Gloom Stirring Beneath the Surface

After the Cold Dragon Pond mission, Chen Yuan did not stop moving forward. He knew that cultivation was like rowing against the current: if one did not advance, one would fall behind.

Over the next half month, he cultivated the Mysterious Vortex Skin Grinding Method and Cold River Spirit Blade Saber Canon assiduously, constantly consolidating and improving his cultivation, while secretly practicing the "Mist Manipulation" divine ability in deserted places.

At the same time, he selectively accepted missions from the martial arts school's Task Wall, tempering himself through actual combat. However, he always kept his divine ability hidden, relying only on conventional martial techniques against his enemies unless absolutely necessary.

The missions he accepted were no longer limited to gathering tasks.

Sometimes, he escorted a small merchant caravan heading to a neighboring county. On the way, they encountered a gang of bandits foolish enough to block their path.

Although the bandit chief had only reached the Qi and Blood Realm, he possessed innate strength and was quite fierce and valiant.

Yet Chen Yuan had not even drawn his blade. With a single palm strike containing the intent of Cold River, he sent the bandit chief flying backward, coughing blood. The chill invaded his body, frightening the remaining bandits out of their wits as they fled with their heads in their hands.

At other times, he assisted the County yamen in hunting down a fugitive who had cultivated an evil art and could erupt with the strength of the Skin Grinding Realm - Great Accomplishment.

Relying on his keen spiritual senses and solid footwork, Chen Yuan precisely tracked the fugitive to his hiding place through the night.

Taking advantage of the night fog's concealment, he launched a close-range assault, striking swiftly against speed. In the instant before his opponent's evil art was about to erupt, he unleashed "Cold River Reflecting Moon," striking later yet arriving first.

The blade never left its sheath. Using the fine steel scabbard, he precisely struck the point where his opponent was circulating his energy. The icy Spiral Force instantly pierced inward, forcibly interrupting the operation of the evil art and sending his opponent's qi and blood surging backward. The fugitive collapsed on the spot, weakened and dispirited, and was easily captured.

On every mission, he displayed composure and seasoned skill, his methods clean and decisive. The strength he showed far exceeded the surface cultivation of the Skin Grinding Realm - Minor Accomplishment.

In particular, his astonishingly fierce saber technique, which often subdued an enemy in a single move, left a deep impression on his companions and onlookers alike.

"Blackwater Martial Arts School has produced another ruthless character!"

"I heard that Chen Yuan has been in the Skin Grinding Realm for less than two months, hasn't he? With this kind of strength, he probably isn't inferior to some veteran disciples at the Skin Grinding Realm - Great Accomplishment or even the peak."

"His force carries a chill. Take one hit from it and half your body goes numb. He truly inherited the Hall Master's teachings—far too overbearing..."

Such discussions gradually spread through Lin Hai County's martial artist circle. Chen Yuan's name began to become known to more and more people.

Through these missions, he also earned a considerable amount of silver and merit points, exchanging them for more cultivation resources. His cultivation steadily advanced toward the Skin Grinding Realm - Great Accomplishment, while his Tide Luck Points continued to accumulate.

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

Tide Fortune: 39/100

One day, Chen Yuan had just returned to the martial arts school after turning in an escort mission when he sensed that the atmosphere inside was somewhat unusual.

The disciples had gathered in groups of twos and threes, whispering among themselves, most of them wearing solemn expressions.

His heart stirred slightly, and he found Fifth Senior Disciple Wang Meng, who was just coming out of the mission hall.

"Fifth Senior Disciple Brother, what happened at the school?"

When Wang Meng saw Chen Yuan, he grabbed him and pulled him aside, lowering his voice. "Junior Brother, you're back. The secret investigation organized by the County yamen some time ago suffered heavy losses."

Chen Yuan's pupils contracted slightly. "That incident in the County East Sea Area?"

"That's right!" Wang Meng's expression was grave. "I heard three or four fast ships went, carrying more than twenty people. They were led by a veteran constable at the Tendon Changing Realm from the County yamen. In the end, fewer than half returned, and two of the ships sank!"

