Chapter 221

Chapter 221: Change of Plans

That suddenly voiced sound both startled and delighted Lou Yun, who laughed heartily, "Heavenly Decree Leader! Seems you didn’t listen to me. Looks like you have no regard for this Alliance Head!"

The arrivals were naturally the four leaders of Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow. Though Lou Yun had instructed them at the dock to leave and not follow him, they hadn’t actually departed. Instead, they had hidden on one of the auxiliary ships, secretly accompanying him all the way here.

In truth, before entering the stormy sea, when Lou Yun’s group was throwing ropes, these four had almost revealed themselves. However, considering that the situation, while urgent, posed no real danger to Lou Yun, they restrained themselves and stayed hidden. Later, once inside the stormy sea, when Lou Yun was rescuing people, only the main ship was in peril. The people on the auxiliary ships were sheltering inside their cabins, completely unaware of events outside, so the four leaders didn’t appear then either. Yet, when they heard the crew recounting the incident afterward, they were terrified. Fortunately, Lou Yun was unharmed; otherwise, their dereliction would have been truly grave!

Right now, Lou Yun was immensely happy and excited, which was why he spoke those words intentionally, meant as a joke among companions. He certainly didn’t genuinely blame them. The Heavenly Decree Leader naturally understood this too. He laughed heartily, "Alliance Head, that accusation is far too severe for us to bear! However, disobeying your order is indeed fact. After we deal with these people before us, your four subordinates willingly await your punishment!"

"Punishment won’t be necessary. Today, the four of you shall redeem yourselves through meritorious action!"

"As you command!"

The four answered in unison and promptly joined the battle. With the addition of four heaven-level magical weapons masters, the opposing side’s numerical advantage became useless. In a short while, those who had charged out were all either dead or wounded, rendered incapable of further fighting.

The five large ships from the Tongyuan Commercial Association, which had been preparing to flee, naturally stayed put upon seeing this situation. Instead, they simply crowded at their prows to watch the spectacle, occasionally bursting into cheers and applause, thoroughly enjoying themselves and having a visual feast!

Only a dozen or so fighters remained capable of fighting from the Qiu family forces. Naturally, they weren’t foolish enough to charge forward and fight Lou Yun’s group to the death. The steward, though himself an earth-level magical weapons master, certainly wasn’t going to lead a suicidal charge in such circumstances. He merely stood on the ship’s prow, watching the one-sided defeat before him, the muscles in his face twitching, yet unable to utter a single word.

Lou Yun stood atop the Dream Emperor Sword. Flickering electrical light danced along the blade, creating an eerie visual effect. It also radiated an intimidating presence, akin to a thunder god treading upon lightning.

"I told you, many want my life," Lou Yun’s voice carried threads of chill. "Yet, I still live well!"

The steward’s eyes revealed both terror and rage. His anger stemmed from the thought – why hadn’t his family’s young mistress mentioned the presence of four heaven-level magical weapons masters alongside Lou Yun? Without those four, the day’s outcome would have been entirely different! Now, however, he faced imminent danger. Admittedly, this couldn’t truly be blamed on Qiu Ruomei. She knew these four heavenly-level experts existed, but she had personally heard Lou Yun command them not to follow, and she had also witnessed Lou Yun boarding the ship alone while the four experts remained behind. Therefore, she hadn’t disclosed anything about the heavenly-level masters.

At this moment, the Heavenly Decree Leader suddenly whispered softly into Lou Yun’s ear, "Alliance Head, the Qiu family’s deeds are truly excessive. Leaving them alive would only lead to trouble later. Even if we don’t return to the sea, the Tongyuan Commercial Association people must travel here long-term. What if the Qiu family sought to harm them then? Surely that wouldn’t be ideal?"

Lou Yun’s heart stirred. He looked at the Heavenly Decree Leader, paused for a moment, then smiled faintly, "What are you getting at?"

"Heh heh!" Seeing Lou Yun’s expression, the Heavenly Decree Leader knew his meaning was understood. He bowed slightly, "Your subordinate merely offers a suggestion. The final decision rests entirely with you, Alliance Head!"

Lou Yun understood the Heavenly Decree Leader’s implication – that he should emulate the Qiu family: uproot the weed completely, kill them all without exception. The Qiu family’s methods genuinely disgusted and infuriated him. He pondered briefly, then met the Heavenly Decree Leader’s gaze again, "If we truly intend to uproot them, we’d have to go to Shuotai Island."

The Heavenly Decree Leader smiled faintly, "Alliance Head, I feel that if our Divine Weapon Alliance could establish a foothold within the sea region, it would be an excellent choice for both expanding our alliance and strengthening its protection! Moreover, it might well allow us to secure a place for ourselves within these waters!"

Securing a place within the sea region – this notion had genuinely never crossed Lou Yun’s mind before. But now, hearing the Heavenly Decree Leader say it, he truly felt a stirring of interest! Vast, boundless seas… if he could occupy an island, gradually develop and bolster his power, or even relocate his family to such an island – it promised remarkable security!

"What’s your name?" Lou Yun demanded, looking at the steward.

The steward was someone who knew how to judge the situation. Arguing with Lou Yun under these circumstances would be utter foolishness. After only a slight hesitation, he answered, "Mei Yuanmu."

Hearing he didn’t bear the Qiu surname meant he wasn’t a member of the Qiu family. Lou Yun pressed on, "What is your relationship to the Qiu family?"

"I serve as a steward in the Qiu household," Mei Yuanmu now answered every question put to him.

