Chapter 316

Chapter 316: Entering the Ghost Sea by Boat

The smile on the middle-aged man’s face appeared sincere and friendly, yet Lou Yun’s attention was largely fixed on the qin beneath his feet. As a skilled weapon maker, Lou Yun held far greater interest than others in common weapons. Most of his creations were mundane items like knives and swords. Crafting a qin, however, required mastery of musical theory. The instrument itself was entirely yellow, its body carved with large blossoms of white peonies. This created an incongruous impression against the man’s appearance, as few men chose floral carvings for their common weapons.

Though the people of the Nine Clans possess unique internal energy restrictions that prevent spiritual detection from others, such restrictions don’t apply to their weapons. Therefore, when Lou Yun swept his spiritual sense over the qin, he discerned its grade to be at least of the Earth level.

The middle-aged man smiled and asked, “Could it be that Clan Head Lou has arrived?”

Lou Yun also offered a slight smile in return. “Indeed, I am Lou Yun. You must be from the Huangfu Family?”

“So it is Clan Head Lou! Haha! What an honor for the Huangfu Family that you grace us with your presence! I am Huangfu Le!”

Lou Yun nodded. “I was invited by a member of your esteemed family named Huangfu En. I’ve come here to keep the appointment.”

“Ah!” Huangfu Le chuckled. “I know. Our Huangfu Family assigns someone to await your esteemed arrival here daily. To think I am the one fortunate enough to meet you today! Does Clan Head Lou have any companions? If so, please bring them forth. I shall guide you all into our Huangfu estate.”

“There are just the two of us. Your assistance is appreciated, Brother Huangfu!”

This remark caused Huangfu Le’s brow to furrow slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Lou Yun, having traveled thousands of miles to the Ghost Sea in response to the Huangfu Family’s invitation, had brought only a single companion – his audacity was truly immense!

After speaking, Lou Yun urgently sent a mental message to Gui You Quan: “Uncle Ghost, you’ve seen the nature of the Ghost Sea waters—even a feather sinks. Is there a way you can make this boat navigate safely within?”

Having settled on his course of action, Lou Yun’s earlier hope for cordially resolving any animosity with the Huangfu Family had significantly dwindled. He intended to face the Huangfu Family with an attitude both dignified and subtly assertive. Achieving the impossible—sailing a vessel into the feared waters of the Ghost Sea—would unquestionably shock the Huangfu members.

Gui You Quan’s reply was utterly simple: “Yes.”

With Gui You Quan’s assurance, Lou Yun naturally relaxed. Huangfu Le had already turned, preparing to enter the Ghost Sea. However, seeing that Lou Yun hadn’t summoned a weapon and remained standing on the deck, Huangfu Le turned back again. “Clan Head Lou, I presume you are aware of the Ghost Sea’s peculiar properties?”

Lou Yun knew precisely what he was implying but feigned ignorance. He nodded lightly. “Aware, yes.”

“Then I must request that Clan Head temporarily abandon your vessel. Use magical or common weapons to fly above the sea and follow me into the Ghost Sea.”

“Chuckle. No need for concern, Brother Huangfu. Lead the way freely,” Lou Yun responded with a deliberate, enigmatic smile.

This answer genuinely startled Huangfu Le. Lou Yun’s implication was clear: he intended to pilot his small boat directly into the treacherous waters where even a feather couldn’t float.

Huangfu Le’s surprise lasted only a moment before resolve hardened within him. So, young friend, you start seeing yourself as important just because I called you ‘Clan Head’ a few times? Barely two people attend your supposed summit, and now you want to sail into the Ghost Sea? Fine, let’s see how you keep this boat from sinking to the bottom!

Keeping these thoughts hidden, Huangfu Le plastered on another false smile. “In that case, Clan Head Lou, do proceed with utmost caution!”

Ignoring him, Lou Yun addressed Gui You Quan. “Uncle Ghost, the task is yours.”

Only then did Huangfu Le turn back. A yellow light radiated from the peony-inlaid qin beneath his feet, propelling him directly towards the heart of the Ghost Sea.

The instant Huangfu Le moved, Lou Yun felt the boat shudder. Under Gui You Quan’s control, their small vessel finally broke onto the surface of the Ghost Sea.

In waters incapable of supporting even the weight of a single feather, not only did the small boat refuse to sink, it advanced smoothly and rapidly into the Ghost Sea’s depths.

Though the sea responded to the vessel’s presence, with numerous whirlpools churning to life on the surface, the small boat paid them no mind. It cut through the spiraling currents as effortlessly as slicing paper.

When Huangfu Le glanced back and witnessed this scene, his eyes nearly popped from their sockets. He could scarcely believe that Lou Yun’s little boat was truly sailing upon the water’s surface – and doing so at a speed matching his own flight via weapon!

