Chapter 334: Invitation
Splash!
The water’s surface suddenly broke open, and Zhang Yuan leaped out from underwater.
He landed steadily on the small boat.
A large chest was conspicuously in his hand.
The wooden chest was wrapped in a copper coating. Due to being submerged for a long time, its surface showed signs of decay, and it was covered with parasites like algae and snails.
Zhang Yuan set down the chest and casually lifted the lid.
Inside, large silver ingots were neatly arranged.
Although the surface of the silver ingots had become blackened by water, it did not diminish their value!
This chest of silver was at least five thousand silver taels.
Zhang Yuan had just salvaged it from a sunken ship at the bottom of the water.
With this chest of silver ingots as his bounty, he returned to Golden Sand Island.
Back at his boathouse, Zhang Yuan handed the silver chest to Wang Wu, saying, "Use it all up, don’t worry about spending silver. Once it’s gone, I’ll go find a few more chests for you."
Over the past month or so, Wang Wu had been busy on Golden Sand Island and the surrounding Land Islands.
He fully utilized his advantage as a native of the Great Dream Marsh, paving the way with gold and silver, and wove a large net composed of numerous informants to search for the whereabouts of the White Wolf.
Even though no useful clues had emerged so far.
Zhang Yuan felt the gold and silver spent were very much worth it.
On this trip to the Great Dream Marsh, he didn’t carry much money, which couldn’t support such large expenditures.
But for Zhang Yuan, this was not a problem at all.
People have lived in the Great Dream Marsh for hundreds of years, and trade between Land Islands and with the outside world wholly relies on ship transportation. Over the years, who knows how many ships lie sunken beneath numerous waterways?
Due to mysterious underwater threats, few dared to try their luck with these sunken ships.
Especially in deep waters, even the most reckless fishermen wouldn’t dare dive down — those who didn’t believe in the dangers were long dead!
But Zhang Yuan had no fear at all.
With the extraordinary abilities of the White Dragon Loach aiding him, his combat prowess underwater was even greater.
So, these sunken ships naturally became Zhang Yuan’s "piggy banks."
Of course, not every sunken ship contained treasures; in fact, striking gold or silver was quite rare.
But Zhang Yuan’s search efficiency was unbeatable.
On a recent trip to the Forest Lake, after getting up close with a group of White Dragon Loaches and having the Transformed Flood Dragon dream underwater.
Zhang Yuan discovered some essential changes in his swimming abilities.
And new abilities emerged as well.
Now, his perception level underwater had dramatically increased, almost as if he had installed a new sonar, greatly enhancing his range and accuracy of detection.
The box of silver ingots Zhang Yuan handed to Wang Wu was found in a sunken ship he discovered a few days ago.
This sunken ship was located very deep, mostly covered by silt and underwater plants.
Yet it couldn’t escape his detection.
And there were at least dozens of similar silver chests inside this sunken ship!
Wang Wu was in awe, beyond words.
He wasn’t a novice; one glance at the silver chest, and he could guess its origin.
Zhang Yuan’s capabilities repeatedly shattered his understanding.
This man from the lower class nodded vigorously, feeling both moved and ashamed.
He spent quite a lot of Zhang Yuan’s gold and silver.
Yet, up to now, he hadn’t seen any substantial results and felt very sorry for Zhang Yuan.
But instead of blaming him, Zhang Yuan went out of his way to find more silver taels for him to "squander."
Wang Wu’s determination to serve loyally had intensified tremendously!
"A warrior would die for someone who appreciates him," he thought; it was the greatest fortune of his life to be close to such a capable benefactor.
Wang Wu became even more resolved to "dig out" the White Wolf.
Suppressing the emotions in his heart, he said solemnly to Zhang Yuan, "Sir, the current situation isn’t very good."
Compared to more than a month ago, the situation on Golden Sand Island had noticeably deteriorated.
First, more outlanders flocked here, causing the prices on Golden Sand Island and nearby small and medium-sized Land Islands to surge further, leaving many struggling to afford food.
To make matters worse, the number of merchant ships arriving at Golden Sand Island massively dwindled.
Merchant ships maintain the lifeline between the Land Islands. Without them transporting food and supplies, densely populated islands would struggle to persist for long.
Thus, many people risked it all, with theft, robbery, and murder frequently occurring.
Although the Golden Sand Gang tried hard to suppress these issues, sending additional patrols to maintain order, they couldn’t resolve the root problems.
The root cause was naturally the Wuqi Tribe’s invasion of the Great Dream Marsh!
Currently, the warships of the Wuqi Tribe frequently appeared in the waters near Golden Sand Island.
They destroyed fishing boats, looted passing merchant ships, and even seized several Land Islands at the edge of Golden Sand Island’s influence.
Everyone believes the Wuqi Tribe will soon officially wage war with the Golden Sand Gang.
However, those betting in favor of the Golden Sand Gang are not in the majority.
In such circumstances, many wanted to leave Golden Sand Island.
But that was easier said than done.
Firstly, the price of tickets on merchant ships soared to an unaffordable level for ordinary people.
Secondly, even if one managed to board a merchant ship, there was no guarantee they could safely leave the Great Dream Marsh.
Most remained unwilling to leave their homeland.
Others came from Xia Ruins originally, having committed crimes or offended people there to evade disaster.
Returning would be tantamount to walking back into a trap.
Wang Wu, spreading his network of informants, learned much more and much more accurately than Zhang Yuan could hear in taverns and teahouses.
He couldn’t help but feel some anxiety.
"I know."
Zhang Yuan was, of course, well aware of the current situation. After thinking it over, he said, "Don’t worry, even if the Wuqi Tribe attacks Golden Sand Island, I have a way to get you out."
"Is Lord Chen Zian here?"
Just as Zhang Yuan reassured Wang Wu, a loud inquiry suddenly came from outside the boathouse.
Zhang Yuan’s eyes immediately narrowed.
By switching to the perspective of the Red-eyed Crow, he saw a swift boat rapidly approaching his residence.
At the bow stood a Samurai wearing the Golden Sand Gang’s attire.
Zhang Yuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he went out to respond, "I am Chen Zian. Is there something you need?"
The Samurai clasped his fists in salute, then raised a letter with both hands: "Sir, this is an invitation from my gang leader. Please accept it."
Saying this, he suddenly flicked his arms, sending the letter flying towards Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan reached out and caught it, "Thank you for your efforts."
The Golden Sand Gang’s Samurai saluted again, "Your words are too kind, sir. I must continue delivering messages, so I won’t disturb you further."
With that, the boat he was on turned around and left.
Zhang Yuan watched the boat disappear from sight, then opened the envelope.
The invitation was straightforward, inviting Zhang Yuan to meet in two days at the Unity Hall on Golden Sand Island.
To discuss plans for opposing the Wuqi Tribe.
The inviter was none other than the Gang Leader of the Golden Sand Gang, Fan Tai!
The upper echelons of the Golden Sand Gang could no longer sit still.
Holding the invitation, Zhang Yuan felt no surprise.
He pondered whether this matter would affect his search for the White Wolf!