The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1447 744: Leaving the Capital, Entering the Pugilistic World (Part 2)

He exhaled, as if relieved of a heavy burden:

"Go on, you are wise beyond others and have long been a thorn in the side of some at the Captain Bureau. Given the current situation in the Capital, I can't protect you, so it's better for you to leave early."

Kong Shangzhao nodded emphatically, his eyes slightly red, unsure of what to say.

Luo Mingzi not only helped him solve troubles but also had the kindness of recognition.

Since childhood, he was considered eccentric by his clan. Though he's been tired these days, it was Luo Mingzi's unconditional trust that allowed him to fully use his talents.

Yet before he could speak, Luo Mingzi shifted his tone, his expression turning solemn, "However, you follow the Twelve Primordial Spirits south, you must help me with something along the way."

"No problem!"

"One thing, even a hundred is fine!"

Fatty Lin and Kuai Dayou laughed, quickly patting their chests in agreement.

Luo Mingzi nodded slightly, glancing over everyone, "The Southern coastal region is in chaos from bandits, and many disciples of the Mystical Sect have been heavily bribed to go overseas, leaving the inside empty. Demons are rampant, and the Evil Dao is reviving."

"Especially recently, there's a 'Ghost Theater Troupe' involved in several major cases with exceedingly sinister tactics! When they were in Shu, they conspired with the Jianmu Demon."

Speaking as such, Luo Mingzi leaned forward, lowered his voice, and instructed, "I will soon ask Brother Li to assist in investigating this matter. Kong, you've got a nimble mind; follow Li Yan and the others south and help me check if the Jianmu Demon's plans are involved."

"I will remain in the Capital to ensure that this matter is addressed."

Fatty Lin promptly patted his chest, "Rest assured, Lord Luo! I know the ins and outs of the waterways and pier. If Evil Spirits are causing trouble, they'll dig three feet to find the clues for you!"

Kuai Dayou nodded vigorously, "Exactly! Any demons, leave it to us!"

This Kuai Dayou, although a skilled craftsman, is after all young and still has the heart of youth. He's also clashed with the craft masters and already wishes to leave the Capital for travel.

Yet traveling alone, he dislikes loneliness.

Making this happen, his heart too is filled with joy.

As for demons, he put them all out of mind.

Fatty Lin, on the other hand, was eager to find spirit wood to build boats for the family.

Only Kong Shangzhao took a deep breath, picked up the wine pot, solemnly stood and filled Luo Mingzi's cup with the last drop of wine, raised his own cup with both hands, and clinked heavily with his.

Clink!

The wine swayed, all expressed without words...

...

Light rain veiled, the warm and damp river breeze swept across Tongzhou Pier.

The mist had not yet dissipated, and a few large Cao Boat outlines loomed on the river.

Beside the pier, there was a two-story inn named "Yunlai Inn", with a brightly lit room by the window isolating the noise outside.

Li Yan sat at a table with Wang Daoxuan, Sha Lifei, and others, opposite were two guests of special status: Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan dressed in a simple python robe, with a serene face, and at his side sat two stunning women, Zhao Wanfang and Elder Su Yu of the Yan Sect.

The dishes were sumptuous, yet the atmosphere carried a hint of solemnity.

The matters in the Capital were finished, the Emperor and the Mystical Sect had tense relations, even the Wudang Sect Leader Yu Chanzi left early to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The environment in the Capital complicated by the steam engine.

In such circumstances, Li Yan had initially planned to leave quietly, but unexpectedly, upon reaching the Tongzhou area, Su Yu and Zhao Wanfang intercepted him, bringing him here.

Even more unexpected was the Crown Prince personally coming to see him off.

"Your Highness, you are too polite."

Li Yan, unsure of his intentions, could only rise to drink and express gratitude.

"It is proper."

Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan dismissed his attendants, personally poured a drink for Li Yan, maintaining that Confucian elegance, he spoke, "I know of the matters at the Academy, thanks to Young Hero Li, a great disaster was averted."

"Had demons succeeded, parasitizing the true saint, the consequences would be unimaginable. It's just the current complex situation in the Capital, plus this matter must not be publicized, so Father did not issue a reward, but at the Academy, your great achievement is noted."

"Hence my duty."

Li Yan nodded slightly, indifferent.

The merit credited at the Academy, he had known early, just recently remade everyone's Magic Artifact, it was of no immediate use.

Moreover, the greatest benefit was the rewards from the Heavenly Official mission.

Five Astral Orders, five Divine Astral, far richer than any previous task.

