Chapter 271

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Zhang Xiaohua was quite curious as he watched Xu Jiaotong’s uncertain expression, shifting between red and pale. He wanted to ask what was going on, but the people around him all seemed deeply apprehensive. As an outsider, how could he speak up? Even the Three Seas Flood Dragon King in front of him appeared somewhat awkward. Glancing at Qin Shiyue, who remained calm and smiling as usual, he quickly said: “Please, Lord Qin, a banquet has already been prepared at the residence to welcome your arrival.”

Qin Shiyue smiled and replied, “Please, Three Flood Dragon Kings, I quite enjoy the fine wine Jiaotong has brought. Tonight, I must drink to my heart’s content.”

As soon as the word “Jiaotong” left his lips, the North Sea Flood Dragon King Sui acted as if he hadn’t heard it, while the other two Flood Dragon Kings’ faces immediately showed surprise. They exchanged glances, and then their expressions turned to undisguised joy. The South Sea Flood Dragon King Xu even laughed heartily, saying: “Rest assured, Lord Qin! If you don’t get drunk tonight, this old man will be the first to make sure you do!”

Xu Jiaotong was not far from them. Hearing this, a faint blush appeared on her face, but soon after, a look of distress resurfaced.

None of them mounted their horses as they continued down the streets of the city, gradually moving farther away.

Once they had gone, a man with a gloomy expression stood atop the towering city walls, staring intently at their departing figures, his thoughts unknown.

Flood Dragon King Xu’s residence was in a rather remote area, surrounded by tranquility and sparse human presence. Seeing the unremarkable entrance to the manor, Zhang Xiaohua furrowed his brows. Even the gatehouse of the Lotus Escort Agency in Pingyang City was much grander than this. Was this truly where these so-called Flood Dragon Kings and sect leaders resided?

Flood Dragon King Xu led Qin Shiyue to the entrance, smiling as he explained: “Lord Qin, this is merely an establishment that the Three Seas Flood Dragon Palace acquired in Jingyue City. It’s quite modest—I hope you won’t find it laughable.”

Qin Shiyue smiled without commenting, while Zhang Xiaohua inwardly thought, That’s more like it! It really is quite shabby.

However, after stepping through the ordinary entrance, Flood Dragon King Xu led the group through a plain courtyard. Up ahead was a large hall. Zhang Xiaohua assumed it was the reception hall, but to his surprise, Flood Dragon King Xu turned right, passing through an arched doorway. Beyond it lay a vast garden with a stone pathway cutting through the middle. Zhang Xiaohua wondered, Are they trying to cultivate some refined tastes? Everyone’s hungry—it’d be better to just eat already.

But Xu Flood Dragon King didn’t stop in the garden. Instead, he led them through it and arrived at a small side gate. As they stepped through, Zhang Xiaohua was completely dumbfounded. Is this still a residence meant for people?

Beyond the side gate lay an enormous lake, surrounded by a vast expanse of shaded greenery. There were wide avenues, towering trees, lush green grass, and a dazzling array of colorful flowers. Rockeries and oddly shaped stones were scattered throughout. At the center of the lake was a small island, lined with rows of houses. Numerous small boats were moored along the lake’s edge. Flood Dragon King Xu led the group to the lakeshore, smiling as he said to Qin Shiyue: “Lord Qin, please don’t laugh at us. My brothers and I grew up in the water—we can’t go a single day without it. We never quite got used to living in ordinary residences, so we built this little pond ourselves. Whenever we have free time, we like to fool around in it—keeps our bones from rusting.”

This is a little pond?? Zhang Xiaohua nearly had his eyes pop out of his head.

Qin Shiyue, however, remained unfazed and simply said: “Flood Dragon King Xu certainly knows how to enjoy himself. If it were me, I wouldn’t have the patience for such things.”

He was well aware of the strength of the Three Seas Flood Dragon Palace—if they didn’t have such extravagant displays, that would have been surprising.

The method to reach the lake island was simple—by boat. But using a boat inside someone’s residence still felt rather strange to Zhang Xiaohua.

