Great Victory and Majestic Might, Ransacking Mountains and Scouring Seas, Li Xian Displays His Prowess and Obtains Another Strange Treasure

The expedition to suppress pirates and seek treasure set out with immense fanfare. No sooner had it left Jade City than it encountered True Guards from various quarters one after another. After another half day of travel, the sun gradually climbed overhead and the heat began to rise. Waves rolled across the sea, carrying bursts of stifling, scorching air. The personnel aboard the Command Ship, the Left and Right Gold Ships, Main Force Ships, supply ships, and Blade Boats all had experience at sea. Braving the blazing sun and searing winds, they handled the countless large and small affairs aboard the vessels, keeping the fleet moving in perfect order.

The ships sped steadily over the sea. Three or five merchant vessels traveled in the distance, and the passengers on their decks looked over from afar. None dared provoke them, and all kept well away. Then the Gold-Seeking Guard fleet spotted a buoy.

A flag hung from the buoy, bearing eight words: "Beyond the Jade Sea, beware of pirates." This was the boundary of the Near-Jade Sea Region. Beyond the buoy lay the Eastwatch Sea Region.

Zhao Yingqiong had stood at a high vantage point, watching for quite some time. Seeing that the fleet was proceeding smoothly, she nodded slightly in satisfaction. She ordered two Blade Boats and one Main Force Ship to sail more than ten nautical miles ahead and scout the waters.

The fleet obeyed her commands. Another half hour passed, and amid the boundless sea, it had become difficult to distinguish east from west, south from north. Beads of sweat formed on Zhao Yingqiong's brow. The blazing sun beat down, and the sea was oppressively hot. Though she stood atop the tower, high above the deck, the heat was gradually reaching her even there. Her dress was cool