Chapter 206

Chapter 206: The Fleet to Biko Island

“Beast-controlling power?”

Lou Yun thought to himself, it seemed the Nine Families truly were full of remarkable talents, yet he hadn’t known one clan specialized in taming beasts. That six-tailed giant snake must have been most likely been driven here by someone from such a clan. But what was their purpose? If it was to target him, wouldn’t the snake have never encountered him if he hadn’t come to Xinghai Village?

Besides, the giant snake had been herded here about a month ago. A month ago, he was still preparing for the journey to the forging conference, and didn’t even know about the appointment at Biko Island yet!

After pondering carefully, Lou Yun couldn’t reach any conclusion. He could only think he was likely overreacting—perhaps the one who drove the snake here had entirely different motives and never intended to target him!

Regardless, the six-tailed giant snake was now driven away by Shui Lingluo, and the Xinghai Village matter could be consider resolved. The fishermen could return to their normal lives, and the remaining tasks didn’t require his attention.

Meanwhile, Cai San Gong had already informed the villagers of Xinghai Village about Lou Yun’s explanation, and they all witnessed Shui Lingluo wave her hand to drive off the six-tailed giant serpent. These ordinary villagers mentally regarded Lou Yun and his companions as exalted gods.

When Lou Yun came over to bid farewell, the villagers of Xinghai Village refused to let them leave. Cai San Gong shook his head repeatedly, grabbing Lou Yun’s hand and saying, “Young Master Lou, you saved our entire village. For us to let you go like this would make us unforgivably ungrateful. No, under no circumstances should you leave so soon—you must stay a few more days!”

“Haha, Third Uncle, we truly have matters to attend to and mustn’t delay any longer!” Lou Yun declined the villagers’ kindness with a smile.

Hearing this, Cai San Gong lowered his voice secretively. “Young Master Lou, I know whatever business you have surely involves going to sea. But have you forgotten what I told you earlier? Qiu Ruohai definitely won’t let you go easily. I strongly advise you to stay here in our village temporarily, lay low until the tension blows over. Wait some days, assess the situation, then leave. Besides, if you’d indulge this old bone, once you depart I wouldn’t hesitate to join your voyage. I’ve lived my whole life at sea—there’s no better guide than me. I could prove useful!”

Lou Yun dismissed the first half of Cai San Gong’s suggestion, but the latter stirred his consideration. If they were to sail by sea to reach Biko Island, a guide was indeed essential—none of the four had any sea voyage experience. Thrown into unexpected situations, they’d be completely clueless. Even if Shui Lingluo possessed water control ability, her power wouldn’t be of much use in the boundless sea.

Cai San Gong was undoubtedly the best choice: respectable character, a mid-level magical weapons master, and exactly as claimed, a lifetime spent at sea meant deep familiarity with maritime regions. Having him along would provide numerous advantages.

After another moment of reflection, Lou Yun smiled. “Third Uncle, your kindness is much understood. May I suggest: Let me first inquire around Binhai City about whether Qiu Ruohai has returned. If he’s still away, then please help us hire a boat. We’ll head out at sea promptly.”

Cai San Gong couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Young master, I can tell you’ve never sailed before! Hiring a small boat for the sea? Impossible—ahead lies one of the most treacherous stretches of ocean. Small boats rarely make it past safely. And large vessels? Why would anyone rent to you? The truth is, if you truly want to sail, you need passage on someone else’s large ship. Hold on, let me see if any fleet is departing over the next few days.”

Lou Yun’s original plan was to hire or buy a boat for their four-member voyage, but Cai San Gong’s words shattered that simple notion.

“Very well, we’ll trouble you with it, Third Uncle!”

“Good. You all stay at my place for now. Don’t worry—villagers here are all good folk; just tell them whatever needs you have!”

Cai San Gong turned to leave but stopped after a few steps, turning back suddenly. “Ah! I keep forgetting! Where exactly are you sailing to?”

“Biko Island.”

“Biko Island?” Cai San Gong frowned in thought, then responded, “Oh, I recall—Biko Island is neither too near nor too far from Binhai City. With fair conditions, two months should see you there. Good, I’ll ask around for ships sailing in that direction.”

Lou Yun was stunned to learn sailing from Binhai City to Biko Island required two months. Still, timing-wise, if they could reach within two months, it wouldn’t breach their appointment deadline.