This… this is impossible! Huangfu Le screamed inwardly. Generations of the Huangfu Family had resided within the Ghost Sea. They had experimented countless times, designing numerous vessel types, all striving to achieve navigation on its surface. Yet they had never succeeded! And now Lou Yun, clearly a first-time visitor, accomplished this feat with jarring ease!

Shock warred with intense scrutiny within Huangfu Le. He focused on the boat’s movement, desperately seeking the secret of its buoyancy. A possibility surfaced: perhaps Lou Yun and his companion were using their spiritual energy to fly the boat, treating it as their weapon.

This conjecture was swiftly discarded. Huangfu Le witnessed the boat’s hull maintain clear contact with the churning sea. Spray crashed onto the sides as it cut through the waves. This was no flight; the vessel sailed on the water.

Observing the pair, Lou Yun remained composed, standing leisurely at the bow, hands clasped behind his back. Uncle Ghost, however, raised his palms intermittently, channeling bursts of immense power that propelled the boat forward.

After prolonged observation, Huangfu Le detected nothing extraordinary. The boat itself was mundane. The method of propulsion was similarly unremarkable. Outside the Ghost Sea, Huangfu Le was confident he could achieve the same effect using his own energy to push a vessel. But here…

As Huangfu Le kept twisting around, his expression shifting constantly, Lou Yun inwardly laughed. You cannot possibly fathom the depths of Gui You Quan’s power!

Gui You Quan’s method was, in reality, quite simple. As he chopped his palms down, unleashing colossal surges of power, he simultaneously harnessed a portion of that overwhelming force to stabilize the boat’s underbelly. This invisible platform forcefully disrupted the whirlpools determined to drag everything into the depths.

Essentially, nothing could float on the Ghost Sea because its waters spontaneously generated voracious whirlpools. These whirlpools exerted irresistible suction, drawing objects of all sizes down. Larger objects prompted more numerous and powerful vortices of doom.

Gui You Quan utilized his incredibly potent and nearly monstrous energy to overcome this colossal, natural magnetism. He wrestled directly with the physical laws of the sea. The outcome stated the victor clearly: Gui You Quan.

It was also fortunate that Shi Renyong had prepared such a small craft. A larger vessel might have exceeded the capacity of Gui You Quan’s phenomenal strength.

The Ghost Sea was treacherous, dotted with jagged rocks. As they ventured deeper, these obstacles multiplied, the gaps between them narrowing perilously. The narrowest passages permitted passage only for a single small vessel.

Even within safe waters, this route would be challenging. The slightest lapse in judgment risked a devastating collision. Yet Gui You Quan navigated as though blind to the looming rocks. He guided the little boat like a butterfly, dancing through the narrow passes with stunning flexibility and unyielding speed!

Moments ago, Huangfu Le had been consumed by disbelief and disdain, anticipating Lou Yun’s humiliation. Now, witnessing the impossible voyage firsthand, he couldn’t help but feel a profound stirring of reluctant respect.

Members of the Huangfu Family lived permanently on this sea. For recreation, they often flew around or between the surrounding rocks using magical and common weapons, testing their piloting skills. Years of practice endowed them with perfect familiarity; they could navigate with eyes closed. Yet, even they dared not push their speed limits.

Gui You Quan and Lou Yun, mere first-time visitors, not only traversed this route – they traversed it by driving a boat, and at this terrifying speed. It demanded acknowledgment.

Thus, the trio progressed: one ahead in the air, two following on the water. After the duration it takes to drink a cup of tea, they finally penetrated the deepest reaches of the Ghost Sea. Here rested an island of considerable size.

As they approached, Huangfu Le ceased his flight. Turning, he addressed Lou Yun. “Clan Head Lou, here lies the foundation of our Huangfu Family!”

Lou Yun nodded but hadn’t yet spoken when the boat suddenly bucked violently. Startled, he looked down to see that Gui You Quan had intentionally piloted the vessel directly onto the island shore! This deliberate act ensured the boat wouldn’t plummet into the Ghost Sea once Gui You Quan’s supportive power ceased.

Smiling faintly at the dumbstruck Huangfu Le, Lou Yun said, “Brother Huangfu, might you now notify your esteemed Clan Head?”

Huangfu Le was indeed stunned speechless by the maneuver. Who lands a boat on an island? Hearing Lou Yun, he scrambled to recover: “G-Good. Our Clan Head was previously unaware of your arrival today; preparations for your welcome were incomplete. Please wait here briefly, Clan Head Lou. I shall inform our Clan Head immediately.”

With a hurried bow to Lou Yun, he soared off towards the island atop his qin.

Since the boat was already on solid ground, lingering aboard seemed awkward. Lou Yun and Gui You Quan both stepped off the vessel onto the land. They began surveying the island that had been home to the Huangfu Family for untold years.