Additionally, the Crown Prince personally visiting likely signaled other matters.

Indeed, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan continued, "Young Hero Li's journey south, I did not wish to interrupt, however, there is something..."

Before finishing his sentence, Li Yan shook his head, "Your Highness, I'm afraid we won't make it in time."

The first meeting at Su Garden, the Crown Prince had mentioned this.

Previously, the Royal Fleet sank and a treasure fell into a strange sea area, wishing for his aid in retrieval.

Originally, it seemed not much, but Li Yan had already promised Immortal Master Erlang to inquire about the situation at Taishan, a top priority, letting alone seafaring troubles.

"Things have changed."

Interrupted, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan wasn't angered, instead shook his head helplessly, "Truth be told, after our meeting, I sent people to the surrounds but arrived too late, the item has already been retrieved."

"Oh?"

Li Yan asked, "Who retrieved it, and what exactly is the treasure?"

"It's a Sea Suppressing Jade."

Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan said solemnly, "This item is an ancient treasure, allegedly the sacrificial artifact of Jiangzhe coastal Ancient Times' ancestors. Placing it on a ship can calm storms."

"This item was once owned by King Wu Qian Liu, later turned into the court's possession. I wish to rebuild the Imperial Family Fleet, this item is key."

"There are rumors that Jiangzhe Sea Bandits took action, but whose hands it fell into remains unknown. Young Hero Li, if you go there, please help keep an eye out for me."

Li Yan promised hand-on-heart, "If there's no urgency, it's manageable. I've noted the matter, should clues emerge, you can be assured I'll investigate."

The Crown Prince nodded slightly, once again raised a cup to see him off.

After three rounds of drinks, the Crown Prince couldn't linger, departed discreetly.

Only then Zhao Wanfang approached, holding a wine cup, said, "Brother Li wanted intel around Taishan, personnel have been dispatched, but Taishan, after all, is a stronghold of the Mystical Sect; whatever the action, be cautious."

Beside her, Su Yu smiled, "Look at what you said, don't underestimate Young Hero Li. The fame of Twelve Primordial Spirits now resounds both north and south."

"Young Hero Li, as agreed before, when you arrive in Jiangnan, our Yan Sect will help connect you to big opportunities, the reward will surely be rich, don't keep refusing."

"Elder Su is joking..."

After sending off the two, Li Yan and his group left the inn, ready to get on the carriage, only to see two figures emerge from the shadow of the corner, none other than Luo Mingzi and Yan Jiuling.

"Brother Li, are you leaving in secrecy?"

Yan Jiuling strode over, visibly displeased.

Looking at his tired expression, Li Yan helplessly said, "Why must we be like this, now the Academy is in ruins, simply fearing to bother you, I only sent a message."

"No matter how many affairs, there's always time to see someone off!"

Yan Jiuling's eyes reddened, "The Capital is a whirlpool, but I wish to fulfill my grandfather's wish, I can only roll in this miry ground, really wish to leave with you."

"This farewell, likely won't meet again for years."

"If friends are there, even amid the sea, we are neighbors at the ends of the earth."

Li Yan smiled slightly, "Human Dao's change approaches, the Academy shall be the core, Brother Yan is sure to be recorded in the annals."

Beside him, Luo Mingzi too showed a complex expression, firmly patting Li Yan on the shoulder, quickly scanning surroundings, lower voice, "Brother Li, no more nonsense, Jianmu Demon stirs chaos in the Divine State, we must never let them off, I'll find ways within the Capital too."

"As for that 'Ghost Theater Troupe', it's most likely Jianmu's hand reaching into Divine State, certainly plotting, if there's any clue, you must dig deep!"

Li Yan also solemnly replied, "Rest assured, Daoist."

Yan Jiuling waved, immediately someone brought farewell wine.

"Brother, mountains high, water far, all matters... be cautious and prudent!"

"Take care, both of you. Please also watch the storms in the Capital."

After bidding farewell to Luo and Yan, Li Yan's group strode towards the berth.

A sophisticated double-masted Sand Ship flying the Lin Family's flag quietly awaited. The hull was new, made of excellent timber, precisely the 'treasure ship' Fatty Lin had meticulously prepared.

Fatty Lin and Kong Shangzhao were already waving from the deck.

Once aboard, the river breeze whistled, filled the sails, and swept away the last strands of parting sorrow at the pier.

Li Yan took one last look at the fog-covered Tongzhou Pier, turned to step on the board, as the Lin Family Treasure Ship gently departed, sailing into the vast smoke and waves...