Chapter 272

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Qin Shiyue was truly pleased with the arrangements made by the South Sea Flood Dragon King. On this trip, aside from the Shaolin Temple’s cauldron, his main focus was on the Three Seas and Seven Waters. The territories controlled by the Three Seas and Seven Waters were vast, and anything they could provide would surely meet the Cult Master’s requirements. However, precisely because the territory was so extensive, Qin Shiyue had many places to travel. Fortunately, these regions were all accessible via waterways, so he did not mind the hardship—it was merely a matter of time consumption. With Flood Dragon King Xu’s arrangements, much of his trouble was eliminated. Now, he only needed to wait in Jingyue City, effortlessly accomplishing this arduous task. Such an easy and advantageous situation was naturally something he was happy to accept.

Moreover, regardless of how skilled the Flood Dragon Kings of the Three Seas and the leaders of the Seven Waters were in martial arts, their vast network of subordinates could at least provide detailed information about the Jianghu. This was far better than him and Ying Fei wandering around like the blind and deaf. Additionally, with the support of the Three Seas and Seven Waters, if the Heaven’s Way Alliance intended to make a move against him, they would have to think twice before acting.

Thus, Qin Shiyue’s toast was genuinely sincere. The Three Flood Dragon Kings and the leaders of the Seven Waters all stood up, raising their cups and saying: “Qin Daren, you have endured a long journey. This is only what we should do. Please.” The gathering erupted in laughter as they all raised their cups and drank.

After three rounds of toasts and five courses of dishes, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Everyone had only heard of Qin Shiyue by reputation. As high-ranking disciples of the Divine Cult, figures like him usually remained within the sect to cultivate and rarely involved themselves in Jianghu affairs. If not for the exceptional nature of the current situation, he might not have even been dispatched. The leaders present were all shrewd individuals, well aware that this was a rare opportunity. Once the formalities were completed, they seized the chance to draw closer to Qin Shiyue.

Qin Shiyue, too, was in high spirits and welcomed everyone warmly, conversing with ease and amiability. Seeing him so approachable, the gathered leaders were even more delighted. Before arriving, they had heard many rumors about him, speculating that he was a ruthless and merciless figure, making them wary of dealing with him. But now, it seemed that Jianghu gossip was not entirely reliable. Besides, they had always believed in the principle: Treat enemies like the autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, but treat friends with the warmth of a spring breeze. And wasn’t Qin Shiyue the perfect embodiment of this philosophy?

As a result, the various leaders held Qin Shiyue in even higher regard and became even more eager in their toasts. Even Xu Jiaotong, emboldened by the atmosphere, stepped forward to offer a few cups. However, after toasting, she made a remark that amused everyone present. Xu Jiaotong said: “This wine is smooth and sweet upon entry, but its aftereffects are strong. Qin Daren, you should drink in moderation and not overindulge.”

In her concern, Xu Jiaotong had forgotten that everyone at the gathering was deeply proficient in internal arts. If they ever became intoxicated, they could simply circulate their inner energy to expel the alcohol from their bodies. How could they possibly suffer from the effects of overdrinking?

Qin Shiyue nodded and said: “I understand, A’Jiao.”

The name “A’Jiao” slipped out naturally, making Xu Jiaotong blush as she shyly retreated to her seat.

After drinking for a while longer, Qin Shiyue found a moment to ask Flood Dragon King Xu: “Flood Dragon King Xu, there is something I’d like to ask. I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to bring it up.”

Flood Dragon King Xu chuckled and said: “Qin Daren, just speak freely. There’s nothing inappropriate when talking to this old man.”

Qin Shiyue glanced at Xu Jiaotong, who had furrowed her brows slightly, then asked: “That Commander Murong at the city gate earlier—what’s his story?”

Flood Dragon King Xu thought for a moment before replying: “It’s actually quite amusing. Qin Daren, you should know that Jingyue City is a key passage to the sea. The Seven Waters converge here before flowing into the ocean, and that ocean is our South Sea—my territory. Though the South Sea Flood Dragon Palace is deep within the sea, we still needed a foothold at this critical hub. So, we have been operating here for many years, and this manor has been established for quite some time.

Jingyue City is of great importance to Jianghu sects like ours, but it is even more critical to the government. The authorities have stationed a considerable military presence here. Leaving aside other matters, what concerns us most is Jingyue City’s naval forces. This navy commands a fleet of a hundred warships and thousands of sailors, led by a General surnamed Lu. Under him, there are more than a dozen commanders, each overseeing their respective battalions. That Commander Murong is one of them.”

“In truth, if we were to compare strength alone, our South Sea Flood Dragon Palace might not necessarily lose to them. However, they are, after all, an official military force with the backing of the government. That’s why, whether in the South Sea region or within Jingyue City, we generally avoid direct conflict with them. If disputes arise, we endure when we can and avoid trouble when possible. We have no desire to create unnecessary complications. Besides, our Flood Dragon Palace has been entrenched here for many years. Our influence runs deep—even within the navy, we have our own people. The government is well aware of this, yet they usually don’t provoke us. Both sides maintain a peaceful coexistence.”

“But this Commander Murong is an anomaly. He’s not a local—he came here following his seventh uncle-in-law, who is now the garrison commander of Jingyue City. Thanks to this connection, he secured a decent position within the navy. Our South Sea Flood Dragon Palace’s affairs in Jingyue City are usually handled by Jiaotong. Ever since she met this Commander Murong two years ago, that scoundrel has been obsessed with her, harboring improper thoughts. Jiaotong was left with no choice and even asked other commanders to dissuade him, but he refused to listen and continued pestering her. In the end, I personally paid a visit to General Lu and conveyed Jiaotong’s sentiments. But do you know what that Murong fellow said?”