Once they arrived at the island, Zhang Xiaohua finally realized that this was where the Flood Dragon King Xu and the others actually lived. The houses on the lake island were tall and spacious. He couldn’t tell what materials they were made from, but they carried a faint, pleasant fragrance. The surroundings were even more impressive—whether it was the walls, the rooftops, the windows, or the doors, everything was adorned with intricate carvings. The place exuded an antique elegance and was clearly worth a fortune.

Qin Shiyue, who had a discerning eye, nodded approvingly as he observed his surroundings, clearly appreciating the craftsmanship. Flood Dragon King Xu laughed and said: “Lord Qin truly has good taste. This old man, on the other hand, just gets a headache looking at all this. No matter how I look at it, I can’t tell what’s good or bad. All I know is that it was built with silver, so it must be valuable!”

Qin Shiyue let out a hearty laugh and said: “Flood Dragon King Xu, you’re too modest! Taste is always built upon silver. Without silver as the foundation, how could there be any talk of taste at all?”

The North Sea Flood Dragon King Sui, chimed in: “Lord Qin, you’re absolutely right! I’ve always thought these painters don’t do a great job. What’s the point of painting peonies and sunflowers? Wouldn’t it be much more satisfying to have some spring palace scenes instead?”

Qin Shiyue was utterly stunned, standing there in disbelief. He knew that Flood Dragon King Sui was straightforward and outspoken, but he hadn’t expected this level of unfiltered speech. He glanced up and down at Flood Dragon King Sui’s burly frame, secretly ridiculing him in his heart, but outwardly, he praised: “High indeed, Flood Dragon King Sui! I never imagined your thinking would be so… unique. Truly admirable, a rare sight in this world!”

Flood Dragon King Sui was overjoyed upon hearing this and said: “So Brother Qin thinks the same way! In that case, I’ll have an artist come by tomorrow to make some changes. We’ve been looking at the same old paintings for years! Oh, right—Brother Qin, what do you think about adding an Old Man Pushing a Cart scene here?”

Qin Shiyue felt an icy chill run down his spine and thought to himself, Can you even push anything anymore?

However, he still maintained a smile and replied: “Well, large-scale renovations are always a demanding endeavor. It would be best for Flood Dragon King Sui to discuss it thoroughly with Flood Dragon King Xu and Flood Dragon King Li first.”

But when Sui Flood Dragon King turned to look at them, the other two wore expressions as cold as ice, glaring at him fiercely.

The conversation amused everyone present, but Zhang Xiaohua didn’t quite understand. Still, he was a curious child. Seeing Xu Jiaotong’s face completely flushed, he humbly stepped forward and asked: “Um, Miss Xu, may I ask… what exactly is Old Man Pushing a Cart? I’ve never seen such a painting before. Could you explain it to me?”

Xu Jiaotong’s face turned so red it seemed like blood would drip from it. She stomped her foot furiously and hurriedly walked past everyone, rushing straight into the hall.

The remaining people all gave Zhang Xiaohua knowing and ambiguous looks. Only Qin Shiyue glared at him fiercely and discreetly raised a middle finger. Zhang Xiaohua, however, had no idea whether this was a curse directed at him or a secret hint that he’d be getting his acupoints sealed and tortured later that night.

After finishing their tour, everyone finally entered the grand hall.

Inside, long banquet tables had already been arranged. At the very front, four main seats were set up, while two additional rows of tables lined each side of the hall. Flood Dragon King Xu invited Qin Shiyue to take the main seat. After a bit of polite refusal, Qin Shiyue finally accepted and sat at the host’s position. The Three Seas Flood Dragon Kings sat at the other three main tables to accompany him.

To the left, the higher-ranking seat was occupied by Ying Fei and Zhang Xiaohua, with Xu Jiaotong seated beside them. It seemed that she had already learned of Zhang Xiaohua’s identity and was worried that he might try to escape. Not daring to let him stray too far from Ying Fei, she had no choice but to sit there as well. The left row of tables was occupied by the leaders of the Seven Waters Sects, who were also present as guests.

