The waterway; the wind and snow had yet to cease.
Over the past two days, fewer and fewer people had been entering and leaving Nine Waves Island.
Those coming out were all at the Embracing Dan Strength level, and every one of them had reaped a bountiful harvest.
Chen Qing sat cross-legged on the deck of the Treasure Ship.
Bone-Corroding Spider silk glimmered faintly at crucial points along the hull. No touch could escape his notice.
"Creak... creak..."
The dull sound of a ship breaking through ice drew nearer. A grand and imposing Treasure Ship slowly entered view along the waterway.
Its hull had sleek lines and was fashioned entirely from dark, precious timber. The prow bore exquisite carvings of strange beasts, while a flag hung high from the mast, its bold and vigorous Liu character snapping in the wind and snow.
Chen Qing's gaze narrowed slightly as he slowly rose.
A Liu Family ship—and the conveyance of one of its core figures at that. It was no ordinary vessel.
A force like that was better left for Shen Xiuyong to investigate.
Within his sleeve, Chen Qing moved the Paired Mother-Child Heart-Connecting Paper Figures with his right hand, then called out loudly, "The Wutai Sect is purging the remnants and guarding this waterway. All passing vessels must be inspected!"
Rather than slowing, the Liu Family Treasure Ship accelerated, as though it had not heard him.
A middle-aged man who looked like a steward leaned out from the bow. "Esteemed disciple of the Wutai Sect, this is Young Master Han of the Liu Family's vessel. We are handling urgent business and cannot stop for inspection. Please do us a favor and clear the channel."
He deliberately mentioned Young Master Han of the Liu Family, implying that the other party should know