Undercurrents

Since the Cold Dragon Pond mission, Chen Yuan had not stopped. He deeply understood that cultivation was like sailing against the current—if you didn't advance, you'd be swept back.

Over the next half month, he split his time between arduous training in the Mysterious Vortex Skin Grinding Method and the Cold River Spirit Blade Saber Canon, steadily consolidating and elevating his cultivation. In secluded spots, he silently practiced the Mist Manipulation divine ability.

At the same time, he selectively took on tasks from the Martial Arts School's Task Wall, using real combat to hone himself. But he always kept his divine ability hidden, relying only on conventional martial techniques unless absolutely necessary.

The tasks he accepted were no longer limited to gathering.

Once, he escorted a small merchant caravan heading to a neighboring county. On the way, they ran into a band of reckless bandits blocking the road.

The bandit leader was only at the Qi and Blood Realm, but he was born with monstrous strength and quite ferocious.

Yet Chen Yuan didn't even draw his blade. He simply struck out with a palm imbued with the artistic conception of the Cold River, sending the bandit leader flying back with blood spraying from his mouth. The chill invaded his body, terrifying the remaining bandits into scattering in panic, their souls scattered.

Another time, he assisted the County Yamen in hunting down a fugitive who had cultivated an evil technique and could burst forth with strength at the Skin Grinding Realm - Great Accomplishment.

Relying on his keen spiritual perception and solid footwork, Chen Yuan precisely tracked the fugitive's hiding spot under the cover of night.

Taking advantage of the nighttime fog's concealment, he closed in for a surprise attack, striking fast and hard. Just as the fugitive's evil technique was about to erupt, Chen Yuan unleashed a move—Cold River Reflecting Moon—striking first.

His blade never left its sheath. Using the Fine Steel Knife's scabbard, he precisely tapped the fugitive's energy-circulation node. The icy Spiral Force instantly penetrated, forcibly disrupting the evil technique's flow. The fugitive's Qi and blood reversed, and he collapsed on the spot, easily captured.

Every mission, he performed with calm composure and clean, decisive methods. The strength he displayed far exceeded his surface-level Skin Grinding Realm - Minor Accomplishment.

In particular, his saber technique—fierce and unmatched, often ending a fight in a single move—left a deep impression on companions and onlookers alike.

"Blackwater Martial Arts School has produced another tough one!"

"I heard Chen Yuan only entered the Skin Grinding Realm less than two months ago, right? With strength like that, he's probably on par with some veteran disciples at Great Accomplishment or even the peak."

"That force of his carries a chill. One hit and half your body goes numb. He's truly inherited the Hall Master's teachings—too domineering..."

Similar discussions gradually spread through the martial artist circles of Lin Hai County. Chen Yuan's name began to be known by more and more people.

Through these tasks, he also earned considerable silver and merit points, which he exchanged for more cultivation resources. His cultivation steadily advanced toward Skin Grinding Realm - Great Accomplishment, and his Tide Luck Points accumulated continuously.

Realm: Skin Grinding Realm - Minor Accomplishment (45/100)

Tide Luck: 39/100

One day, Chen Yuan had just returned to the martial arts school after completing an escort mission when he sensed something unusual in the atmosphere.

Disciples were gathered in small groups, whispering to each other, their expressions mostly grim.

His heart stirred. He found Fifth Senior Disciple Wang Meng, who was just coming out of the Task Hall.

"Fifth Senior Disciple, what's happened at the school?"

Wang Meng saw Chen Yuan, pulled him aside, and lowered his voice: "Junior Disciple Brother, you're back. The County Yamen's secret investigation a while back—heavy losses."

Chen Yuan's pupils contracted. "The County East Sea Area?"

"Right!" Wang Meng's face was grave. "I heard they sent three or four fast boats, over twenty people, led by an experienced Tendon Changing Realm Captain from the County Yamen. Less than half came back, and two boats sank!"