Once everyone was seated, Flood Dragon King Xu cleared his throat and said: “Lord Qin, I hope you can forgive the reckless behavior of those present today.”

Qin Shiyue chuckled and replied: “Flood Dragon King Xu, you’re too polite. What do you mean by that?”

Flood Dragon King Xu glanced around at the people in the hall and said: “The Three Seas and Seven Waters have all received the Cult Master’s orders. Everything has been prepared and is ready for Qin Daren and Envoy Ying to collect. However, a few days ago, we also heard about the incident at the Ma family in Xinji Town involving Qin Daren. At that time, I happened to be handling matters between Jingyue City and Xinji Town.

I know that Qin Daren possesses formidable martial skills and fears no retaliation from the Heaven’s Way Alliance, but as the saying goes, ‘It is easy to avoid an open spear but difficult to guard against a hidden arrow.’ I was concerned that Qin Daren might fall victim to an ambush, so I considered personally going to escort you. However, my daughter, Jiaotong, came up with a different idea.

She reasoned that since the Heaven’s Way Alliance was some distance away, by the time they reacted and sent experts after Qin Daren, even if I brought a few men with me, we wouldn’t be able to hold them off. Instead, she suggested that I return to Jingyue City first and gather the Three Seas and Seven Waters brothers to receive you together. Meanwhile, she led a group ahead to scout the way and ensure your safety. Of course, she was merely responsible for arranging your travel and accommodations and gathering information. Fortunately, as expected, the Heaven’s Way Alliance did not immediately tear off all pretense of civility. Thus, Jiaotong continued her work behind the scenes without revealing herself to you.”

Hearing this, Qin Shiyue was deeply moved. He stood up from his seat and respectfully saluted everyone in the hall. “I am grateful to the Three Seas and Seven Waters brothers. Qin offers his sincere thanks once again.”

With that, he picked up his wine cup from the table and said: “For this first cup, allow me to be presumptuous and offer a toast to everyone. Thank you for your efforts in receiving me.”

Everyone responded that it was only right and raised their cups to drink.

Once Qin Shiyue sat down again, Flood Dragon King Xu continued: “Furthermore, my daughter also mentioned that Qin Daren has endured a long and exhausting journey. Since he needs to pass through the Three Seas and Seven Waters anyway, why not have us all gather together and present everything to Qin Daren at once? That way, Qin Daren can return to the Divine Cult as soon as possible and report back to the Cult Master.”

Qin Shiyue rose again, raising his cup toward Xu Jiaotong. “A heroine who does not yield to men! Miss Jiaotong, this cup is for you. Your thoughtful efforts, Qin gratefully accepts.”

Xu Jiaotong lifted her cup with a smile and glanced at Qin Shiyue. “Qin Daren is too kind.”

Qin Shiyue responded in a gentle voice: “If you do not mind, Miss Jiaotong, you may call me Xiaoyue!”

Whoosh! Zhang Xiaohua instantly broke out in a full-body shudder, his skin crawling with goosebumps.

Xu Jiaotong lowered her head in shyness and said softly: “T-then… if Qin Daren does not mind, you may call me Ah-Jiao.”

Zhang Xiaohua was stunned again. Why did that name sound so familiar?!

Qin Shiyue laughed heartily. “Very well, Ah-Jiao, let’s drink to that!”

Xu Jiaotong raised her cup in acknowledgment and downed it in one gulp, truly living up to her reputation of not yielding to men.

After they both sat down, Qin Shiyue smiled and said: “So, if I understand correctly, the items from the Three Seas and Seven Waters are all prepared?”

Flood Dragon King Xu hesitated slightly before replying: “Qin Daren, the items are indeed ready. However, because the brothers rushed to meet you as soon as possible, they did not carry everything with them. The goods are still en route via the waterways. At the fastest, they will arrive in a day; at the latest, within three days, they will certainly be here.”

Qin Shiyue wasn’t surprised and simply said: “That is already excellent. I had originally thought I would have to visit each of you one by one, but now, with all the heroes gathered here, I am spared a great deal of effort. Come, honored leaders, Qin offers a toast to you all!”