The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1616 - 820: Sudden Challenge

The water shimmers brilliantly, with mulberries and fish ponds interspersed, entirely different from the Central Plains.

"What a magnificent gateway to Lingnan, with such majestic landscapes!"

Sha Lifei smacked his lips, even as someone well-traveled, he was stunned by the magnificent sight of this convergence of rivers and seas, and the bustling hub of commerce.

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and nodded: "The Zhujiang River is vast, where the Dragon Vein converges. Indeed, the customs and products of this place are truly extraordinary."

As the ship sailed deeper, the grand silhouette of Guangzhou Prefecture City finally became clear.

The city walls extended northwards, solidly built of bricks and stones.

The dock area buzzed with human voices, a mix of laborers’ chants and vendors shouting.

In front of the Taiping Bridge tax checkpoint, ships formed a long queue, tax collectors loudly singing their inspections, collecting taxes on iron pots, raw silk, and such, a scene of bustling activity.

By the riverside, the Haiyin Pavilion’s flying eaves overlooked the flowing streams.

The most eye-catching was the enormous reef in the heart of the river—Sea Pearl Stone.

Although it wasn’t a market day, small boats still weaved around it, hinting at the massive gatherings when the market opens.

In the distance, the five-tiered eaves of the Sea Suppression Tower majestically stood atop Yuexiu Mountain, echoing with the sound of the ten thousand jin Copper Bell from the Lingnan First Tower in the city.

The fast boat had just docked at the pier specially prepared for official ships when a squad of sturdy armored soldiers was already waiting in reception.

A military officer at the front, dressed in the attire of the Prince’s Palace Guard Commander, stepped forward, cupped his fists, and announced loudly: "I am Zhao Feng, Deputy Commander of the Prince’s Personal Guard Camp, under the orders of His Highness the Crown Prince, to welcome Young Hero Li Yan and distinguished heroes of the Twelve Primordial Spirits!"

"His Highness has already prepared a banquet at the residence to welcome and refresh you all!"

Li Yan slightly cupped his hands: "Thank you, General Zhao."

Led by Zhao Feng, the party disembarked and proceeded through the bustling streets of Guangzhou Prefecture City.

Shops lined both sides of the streets—silk shops, porcelain stores, tea houses, pharmacies were all stacked side by side. The air was a mix of the salty tang of seafood, the sweet aroma of various fruits, and the faint scent of smoke from iron workshops.

Though it wasn’t the first month, on the street corner, a temporary stage had been set up, where players were singing the newly arrived Kunqu Opera, attracting many citizens to stop and watch, embodying Guangfu’s customs of "godly festival performances" and "second lantern theater."

The temporary residence of Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng was located in a serene and spacious garden on the east side of the original government office of the Guangdong Governorate.

Though temporary, it exuded royal grandeur. The pavilions and towers were exquisitely crafted, with lush plants and flowers, rock gardens, and ponds scattered around, showcasing the elegance of Lingnan gardens.

Stepping into the tastefully decorated flower hall, Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng greeted them with a radiant smile, standing up personally to welcome them, "Young Hero Li, dear heroes, you must be weary! Can Lingnan’s sights capture your attention?"

This Crown Prince, having the support of many in the court, certainly had his reasons.

Dressed in a light yellow informal robe, he exuded an elegant demeanor, making his words gentle and refreshing.

Whether it was genuine or not, he managed to create the impression.

However, the trace of anxiety in his eyes was hard to conceal.

"Thanks to His Highness, the journey was relatively smooth."

Li Yan cupped his hands in salute, nodding: "Lingnan’s beauty, the gathering of merchants, and the abundance of resources, indeed well-reputed."

After polite exchanges, everyone took their seats guided by the maid.

Exquisite Lingnan delicacies were served like a flowing stream: steamed grouper, white-cut chicken, roasted goose, stuffed carp, graduation congee... the ingredients were mainly sourced locally from agricultural ponds and both mountain and sea, accompanied by seasonal fresh fruits like lychees and longans, offering unique flavors.

During the banquet, the Crown Prince demonstrated refined conversation, discussing Guangzhou Prefecture’s local customs, the grand civil exams, and more, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After three rounds of drinks, Xiao Jingheng put down his silver chopsticks, his expression turning serious, and began discussing business matters, "Young Hero Li, dear guests, after the welcoming banquet, it’s time for the serious discussion. This time, I invited you to come southwards all because of the site where the ’Sea Stabilizing Night Light’ sank. The situation there is extremely dire, far beyond my expectations."

He waved, and an attendant immediately unfolded a giant sea map in the hall.

"The location of the shipwreck is here..."

The Crown Prince pointed to a section of the sea southeast of the Pearl River Estuary, circled with vermillion, "It’s about two days’ voyage from here. This place is full of hidden reefs and treacherous currents, already perilous. Since the news of the shipwreck leaked, it has become a battleground of Asura!"