This revelation stirred a deeper insight: the Black Invitation of the Nine Families had likely calculated the three-month deadline meticulously, deliberately discouraging aerial travel and forcing them into perilous ocean passage. Once leaving land for sea, trouble surely awaited them.

Further mulling proved pointless—they’d simply tackle whatever came their way.

Watching Cai San Gong vanish from sight, Lou Yun nodded to Wen Hou and the others, then started walking toward Binhai City.

Within the city, Lou Yun went straight toward the accessory shop. The place resembled the day prior—utter wreckage left untouched. This puzzled him. Despite Qiu Ruohai’s absence, surely as the city lord’s brother-in-law, the shop’s destruction should’ve been reported. How could the city lord ignore such an incident?

Lou Yun briefly contemplated visiting the city lord’s residence to investigate reasons behind the silence, yet reconsidered—avoiding entanglement was wiser. Since Qiu Ruohai hadn’t sought them out, why initiate conflict? They’d find chances to settle accounts later. For now, preparations for Biko Island commanded all attention; other matters could wait.

After circling Binhai City, Lou Yun returned to Xinghai Village. By evening, Cai San Gong hurried back in excitement.

“Young master! Excellent news! A large fleet departs from Binhai City at daybreak tomorrow, passing near Biko Island. I know their captain and secured passage for us. Just one request—disguise yourselves as my niece and nephews visiting from afar!”

“Ha!” This was excellent news indeed for Lou Yun. “Third Uncle, we owe you immense gratitude! Disguise? Considering your age, being my uncle is more than appropriate. Wouldn’t you say, Third Uncle?”

Addressing Cai San Gong as “Third Uncle” broadened the old man’s smile till it nearly split his face, nodding happily. “Yes, yes! Ha, wonderful! Never expected this old Cai San Gong, near life’s end, to gain four fine nephews and a niece—even if in pretense!”

Lou Yun’s words struck deep—Cai San Gong had endured a solitary life without spouse or children. Despite knowing the quartet feigned kinship, pure joy flooded his heart.

Shui Lingluo proved exceedingly sweet, stepping forward to shower “Third Uncle” repeatedly upon Cai San Gong, whose profound delight even took years off his weary demeanor.

That evening, the entire village gathered for a feast. Every household brought their finest dishes to host the four travelers.

Back at the Lou Family estate, each New Year demanded reunion dinners where scattered members rushed home annually. Lou Yun held such gatherings familiar.

For his companions, however, the scene proved awkward. Wen Hou had known only solitude as an orphan with neither parents nor relatives. Iron Slayer endured similar rootless isolation. As for Shui Lingluo—though born into a family, its decline forced her into servitude at a general’s residence since childhood. Magnificent banquets occurred there yearly, yet her role remained serving guests while longing remained forbidden from sharing their table.

Fortunately, the villagers practiced sincere hospitality. Multiple rounds of wine warmed Wen Hou and Tie Sha. Though Tie Sha seldom smiled, he drank wine fiercely and copiously—each cup drained instantly until it seemed he could drink a thousand and still stand straight. Villagers found him an enthusiastic drinking companion.

Celebrations ran dusk till deep night. Only Cai San Gong’s warning urging restraint for their dawn departure prevented the revelry lasting longer.

Villagers returned home; Lou Yun’s group went with Cai San Gong to his place. None required sleep as magical weapons masters. As dawn neared, chatting filled the hours.

“All right! Young ones, time to go—the ship sails soon!”

Cai San Gong led them southeast from Xinghai Village toward coastal Binhai City. “This place boasts two ports serving all quadrants. Since Biko Island lies south, we sail from the south harbor.”

Before much time passed, the immense southern harbor rose ahead, crowded with vessels of varied sizes seen from afar. To Lou Yun and his sea-unfamiliar companions, the spectacle felt magnificent.

Even from here, port business seemed frantic despite the early hour. Save Tie Sha, Lou Yun and his companions studied every detail: harbor layouts, ships’ shapes.

En route, frequent harbor workers greeted Cai San Gong—clear proof of his deep harbor connections.

Cai San Gong pointed toward lines of ships tied neatly dockside. “Young ones, look! That’s it—our fleet to ride, already untying mooring ropes—signaling imminent departure. Hurry our steps!”

All three naturally agreed and quickened pace. Yet abruptly, each paused, save Shui Lingluo—halted where they stood.