"Captain Liu, who led the team, even suffered serious internal injuries. They say they encountered an extremely ferocious attack by a horde of Sea Beasts, along with interference from an eerie mist. The formation was scattered, and everyone had to fight on their own. That's why the losses were so heavy."

The County East Sea Area... the eerie mist... the horde of Sea Beasts... Chen Yuan's heart gave a violent thump.

Why did it sound so similar to the place where the Chishui Bandits were entrenched?

Was it a coincidence, or...

"The County yamen was furious. They felt there was something strange about the matter and that it definitely wasn't an ordinary Sea Beast attack."

Wang Meng continued, "Apparently, the County Magistrate personally ordered a second investigation—one with even greater force. This time, County Lieutenant Lord Gao will lead it himself."

County Lieutenant Gao Mingyuan was publicly recognized as the second-strongest expert in Lin Hai County, with cultivation at the Bone Forging Realm!

"Not only that." Wang Meng lowered his voice even further.

"The County yamen sent someone here personally. They're in the main hall speaking with our master, asking him to lend a hand and join the expedition to keep things under control."

"After all, if that eerie mist and powerful Sea Beasts truly exist, having one more Bone Forging Realm expert means a few more chances of success."

Chen Yuan's heart shook violently. County Lieutenant Gao and his master—two Bone Forging Realm experts—were going to lead the expedition together? In Lin Hai County, that lineup could be called luxurious. It showed just how seriously the County yamen regarded this incident.

Just as the two were speaking, a steward disciple hurried over, his expression respectful. "Senior Disciple Brother Wang, Senior Disciple Brother Chen, the Martial Hall Master summons you. Please proceed to the main hall at once."

Wang Meng gave Chen Yuan a meaningful glance and whispered, "It's probably related to this matter. Let's go."

Chen Yuan steadied himself, drew a deep breath, suppressed the distracting thoughts in his heart, and 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 upright at the head, his expression calm yet imposing without anger.

Seated below him was a secretary in a scholar's long robe with a goatee. He was the envoy from the County yamen.

On both sides sat Second Senior Disciple Zhang Zhenshan, Third Senior Disciple Li Wei, Fourth Senior Disciple Liu Qing, and several other Personal Disciples, all wearing solemn expressions.

Chen Yuan entered the hall and respectfully saluted. "Disciple Chen Yuan pays his respects to Master."

He then saluted the secretary and the senior disciples seated there.

Zhao Canghai gave a slight nod, signaling him to stand to one side.

The County Yamen Secretary was speaking earnestly. "...Hall Master Zhao, this incident happened suddenly, and the losses were devastating. The County Magistrate is deeply worried, fearing that something may change in the sea area and threaten our county's peace. That mist is eerie, and the Sea Beasts are extraordinarily fierce. Ordinary martial artists will find it difficult to cope."

"Only a Bone Forging Realm expert such as yourself can suppress the situation and uncover the truth. The County Magistrate has promised that the martial arts school will receive generous compensation afterward for lending its aid. In the future, the County yamen will also open its doors of convenience in many matters."

Zhao Canghai lightly tapped the armrest of the huanghuali wood chair with his fingertips, producing a dull knocking sound. He did not answer immediately.

His gaze was calm as it slowly swept over the disciples below, pausing for a brief moment on Chen Yuan, who had just entered.

He naturally knew all about Chen Yuan's recent performance. His strength, temperament, and even the extraordinary combat ability faintly revealed beneath the surface had all drawn Zhao Canghai's attention.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Canghai slowly spoke, his deep, powerful voice echoing through the silent main hall. "The turmoil in the sea area is indeed no small matter. It concerns the livelihood and peace of an entire county."

"My Blackwater Martial Arts School has taken root here and cannot stand aside. County Lieutenant Gao is personally making the journey, and I am deeply moved by his sincerity. Very well, I agree to this matter."

The County Yamen Secretary was overjoyed. He immediately rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Hall Master, for understanding the greater good! The people of Lin Hai County will surely remember your kindness!"

