whether he was being sarcastic or not and took everything at face value. Sitting there, she exuded a natural air of valiance, "I ventured to sea this time, firstly, to take care of some matters on JueMing Island, and secondly, to attend and observe the maritime ritual. Why, does Brother Yang have any advice?"
Among the people present, she and Li Longchuan had the most similar temperament, both displaying martial prowess. Li Longchuan came from a military clan aristocratic family, and Jiang Wuyou’s foundation also lay within the military.
Among the three great palace masters of Qi Country, besides the Crown Prince, Jiang Wuyou relied more on military power, Jiang Wuqi on political power, and Jiang Wuji on the support of the imperial clan’s power. They each stood firmly and competed with one another.
Yang Liu immediately smiled, "How dare I speak to your highness like that? Your participation in the maritime ritual is most welcomed by everyone at Diao Hai Building!"
"Your welcome isn’t necessary," Jiang Wuyou said with a light laugh, "The maritime ritual is an event for the entire Near Sea Archipelago, not exclusive to any one family. We on JueMing Island will also participate. It’s better if it’s busier with everyone involved."
The matter at hand was still an issue of priority.
Diao Hai Building was clearly not willing to have its position as the leading maritime power challenged, yet it could not completely cut off Qi Country’s influence. They could only watch as the Eastern Region supremacy expanded bit by bit.
Diao Hai Building aimed to retain its naval hegemony, while Qi Country, having solidified its position as the Eastern Region’s dominant force, also sought the naval status Yang Country held in the past.
The two parties formed an alliance due to the Sea Clan and the war in Lost World, but their competition never ceased.
It had never stopped in the past, it hadn’t stopped now, and would not halt until one side completely surrendered.
Yang Liu pursed his lips, about to say something.
Suddenly, a voice traveled in from outside the hall.
The emotions within the voice were carefree and unrestrained, revealing a very good mood of its owner.
"Brother Jiang, have these days been... enjoyable."
Yan Fu’s footsteps were light as he entered the banquet hall, his cheerful tone gradually weakened, "Have I met... your highness?"