"Captain Liu, who led the team, suffered serious internal injuries. He said they were attacked by a ferocious group of Sea Beasts, plus strange fog interference. Their formation was broken, and they had to fight separately. That's why the losses were so heavy."

County East Sea Area... strange fog... Sea Beasts... Chen Yuan's heart pounded violently.

Why did it sound so much like the Chishui Bandits' stronghold?

Coincidence, or...

"The County Yamen is furious. They think this is suspicious—definitely not a simple Sea Beast attack," Wang Meng continued.

"I heard the County Magistrate himself ordered a second, stronger investigation. This time, County Lieutenant Gao will lead it personally."

County Lieutenant Gao Mingyuan was the second-strongest official in Lin Hai County, at the Bone Forging Realm!

"Not only that," Wang Meng's voice dropped even lower.

"The County Yamen sent someone here. They're in the main hall talking with the Master right now, begging him to lend his aid and come along to hold the line."

"After all, with strange fog and powerful Sea Beasts possibly involved, having one more Bone Forging Realm expert increases the odds."

Chen Yuan's mind shook. The County Lieutenant and the Master—two Bone Forging Realm experts leading the team together? That lineup was practically luxurious for Lin Hai County. It showed how seriously the County Yamen was taking this.

Just as they were talking, a steward disciple hurried over, his expression respectful: "Senior Disciple Wang, Senior Disciple Chen, the Hall Master summons you. Please proceed to the main hall immediately."

Wang Meng shot Chen Yuan a meaningful glance and whispered, "Probably related to this. Let's go."

Chen Yuan steadied himself, took a deep breath, and suppressed the chaos in his mind. He followed the steward disciple toward the main hall.

Inside the martial arts school's main hall, the atmosphere was even more solemn than usual. Hall Master Zhao Canghai sat at the head, his expression calm but carrying an unspoken authority.

Seated below was a secretary dressed in a scholar's robe, with a goatee—the envoy from the County Yamen.

On both sides stood Second Senior Disciple Zhang Zhenshan, Third Senior Disciple Li Wei, Fourth Senior Disciple Liu Qing, and several other Personal Disciples, all with stern faces.

Chen Yuan entered the hall and bowed respectfully: "Disciple Chen Yuan pays respects to Master."

He also greeted the secretary and the senior disciples present.

Zhao Canghai nodded slightly, gesturing for him to stand to the side.

The County Yamen Secretary was speaking with earnest sincerity: "...Hall Master Zhao, this incident came without warning, and the losses are severe. The County Magistrate is deeply worried, fearing turmoil in the sea that could endanger our county's peace. That fog is strange, and the Sea Beasts are unusually fierce—ordinary means cannot handle them."

"Only by requesting the aid of a Bone Forging Realm expert like yourself can we stabilize the situation and uncover the truth. The County Magistrate promises that if the martial arts school lends its strength this time, there will be generous rewards afterward, and favorable treatment in many matters to come."

Zhao Canghai's fingertips tapped lightly on the rosewood armrest, producing a steady du du sound. He did not answer immediately.

His gaze was calm as he slowly swept across the disciples below, pausing briefly on Chen Yuan, who had just entered.

He was well aware of Chen Yuan's recent performance—his strength, his temperament, and even the faintly revealed combat ability beyond the ordinary all drew his attention.

After a moment of deliberation, Zhao Canghai spoke slowly, his voice steady and forceful, echoing through the silent main hall: "The unrest at sea is no small matter. It concerns the livelihood and safety of an entire county."

"Our Blackwater Martial Arts School is rooted here; we cannot stand idly by. County Lieutenant Gao came in person, and I deeply appreciate his sincerity. Very well, I accept this matter."

The County Yamen Secretary was overjoyed and quickly rose to bow deeply: "Thank you, Martial Hall Master, for your great understanding! The people of Lin Hai County will surely remember your kindness!"