Qin Shiyue was intrigued. “What did he say?”

“That scoundrel actually told General Lu, ‘Romance between men and women is a natural thing. General, you should focus on military affairs—why interfere with a good match?’ General Lu was left utterly speechless. But since Murong’s uncle-in-law is the city’s garrison commander, ranking half a step higher than General Lu, the general simply reported the matter to me with a wry smile. After further inquiries, I found out that this Commander Murong is… well, a bit of a simpleton—one who cannot be judged by common sense.

In any case, Jingyue City is just a foothold for the South Sea Flood Dragon Palace. Though it’s important, it doesn’t require Jiaotong to be stationed here all the time. So, for the past few years, she’s followed the strategy of avoidance—staying away whenever possible. Even when she does come, she arrives and departs quietly, ensuring he doesn’t notice.”

Qin Shiyue nodded. This was indeed a troublesome matter. As the saying goes, ‘The county magistrate is no match for the local enforcer.’ The navy in Jingyue City was a natural counterforce to the South Sea Flood Dragon Palace, so avoiding unnecessary conflict was the wisest course. Maintaining harmony was key!

Flood Dragon King Xu continued: “Still, Jingyue City ultimately belongs to the government. Even if this Commander Murong is a fool, he has his own group of subordinates. The soldiers you saw at the city gate today are of high caliber, and he also has strategists among his ranks offering him counsel. Several times, Jiaotong came to Jingyue City, only for him to receive word in advance and block her at the gates, loudly demanding to propose marriage. Left with no alternative, Jiaotong had to claim that I was away from the city and that she could not accept without parental approval. That finally shut him up. And wouldn’t you know it—today was just bad luck. He happened to be at the city gate, still running his mouth about proposing marriage. If not for the fact that I rarely appear in public and he doesn’t recognize me, he might’ve dropped to his knees on the spot, claiming kinship!”

These words were spoken in a playful manner, clearly making fun of the “Two,” causing Qin Shiyue and the other two Flood Dragon Kings of the Seas to burst into hearty laughter as they raised their cups and downed their drinks in one go.

Qin Shiyue chuckled: “Though the authorities may back him, our Divine Cult is hardly afraid of them. Would the government really turn against us over a mere lowly commander?”

Flood Dragon King Xu laughed along and said: “Of course, Qin Daren is absolutely right. However, the Divine Cult has numerous divisions, and my South Sea Flood Dragon Palace is but one of them. For such a minor matter, this old man dares not trouble the sect.”

Qin Shiyue said: “The Divine Cult’s principle is that we’d rather turn against others than let our brothers suffer humiliation. Flood Dragon King Xu, rest assured—should you require the sect’s support, simply report it. I can’t speak for other branches, but Garuda will certainly go all out.”

Hearing this, Flood Dragon King Xu was overjoyed and said: “In that case, this old man thanks Qin Daren in advance.”

With that, he called over Xu Jiaotong to offer a toast. Xu Jiaotong was also delighted but still felt uneasy. She said hesitantly: “Qin Daren, there’s no need to provoke a conflict over this. At worst, I just won’t come to Jingyue City anymore. If I stay away for a few years, this matter will likely be forgotten. If my affairs were to bring unnecessary trouble to the Divine Cult, that would be truly inappropriate.”

Qin Shiyue laughed, tilted his head back, and downed his cup in one gulp before saying arrogantly: “If the Divine Cult can’t even protect women and children, then how could it still be called the Divine Cult?”

Xu Jiaotong also smiled sweetly and drained her cup, her white jade-like neck flashing for a brief moment.

Just then, a voice suddenly called out from the lakeside outside the hall: “Jiaotong, I love you! Jiaotong, I love you!”

The previously lively hall instantly fell silent, and everyone was left dumbfounded. Qin Shiyue’s smile grew even wider.

Xu Jiaotong, however, turned frosty. Her brows furrowed at first, but upon hearing the voice more clearly, she was stunned. “Oh? That’s the voice of Commander Murong! How did that fool find this place?”

Qin Shiyue glanced at the now slightly grim-looking Flood Dragon King Xu and chuckled. “Since we have an esteemed guest at our doorstep, how could we not welcome him? Come, Flood Dragon King Xu, let’s go and see what this guest is up to. We must extend our host’s hospitality.”

Flood Dragon King Xu laughed heartily as well. “Indeed! Let’s go take a look and see what kind of background this ‘honorable fool’ has.”

As everyone stood up, Zhang Xiaohua remained displeased. The entire hall was filled with people drinking and making merry, yet no one paid him any attention. He didn’t care about such matters and simply focused on eating, even sneaking a sip of fine wine. However, the spicy taste left him bewildered. How was this supposed to be “mellow and sweet”? The commotion about Commander Murong also reached his ears. He found the man’s persistence amusing—wasn’t there a saying, “A strong-willed suitor wins the fair maiden”? As long as one had thick skin, no beauty was unattainable.

But then, recalling Commander Murong’s rather hideous appearance, Zhang Xiaohua sighed. This world had many swans, but even more toads.

Still, seeing the flirtatious behavior between Qin Shiyue and Xu Jiaotong, their mutual affection was obvious. Zhang Xiaohua had already sentenced Commander Murong to death in his mind. To be so bold as to compete with such a ruthless and sinister man over a woman—he had to give Murong a thumbs-up in his heart. Truly, a man of great courage!

Yet, what puzzled Zhang Xiaohua was that no matter how he looked at Qin Shiyue, he couldn’t see what was so appealing about him. What exactly did Xu Jiaotong see in this man? But when his eyes landed on Qin Shiyue’s head full of silvery-white hair, he suddenly understood—ah, a father complex!