He said heavily: "First, there are numerous pirates on the sea, frequently harassing, many of whom are skilled in Evil Skills. As soon as the navy arrives, they disperse and hide, gathering again when opportunity arises. The people of Lingnan are tormented, and now the pirates have set their eyes on the shipwreck."

"Second, the Red-haired Barbarians and the Southern Ocean Evil Path, upon hearing the news, have moved. They covet the Divine Object, wishing to use it to control the South Sea trade routes. They entice villains and have obtained a new gunpowder formula. Their ships are strong and their cannons mighty, and they have Evil Cultivators skilled in Southern Ocean black magic and Poisonous Gu, with sinister and deceitful tactics. Recently, several foreign ships engaged in skirmishes in the nearby waters, resulting in significant casualties."

"Third..."

As he spoke, his expression turned grim, "Local tycoons and desperate seafaring bandits in Lingnan are also secretly eyeing!"

"The ’Sea Stabilizing Night Light’ is extremely valuable, beneficial to opening the sea, and has attracted countless covetous individuals. Among them, many are trying to fish in troubled waters, but we have not identified which families are involved yet."

The Crown Prince’s gaze swept over Li Yan and the others: "That section of the sea is now a tangled web of forces, hunting each other down. Storms, hidden reefs, mysterious fogs, lurking sea monsters, very dangerous! Ordinary fleets approaching would be sending themselves to their deaths. After much deliberation, I realized that only by relying on your Divine Skills can we have a glimmer of hope to retrieve the Divine Object!"

With that, he clapped his hands, and an attendant led three people into the flower hall.

The three had distinct auras and had clearly awaited in a side chamber for some time.

The first was thin and short, with dark, shiny skin, as if he had spent years soaked in saltwater. His face was deeply lined, yet his eyes were sharp as an eagle’s.

He wore a washed-out indigo coarse cloth short jacket, barefoot with wide, calloused feet. A necklace made of teeth and small colorful shells hung from his waist, and he held what seemed to be an ordinary yet sleek and glossy black wooden staff in his hand.

The Crown Prince introduced, "This is the renowned Master along the coast of Fan Yu, ’Langli Hui’ Xian Ashui. He knows the South Sea’s hydrology and sea monster habits inside out."

The second person was tall and strong, with muscles bulging like iron on his arms, and his hands were broad, calloused, and covered in burn scars.

His face was square and bronze-colored, with thick eyebrows and tiger eyes, exuding a natural authority. He wore a half-old brown sturdy outfit with a sleeveless leather vest casually open at the chest. On his back, he carried a heavy dark eight-sided iron mace and a uniquely designed thick-backed nine-ring mountain-cutting knife.

The Crown Prince continued, "This is the Guardian Martial Master celebrated by the Foshan Ironsmith Guild, Lei Wanjun."

The third person appeared much more scholarly.

He was about forty, with a lean face, three strands of long beard, and eyes that shone with spirit. He wore an exquisitely crafted cloud-patterned silk robe, topped with a light soft sharkskin soft armor from the Southern Ocean, with a slender curved blade hanging at his waist.

His demeanor was steady, and his gaze swept over the people with hidden brilliance.

"This is Mr. Situ Hua, a wealthy merchant and leader of the Southern Ocean overseas businessman guards, known as ’Sea Eye’. He is widely knowledgeable, fluent in many foreign languages, and well-versed in both Central Earth martial arts and some strange spells from the Southern Ocean and Tianzhu."

"These three, Master Xian, Master Lei, and Mr. Situ, are elites of Lingnan, skilled in Water Attribute, foreign affairs, and various sea-related Magic Skills. This mission is extremely perilous, and I especially invite these three to assist in cooperation with Young Hero Li and the Twelve Primordial Spirits, to reclaim the ’Sea Stabilizing Night Light’!"

"Greetings to everyone."

"I’ve long heard of the Twelve Primordial Spirits’ fame, and it’s an honor to meet today."

Everyone exchanged greetings, the atmosphere seemingly amicable.

But just as the Crown Prince was about to continue detailing, an abrupt change occurred!

The ever-smiling Situ Hua suddenly stepped forward.

As he stepped out, the entire atmosphere in the flower hall suddenly condensed!

The gentle smile on his face vanished, replaced by a sharp presence like a drawn curved blade, staring intently at Li Yan.

"Young Hero Li."

Facing the Crown Prince’s uncertain anger, Situ Hua’s voice remained calm, "When it comes to cooperation, we must work with one heart."

"However, I have long heard that Young Hero is the foremost youth from the Northern Land, unrivaled in Guanzhong, sweeping through the Shu Road, with vast Divine Skills."

"In my inadequacy, I have learned a few minor skills in the Southern Ocean over the years, often regretting the lack of confirmation by a master. Today, heaven presents a fine opportunity, to meet a true dragon."

He paused slightly, his gaze intense, "The ’Grandmaster Battle’ is imminent, and all the heroes of the Mystical Sect seek to ascend to prove their path."

"I have long admired Young Hero as an exceptional talent of this era. No better day than today, how about a display of skill here before His Highness and all compatriots?"