Seeking Truth with a Sword

Chapter 444 - 395 Distinguished Guest

The Hu Shang clone wore a radiant smile, and Li Ang was not the least bit worried that the other party would seek to verify his identity.

Firstly, the Western Regions merchant named An Xuehai did indeed exist. He was the representative of the Chang’an Qin He Trading Company and possessed the private seal of Jin Wusuan. Previously, they had approached Li Ang requesting to purchase the rights to export substances such as Allicin to the Western Regions, so Li Ang was privy to this information.

Secondly, the real An Xuehai had already left Chang’an, leading a caravan of Hu Ren back to the Western Regions.

Manager Lu was merely the manager of Liu Guang Bank in Suzhou City. He had no authority to use high-level Mutated Objects like the Nearby Worm to inquire about Chang’an from a distance. Especially since the matter was not urgent or difficult to handle, he would simply opt to send a letter to Chang’an. In it, he would briefly explain that the Western Regions merchant An Xuehai had come to Suzhou to seek his assistance.

Considering the time it takes for a letter to be delivered to and fro, there was plenty of opportunity for the Ink Silk Clone to board the SS Sea Charm and acquire information about the origins of Mo Si from Su Xinghuo.

By the time Manager Lu or someone from the Chang’an Chamber of Commerce realized something was amiss, the Ink Silk Clone would have already vanished without a trace. Most likely, the matter would simply fizzle out, and nobody would think to suspect Li Ang.

"This cabin hasn’t been booked yet; we can reserve it for Manager An right away."

Under the influence of money, Manager Lu readily agreed, instructed a servant to brew a pot of fine tea, and treated the Hu Shang An Xuehai hospitably.

A moment later, a servant from his household came jogging over with a blue boat ticket.

"SS Sea Charm’s Class A section, Room 13."

Manager Lu smiled and said, "This honored guest ticket can accommodate three passengers. Manager An can bring two servants aboard."

"Thank you. However, I dislike crowding. One servant on the ship will be sufficient."

The Ink Silk Clone feigned surprise and exchanged pleasantries with the other party before leaving the residence.

Obtaining the boat ticket was merely the first step. The act had to be performed in its entirety.

Li Ang had the Ink Silk Clones rent a small courtyard next to the port and purchase Clothes and daily necessities for use aboard.

During "An Xuehai’s" sea voyage, his "Hu Ren servants" would stay in the courtyard, live normally, and wait for An Xuehai’s return.

As evening approached, the warm breeze was gentle, and the setting sun merged with the water’s surface, shimmering brightly.

The An Xuehai transformed by Mo Si, along with his servant Hua Sen, boarded the deck of the SS Sea Charm.

The SS Sea Charm was set to sail the next day. Scattered across the deck were some passengers dressed in extravagant attire, holding wine glasses, leaning on the railings, discussing Poetry and the beauty of life, their conversation revealing or, rather, boasting about their family history, wealth, and background.

Li Ang stood on the deck, carefully observing this massive sailing vessel.

The SS Sea Charm was built by the Holy Empress to flaunt the power of the Yu Country. The ship’s dragon bones and masts were made from the sturdiest old mountain wood. With nine masts, it could hoist twelve sails. When all were raised, their shadow could obscure the Sun.

Traces of repeating crossbows could be vaguely seen along the ship’s deck railing. Now, to accommodate passengers, the number of repeating crossbows had been significantly reduced and moved to the middle deck cabins.

"Honored guest, please follow me."

Perhaps because Li Ang had purchased the highest level of honored guest tickets, a crew member who claimed to be a guest receptionist approached and led An Xuehai to his reserved cabin, continuously introducing information about the SS Sea Charm along the way.

For instance, the ship contained swimming pools, baths, chefs skilled in various cuisines from different nations, performances by well-known troupes and famous actors, gambling houses, and auction houses.

The luxurious lifestyle onboard was no different from life on land, and in some cases, even surpassed it—passengers could, under the supervision of Cultivators, personally operate the repeating crossbows to capture large fish.

Li Ang, controlling the Ink Silk Clone, kept nodding. He had little interest in the luxurious life aboard the SS Sea Charm, having occasionally heard peers mention it in the past—those privileged youths also boasted about being able to board the SS Sea Charm and travel at sea.

"Are these talisman lamps the latest models?" An Xuehai suddenly stopped in his tracks, pointing at a row of glass lanterns on the corridor wall and inquiring.

"Yes."

The receptionist hadn’t expected An Xuehai to ask this question and replied truthfully, "These are the latest creations from the Yu Kingdom’s Academy.

"In the past, kerosene lamps were used for sea navigation. But no matter how much spice you added, there was still a faint, unpleasant odor.

"Using Fluorescent Stone as cabin lighting, on the other hand, appeared too gloomy.

"The talisman lamp had solved all these problems, except for the cost—each talisman lamp was expensive to make, and they had to be connected to the lower deck’s Spiritual Energy Machine through copper wires embedded in the wooden walls.

"The SS Sea Charm has been docked at Suzhou Port for over half a month, just busy with these things.

"Alright, we have arrived at your room."

The receptionist stopped in front of a solid wooden door. He unhooked a heavy bunch of keys hanging on a disc from his waist, selected a double-sided serrated copper key, inserted it into the lock, and pushed the door open.

Inside, the cabin was exceptionally spacious, furnished with two large, neatly made beds, and the floor covered with wool carpets in Western Regions style.

A vanity, wardrobe, and shoe cabinet were all included; there was even a fridge with a built-in Liliang Talisman.

"All the furniture, including the beds and stools, are nailed to the wooden floor to prevent them from sliding around when the ship sways.

"The round window on the right side of the room, facing the sea, can be opened upward to enjoy the view of the sea.

"The talisman lamps on the left wall can be turned on or off with a switch.

"If you find the sea breeze too strong, you can notify us to purchase a Clear Wind Talisman. That way, even at night, you won’t feel the air is stuffy..."

The receptionist went on and on, explaining that the interior of the SS Sea Charm was roughly divided into four levels.

Class A areas were inhabited by the immensely rich, powerful, and children of noble families.

Class B areas were inhabited by the wealthy and officials.

Class C areas were for ordinary rich merchants and families that were splurging a little.

Class D areas were the crew’s quarters.

With the identity of An Xuehai, he was undoubtedly classified as immensely rich, and it was normal for the crew to treat him with enthusiasm.

However... Su Xinghuo was clearly not some immensely rich or powerful person; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so proud of obtaining a Medical Practitioner Certificate. His residing in the Class A area must be for another reason.

"How many times do I have to say it? I’ve been cursed! If I set foot on land, I will die! I’m not going to return to Zhou Kingdom with you! A title? Is a title more important than life?"

The sound of angry roaring was deafening, as if it came from the room next door to the next.

In between, there was the sound of Su Xinghuo’s attempt to stop and persuade.

Surprised, An Xuehai raised an eyebrow and looked at the receptionist.

The latter silently gave a wry smile, first closed the door, then whispered an explanation, "That is a Zhou Kingdom’s Honored Guest staying in Room 9.

"You may have heard his name.

"Xia Yuanjia."