Chen Ming stood at the bow of the westbound Spirit Boat, watching until the little boat carrying Wan Yao'er vanished beyond the eastern horizon. Only then did he turn his gaze toward the vast sea ahead.
For this journey to Black Wind Island, he had brought Liu Qingqing and Feng Wuying, along with six elite disciples chosen as guards. There were nine of them in all. The Spirit Boat had been specially selected as well-a medium-sized vessel, neither ostentatious nor shabby, but just right.
Liu Qingqing stood behind him, holding a roll of bamboo slips as she checked the intelligence on Black Wind Island one last time. Meticulous as ever, she had compiled clear accounts of the island's geography, population, distribution of fighting strength, and the temperaments and preferences of its principal figures before they set out. She had even gained a rough understanding of the feuds among its Golden Core elders.
"Island Master, Black Wind Island is currently under the direction of its grand elder, Zhou Kui. He is at late Golden Core and over a hundred and eighty years old, making him the island's most senior figure. He is cautious by nature and dislikes taking risks. For years under Han Lie, he knew when to bend and when to stand firm, biding his time without making a move. He benefited the most from Han Lie's death, but that also made him the target of every arrow—the island's other two middle Golden Core elders refuse to accept his authority and have been grumbling behind his back," Liu Qingqing reported.
"Zhou Kui..." Chen Ming murmured the name. "A cautious man is actually easier to negotiate with. He weighs gains against losses instead of letting his emotions rule him. It's the rash, impulsive ones who are harder to handle."
"Exactly, Island