"However..." Zhao Canghai changed direction, his gaze turning sharp. "Since this is an investigation rather than the deployment of a great army, quality matters more than quantity."

"I will bring a few disciples with me. First, they can lend assistance; second, it will give them a chance to gain experience and broaden their horizons. As for County Lieutenant Gao, please select only truly capable men. Otherwise, too many people and too many voices may instead create complications."

"Of course, of course. Hall Master, your consideration is most thorough." The secretary hurriedly agreed. As long as he could invite this formidable man, bringing a few disciples was naturally no issue.

"Master, the sea area is dangerous. This disciple is willing to go and guard your side!" Zhang Zhenshan immediately clasped his hands and requested permission, his expression resolute.

"This disciple is also willing to accompany Master." Li Wei cupped his fists. He often dealt with Sihai Shipping Company and was quite familiar with the sea area.

"Master, Qing'er is willing to go as well." Liu Qing spoke coolly, her heroic spirit surging.

Zhao Canghai swept his gaze over the disciples who had volunteered and pondered briefly. A decision had already formed in his heart. "Zhen Shan, you must remain at the martial arts school and oversee its daily affairs, responding to any possible changes. You are indispensable."

Although Zhang Zhenshan was somewhat disappointed, he still respectfully replied, "Yes, Master."

"Li Wei, you are familiar with the waterways. You may come along."

"Liu Qing, you will go as well."

"Also..." Zhao Canghai's gaze fell on Chen Yuan, Wang Meng, and Sun Yun, who had hurried over after hearing the news. "Chen Yuan, Wang Meng, Sun Yun, the three of you prepare yourselves and come along."

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

Chen Yuan's heart tightened. Sure enough, he was included. He immediately replied in a deep voice, "This disciple obeys!"

Wang Meng was brimming with excitement. Rubbing his hands, he said, "Great! I can finally follow Master out to do something big!"

Sun Yun was much calmer. She merely clasped her hands. "Yes, Master."

Zhao Canghai looked at the selected disciples and said solemnly, "This investigation is no small matter. Everyone must obey orders absolutely. No one may act on their own. Li Wei, Liu Qing, the two of you have abundant experience, so keep a close eye on your junior brothers and sisters."

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

Zhao Canghai then looked toward the County Yamen Secretary. "Will this do?"

The secretary nodded repeatedly. "Excellent, excellent. The Hall Master's disciples are surely the finest among the finest. I will immediately report back to the County Magistrate and County Lieutenant. The team should be able to set out very soon!"

After the secretary took his leave, Zhao Canghai gave everyone further instructions, emphasizing in particular that they needed to guard against the eerie mist and any possible organized "Sea Beast" attacks. He had them inspect their weapons and prepare sufficient pills.

Before half an hour had passed, a yamen runner hurried over to report that County Lieutenant Lord Gao's team was already waiting outside the martial arts school.

Zhao Canghai rose to his full height, an invisible aura of authority naturally radiating from him like a treasured saber drawn from its sheath. "Set out!"

Everyone answered in unison, their momentum surging like a rainbow.

Chen Yuan followed behind the others as they walked out through the martial arts school's gate.

Outside, on the street, a squad of roughly twenty elite constables from the County yamen was already lined up and waiting. Every one of them carried a saber and a crossbow, their expressions grim and murderous. Clearly, they were all carefully selected experts.

At the head stood a middle-aged man in official robes. His face was refined, yet his gaze was sharp. The aura surrounding him was as profound as the sea. He was none other than County Lieutenant Gao Mingyuan!

The two Bone Forging Realm experts joined forces and exchanged a few brief words before waving his hand grandly.

The two teams merged into one and set off in a mighty procession toward the East City Dock.

Countless commoners and martial artists stopped to watch along both sides of the street, talking among themselves. All of them sensed the tense atmosphere of a storm brewing.

Walking among the procession, Chen Yuan felt the grim atmosphere around him and the immense pressure unintentionally radiating from the two Bone Forging Realm experts. His palms were slightly sweaty, but what filled him even more was excitement and anticipation that he could barely suppress.