Chapter 328: Return to Great Dream Marsh
Originating deep within Taiwu Mountain, the Long Celestial River rushes grandly, flowing towards the southeast.
Upon the wide river, a merchant ship unfurls its sails, drifting downstream.
Its speed rivals galloping horses!
Zhang Yuan stands on the ship’s bow deck, gazing at the vast, boundless Land of Marsh.
The Great Dream Marsh is nearly at hand!
The merchant ship he’s aboard belongs to a renowned trading company from Xia Ruins, maintaining consistent trade relations with the Great Dream Marsh area.
Zhang Yuan spent fifteen taels of silver to secure a place on this ship.
Yet, at this moment, he no longer bears his original visage.
Even those most familiar with Zhang Yuan, standing before him, would likely fail to recognize him!
He has taken on the appearance of Chen Zian!
Eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth—all facial features are perfectly replicated, indistinguishable from the original.
Even the small mole on the Outer Hall Guardian’s nose and a tiny scar at the mouth’s corner are flawlessly reproduced!
The cloning technology isn’t as powerful.
Moreover, Zhang Yuan’s speaking voice and revealed aura are indistinguishable from Chen Zian’s.
Such is the might of the Profound Artifact "Face Eater!"
Zhang Yuan has had this Profound Artifact for a considerable time, usually worn on his chest as armor.
This time, he is truly utilizing its abilities.
Zhang Yuan has tried washing, scrubbing, tearing, and pulling, yet no flaw is revealed.
His appearance seems genuine, not disguised at all.
Unless Zhang Yuan deliberately discards it, the "Face Eater" seems fused to his face.
Quite miraculous!
"Honored guest."
A sailor approaches, respectfully saying, "In an hour, we’ll arrive at Great Chen Island."
Zhang Yuan nods: "Understood."
The Great Dream Marsh is vast, with human settlements occupying only a small portion, predominantly on Land Islands and nearby water areas.
Great Chen Island is among the largest Land Islands.
On Zhang Yuan’s first visit to the Great Dream Marsh, Great Chen Island was his initial destination.
He’s quite familiar with this island.
He wonders if the young Shuisheng is still alive!
Honestly, when he left last time, he didn’t think he would return.
Waves slap the ship’s bow, stirring countless water droplets.
Zhang Yuan’s thoughts drift far away.
An hour later, the merchant ship docks steadily at Great Chen Island’s pier.
No sooner has Zhang Yuan alighted than a crowd gathers around him.
"Sir, need accommodation?"
"Sir, I’ve got fine wine, great dishes, and water spirit-like young women here, want to try them out?"
"Sir! Sir!"
The clamor gives Zhang Yuan a headache. He frowns, snapping, "Move aside!"
On his previous visit to Dacheng Island, he piloted a small boat and docked at a secluded, crude pier.
Thus, he hadn’t encountered such a spectacle.
These sharp-eyed individuals, seeing Zhang Yuan’s attire and bearing, knew he carried gold and silver, fawning over him with greedy eyes.
But Zhang Yuan’s voice, infused with the Power of True Essence, made them scatter immediately, no longer daring to entangle themselves!
Zhang Yuan proceeds quietly and alone towards the island.
To this point, he hasn’t decided how long he’ll stay in the Great Dream Marsh this time.
Honestly, considering Duanmu’s Celestial Being, Zhang Yuan could continue his past solitude in West Mountain Collection, remaining neutral while monitoring Xia Ruins’ situation.
Moreover, he possesses "Face Eater" to conceal his true identity, keeping it hidden from others.
But Zhang Yuan feels that Hui Zhi arranged his visit to the Great Dream Marsh, not just to pursue White Wolf for Xuan Yu’s vengeance, but fearing conflict with Celestial Beings if he remains at Xia Ruins.
Thus leading to unpredictable outcomes!
After much contemplation, he decides to take it one step at a time, dealing with White Wolf first.
Great Chen Island appears just as chaotic as during Zhang Yuan’s first visit, with no evident changes.
However, upon reaching the most bustling streets in the island’s center, he senses something amiss.
Numerous oddly dressed outsiders appear here, mostly short and stout, dark-skinned with bare chests, silver collars, and face or chest painted with different colors.
These people seem fierce, wielding curved sabers and daggers, walking arrogantly.
Unperturbed demeanor!
Zhang Yuan finds them somewhat familiar.
They resemble the inhabitants of Nanli Island, yet the inhabitants aren’t so brutish.
Outright Barbarians!
"Ouch!"
A pedestrian doesn’t notice, colliding with a presumed Barbarian.
The latter’s robust physique knocks the unfortunate pedestrian to the ground.
Almost rolling like a gourd!
Surprisingly, the uninjured Barbarian screams furiously: "Looking to die, walking without seeing? Dare to bump into me, you’re living too comfortably!"
He grabs the pedestrian, spitting at him: "Pay up!"
Pitiful pedestrian nearly faints on the spot, twitching silently.
Onlookers hastily depart, fearing involvement.
A scene that attracts Zhang Yuan’s attention!
Just by chance, the rough Barbarian glared back: "What are you looking at?"
Threatening demeanor, threatening tone!
Zhang Yuan chuckles, ignoring him.
When Zhang Yuan continues ahead, uninterested in confrontation, the Barbarian drops the pedestrian, jumping to block his path.
"Brat!"
The Barbarian points at Zhang Yuan, shouting: "If you don’t give a reason today, I’ll beat the piss out of you!"
Before finishing, a flash of a blade.
The thick finger pointing at Zhang Yuan instantly severed.
Zhang Yuan says coolly: "I dislike being pointed at."
"Ah~"
The Barbarian reacts, screaming in agony.
"You’re dead!"
"Kill him!"
Enraged Barbarians around, drawing sabers, charge at Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan shakes his head.
In an instant, sharp Sword Aura emerges, a storm of bloodshed.
Heads leap into the sky, scarlet blood stains the streets.
In moments, six or seven headless bodies fall around Zhang Yuan.
Including the instigator.
"Murder!"
Screams echo, the chaos on Great Chen Island intensifies!