"How far is Shuotai Island from here?"

"Not far. With smooth sailing, we can arrive in three days."

"How many magical weapons masters remain on Shuotai Island?"

"Most of Shuotai Island’s magical weapons masters are before you now. Though some remain on the island, they pose no threat to you all!"

Mei Yuanmu, having attained the position of steward in the Qiu family, possessed keen insight. From Lou Yun’s questions, he instantly grasped Lou Yun’s intentions. He was merely a steward; he owed the Qiu family no allegiance worthy of sacrificing his life. In fact, he now secretly hoped Lou Yun would eradicate the Qiu family. At least that way, he might avoid punishment upon returning.

Lou Yun glanced at the Heavenly Decree Leader. The latter watched him with a knowing smile in his eyes. Clearly, he understood this was a decision Lou Yun needed to make for himself. Lou Yun truly wanted to destroy the Qiu family. However, another thought struck him: getting there would take three days. Factor in an inevitable one or two-day stay on Shuotai Island, and the round trip would consume seven or eight days. The Tongyuan Commercial Association couldn’t possibly wait here for him that long. How would he reach Biko Island afterward?

After thinking for a moment, Lou Yun continued to ask, "Mei Yuanmu, how long have you lived at sea?"

"Nearly ten years!"

"Then you should be very familiar with the sea conditions, right?"

"Reasonably so!"

"Do you know Biko Island?"

"I do!"

"How long would it take to get from Shuotai Island to Biko Island?"

"A month and a half at most!"

Mei Yuanmu’s answer satisfied Lou Yun greatly, and from Lou Yun’s questions, Mei Yuanmu saw a flicker of hope—the hope of his own survival!

Lou Yun then turned to look at Wen Hou and Tie Sha and said, "I want to go to Shuotai Island for a trip. What about you?"

Wen Hou replied with a smile, "Of course, we’ll come with you!"

"Good!"

Lou Yun laughed heartily and said to Mei Yuanmu, "First, clean up this place. Wait for me to return, and we’ll go to Shuotai Island with you!"

"Yes!"

At that moment, Mei Yuanmu had already regarded Lou Yun as his future new master. In order to survive, he absolutely wanted to make a good impression in front of Lou Yun.

Lou Yun and Wen Hou, along with the other two, rode their magical weapons and flew toward the Main Ship, leaving Heavenly Decree Leader and the other three to monitor Mei Yuanmu and his group.

Since Lou Yun had decided to follow Mei Yuanmu to Shuotai Island, he naturally had to part ways with the people of Tongyuan Commercial Association. So, he had to go back to bid them farewell and also bring Shui Lingluo along.

When they arrived at the Main Ship, Zhao Zhanpeng and the others immediately gathered around to ask about the situation. Upon hearing that it had been resolved, they were overjoyed and thrilled.

Right after that, Lou Yun announced his departure. Upon hearing this, the joy that had just surged through the crowd was immediately replaced by silence.

Although they hadn’t known Lou Yun and his companions for very long, Lou Yun and his group had saved their lives several times on the ship. Moreover, despite Lou Yun’s high status, he had no arrogance at all, so everyone adored being with them. Now, upon hearing that Lou Yun was leaving, they were naturally reluctant to part.

Zhao Zhanpeng, after all, was the captain. Though equally reluctant, he quickly smiled, extended his arm, and gave Lou Yun a strong pat on the shoulder, saying, "Brother Lou, as long as you respect me and respect our Tongyuan Commercial Association, then from now on, we are your friends. You’re welcome to visit us anytime!"

That said, Zhao Zhanpeng knew full well in his heart that after this separation, the chance of meeting again would be extremely slim—even non-existent in this lifetime.

Some more emotionally fragile crew members, especially those youths whom Lou Yun and Wen Hou had helped carry cargo before, had even started shedding tears.

Lou Yun looked at everyone, naturally feeling a bit reluctant himself. But then his eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily, saying, "Everyone, the reason I’m leaving is to confront the Qiu family on Shuotai Island. Once we deal with the Qiu family, I plan to take over Shuotai Island! Ha ha, I suppose you all know about Shuotai Island. Once it’s done, I’ll welcome you to visit anytime!"

Hearing this, everyone showed astonishment, but mixed with delight: "Really? You’re going to Shuotai Island?"

"That’s wonderful! We know Shuotai Island—it’s not far from our shipping route!"

"Exactly! It only takes two or three days to get there!"

"Then maybe we can go to Shuotai Island whenever we want in the future!"

Lou Yun nodded with a smile, thinking to himself, it was all thanks to Heavenly Decree Leader’s suggestion that he had made so many new friends.

At that moment, Cai San Gong also walked over and said, "Brother Lou, should I come with you?"

Lou Yun thought it over. Since Mei Yuanmu knew the way, he didn’t need to bring Cai San Gong along. After all, his trip to Biko Island was to keep an appointment and would surely be dangerous. Cai San Gong’s cultivation level was too low, so bringing him might leave no extra effort to look after him later.

"San Gong, I’ve found someone to guide me. You just go with Captain Zhao’s ship. Once I settle down on Shuotai Island, I’ll send someone to find you and bring you to the island!"

Cai San Gong was actually reluctant to part with Lou Yun and the others, but he also knew his own capabilities—if he followed them, he couldn’t help at all and might even cause trouble. So he nodded and said, "Alright, I’ll wait for you in Xinghai Village then!"

"Don’t worry!" Lou Yun smiled slightly. "San Gong, I’ll give you a small gift!"