"However," Zhao Canghai's tone shifted, his gaze sharpening, "since this is reconnaissance, not a full military deployment, we need quality over quantity in personnel."

"I will take a few disciples along—partly to assist, partly to give them experience and broaden their horizons. As for County Lieutenant Lord Gao, please have him select only truly capable officers, to avoid too many voices causing friction."

"Of course, of course. Your considerations are thorough," the secretary quickly agreed. As long as he could secure the old master's participation, bringing a few disciples was a trivial matter.

"Master, the sea is dangerous. This disciple volunteers to go and guard your side!" Zhang Zhenshan immediately cupped his fists and requested the mission, his expression resolute.

"This disciple also wishes to accompany Master." Li Wei clasped his hands. He frequently dealt with Sihai Shipping Company and was quite familiar with the sea routes.

"Master, Qing'er also wishes to go." Liu Qing spoke coolly, her demeanor spirited.

Zhao Canghai's gaze swept over the volunteering disciples. After a brief deliberation, he made his decision: "Zhenshan, you must remain at the martial hall to manage daily affairs and handle any changes. You are indispensable."

Zhang Zhenshan, though somewhat regretful, replied respectfully, "Yes, Master."

"Li Wei, you know the waterways well. You may come along."

"Liu Qing, you will also join."

"Additionally," Zhao Canghai's eyes fell on Chen Yuan, Wang Meng, and Sun Yun, who had arrived upon hearing the news, "Chen Yuan, Wang Meng, Sun Yun—the three of you prepare as well. You will come too."

Li Wei and Liu Qing answered in unison: "Yes!"

Chen Yuan's heart tightened—he had expected this. He immediately replied in a low voice, "This disciple obeys!"

Wang Meng grinned excitedly, rubbing his hands together: "Awesome! Finally get to follow Master out for something big!"

Sun Yun was far more composed, simply cupping her hands: "Yes, Master."

Zhao Canghai looked at the selected group and said gravely, "This reconnaissance is no trivial matter. Everyone must absolutely follow orders—no one acts on their own. Li Wei, Liu Qing, you two have more experience. Keep an eye on your junior brothers and sisters."

"This disciple understands!" Li Wei and Liu Qing accepted solemnly.

Zhao Canghai then turned to the County Yamen Secretary: "Is this arrangement acceptable?"

The secretary nodded eagerly: "Excellent, excellent. The Martial Hall Master's outstanding disciples are sure to be top talents. I will immediately report back to the County Magistrate and County Lieutenant Lord Gao. The team should be ready to depart soon!"

After the secretary took his leave, Zhao Canghai gave the group further instructions, especially emphasizing the need to be wary of the strange fog and the possible organized attacks by "Sea Beasts." He told everyone to check their weapons and stock up on pills.

Within half an hour, a yamen runner hurried in to report that County Lieutenant Lord Gao's team was already waiting outside the martial hall.

Zhao Canghai rose to his full height, an invisible aura of authority radiating from him like an unsheathed blade: "Move out!"

Everyone responded in unison, their morale soaring.

Chen Yuan followed the group out of the martial hall's main gate.

Outside on the street, a squad of about twenty elite yamen constables stood in formation, each armed with a blade and crossbow, their expressions grim—clearly carefully selected experts.

At their head was a middle-aged man in official robes, with a refined face but sharp eyes. His aura was deep as the ocean—none other than County Lieutenant Gao Mingyuan!

The two Bone Forging Realm experts exchanged a few brief words, then waved their hands.

The two teams merged and marched in full force toward East City Dock.

On both sides of the street, countless citizens and martial artists stopped to watch, murmuring among themselves, all sensing the tense atmosphere of an impending storm.

Walking in the ranks, Chen Yuan felt the oppressive aura around him and the immense pressure unconsciously emitted by the two Bone Forging Realm experts. His palms were slightly sweaty, but more than that, he felt an irrepressible excitement and anticipation.