After returning to the Yunlai Inn, Elder Jiang went straight to see Principal Shen and reported in detail that the Yuanyang Trading House was willing to provide ships for escort.
After listening, Shen Jingnian stroked his beard and did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned to Yang Jian."Deacon Yang, what do you think?"
Yang Jian pondered for a moment."The shipping guild won't be able to arrange a return vessel for at least three days. If Yuanyang can provide one immediately, it would be much more convenient—and safer with their escort."
Shen Jingnian nodded."Since you agree, Jiang Tao, go and reply to Madam Mei. We will accept their assistance."
Elder Jiang acknowledged and left again for the Yuanyang Trading House.
By the time he returned, it was already evening. He informed everyone that the ships had been arranged and would depart the following evening.
There would be two vessels: a passenger ship for them and a cargo ship for goods. The escort team included three cultivators—a captain at the Core Formation realm and two bodyguards at the Body Tempering realm.
The next evening, everyone gathered at the dock after packing their belongings.
The setting sun dyed Lingyan Ferry in gold and crimson. Its reflection shimmered across the river like countless golden scales.
Soon, two large ships bearing the Yuanyang Trading House flag approached from within the city. Both were painted dark brown, with tall masts and carved wave patterns at the bow.
The first ship, lighter in draft, was the passenger vessel. The second, deeper in the water, was loaded with cargo covered tightly with oilcloth.
As the ships docked, a dark-skinned, burly man leapt down from the deck. He wore a short light-blue jacket with a leather vest, sleeves rolled to the elbows, revealing muscular forearms marked with old scars.
He cupped his fists and greeted them loudly:"Principal Shen, I am Tu Yiming, sent by Madam Mei to escort you to Shenyan Ferry. These are the bodyguards He Xi and Yuan Bo."
The two men behind him stepped forward and saluted as well.
"Thank you for your trouble," Shen Jingnian and the others replied.
"The first ship is yours. Tea and provisions are prepared. Please board."
Once aboard, Lin Fei looked around.
This ship was larger and more impressive than the one they had taken to Yunmeng. More masts, a wider deck—everything felt grander.
He and Li Chen were assigned a cabin at the stern. After settling in, they returned to the deck.
By then, the sails had been raised. The passenger ship led, with the cargo ship following behind, as they slowly departed Lingyan Ferry.
Yunsheng City stood tall under the setting sun, its walls glowing like molten gold. A few white egrets skimmed across the river, catching the light as they soared skyward.
Leaning against the railing, Lin Fei watched the city recede, a faint, indescribable feeling stirring in his chest.
After traveling for a day and night, they passed through vast lake regions and reached the branching point of the Yuncang River.
Morning mist covered the water, with distant mountains faintly visible.
Suddenly, someone shouted:"Look! There's someone ahead!""Quick—save them!"
The commotion woke Lin Fei and Li Chen. They rushed out to the deck, where several crew members were hauling something in with ropes.
"What happened?" Li Chen asked.
"Someone fell into the water. They're retrieving him," Han Yue replied.
"Probably water bandits," Master Sun said firmly.
Lin Fei leaned over the railing. A broken plank floated ahead, and the crew dragged it closer before pulling up a man.
The man's clothes were tattered, his face covered in blood, features unrecognizable. His body bore multiple wounds—some soaked pale from water, with flesh torn open.
Granny Liu stepped forward, treating him with healing techniques. A soft green light flowed from her hands as the bleeding stopped and wounds began to close.
After a while, the man regained consciousness.
Yang Jian crouched beside him."What happened? Why are you like this?"
The man's voice trembled."Up ahead… Gray Ruins… water bandits… merchant ships attacked… everyone dead…"
"When?" Yang Jian asked sharply.
"Last night… too many of them… all cultivators… we couldn't fight… ship burned… I escaped… barely…"
His voice faded into incoherence.
Yang Jian and Shen Jingnian exchanged a grave look.
Everyone remembered their previous encounter with bandits at Gray Ruins. The mood turned heavy.
"Principal Shen," Yang Jian said firmly, "the bandits have returned. If we ignore them, more people will suffer. This is a major trade route—if they aren't eliminated, it will affect both nations. Last time we were in a hurry. This time—we finish it."
Shen Jingnian nodded."Who will you take?"
"Elder Jiang, Master Sun, and two Qingluo Guards."
After a pause, Shen Jingnian agreed."Be careful. I'll take the students along another route and wait at the northern junction."
Yang Jian thanked them. Then he called the two Qingluo Guards.
As the masked guard passed Lin Fei, he suddenly patted his back lightly—then said nothing and walked on.
Lin Fei watched him, the familiar feeling growing stronger.
The five of them leapt off the ship, skimming across the water with light, agile steps before boarding the cargo vessel behind.
The cargo ship turned toward Gray Ruins and soon disappeared into the mist.
Captain Tu adjusted course, steering the passenger ship eastward along another branch of the river.
With the main fighters gone, the two bodyguards took over watch duty. Han Yue organized shifts—each person would stand guard for two hours.
The eastern route was wide and calm. Plains stretched along both sides, with occasional villages. By midday, with no incidents, everyone relaxed slightly.
That evening, Lin Fei and Huang Su were on watch. Zhao Wuji sat nearby fishing.
"Fishing from a moving ship must be hard," Lin Fei remarked.
Zhao Wuji grinned."You don't get it—I'm aiming for fast river bladefish. Those are valuable!"
As the sun set, a long, narrow island appeared ahead.
"What's that place?" Lin Fei asked.
Zhao Wuji called out to the guard:"Brother He, where are we?"
"That's Changzhou Island," He Xi replied. "There are inns and taverns—a common stop for travelers."
But something felt wrong.
The island was dark—no lights at all.
The dock was visible, with several boats gently rocking… yet none showed signs of life.
"Something's off," Huang Su said, frowning.
"Any response from the dock?" Captain Tu called.
"No response!"
"Stay alert."
Tension filled the deck.
As they passed the island, eerie bird cries echoed in the night, chilling the air.
Then—
A faint light appeared ahead.
A small flickering flame, like a lone eye in the fog.
"There's someone!" a crewman called in relief.
A small boat drifted nearby. A figure in a straw hat and raincoat sat fishing, a lantern hanging at the bow.
"Friend!" He Xi called out. "Are the taverns on the island open tonight?"
The man turned slowly. His face was hidden in shadow.
After a long pause, he spoke in a hoarse voice:"Where do you come from… and where are you going?"
"From Yunsheng City, heading to Shenyan Ferry."
"Whose ship?"
"Yuanyang Trading House."
Silence.
The man seemed to observe them, his gaze scanning like a predator assessing prey.
Then—
A low, chilling laugh echoed across the river.
He removed his hat and raincoat.
Under the firelight, his face emerged—sharp cheekbones, sunken eyes, and a cruel, satisfied smile.
His fishing rod suddenly ignited.
Flames surged along its length, transforming it into a blazing crimson whip. Sparks hissed as they hit the water.
He spoke coldly:
"You're from Jumu Academy… aren't you?"
"My name is Xuan Xiao."
"I've been waiting for you."