Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Just then, from the distant horizon where the sea met the sky, another powerful fluctuation of aura surged forth. A figure tore through the air, moving at extreme speed, and was already near after just a few flickers.

The man was exceptionally tall and burly, towering a full head above most people. He wore simple black martial attire, and his exposed arms were corded with muscle, brimming with explosive power.

However, his face was quite hideous. His nose was sunken, his lips thick, and a ghastly scar slashed diagonally from his left temple to his right jaw.

"Brother Zhang!?"

When Bai Cang saw the newcomer, an almost imperceptible hint of relief and hope flashed in his eyes.

The newcomer was none other than the head disciple of the Black Dragon Island Master, a man from one of the three great powers of the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands—Zhang Longhu!

The Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands had always presented a united front to the outside world. The arrival of an expert from Black Dragon Island now undoubtedly gave Bai Cang hope of turning the tables.

"Zhang Longhu?"

When Gu Sitong saw the man, his expression remained calm, but a hint of gravity flickered deep in his eyes. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"Quite a few experts have shown up today."

Elder Deng Ziheng’s expression also grew solemn. He subtly shifted his position to form a pincer with Gu Sitong, shielding Chen Qing behind them. At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to Chen Qing: "That’s Zhang Longhu, the head disciple of the Black Dragon Island Master. He’s at the Mid-stage True Essence Realm, and his combat prowess is formidable. He has a fearsome reputation in the Thousand Reefs Sea Region. Don’t underestimate him."

Chen Qing gave a slight nod, understanding dawning on him.

Judging by the reactions of the True Essence Realm masters present, he knew the man’s arrival had made an already delicate situation even more complex and unpredictable.

In an instant, several factions had converged on the small Black Profound Island: the Gu Family’s ancestor, two True Essence Realm masters from Yanzi Dock, the head disciple of Black Dragon Island, and an Elder and True Inheritance disciple from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. The atmosphere was charged with tension.

Zhang Longhu hovered in the air, his gaze sweeping over the wreckage below. "It certainly is lively here."

"Brother Zhang!"

Bai Cang quickly spoke up. "This boy killed Jiang Kui, the Black Profound Island Master, and then joined forces with Gu Sitong to grievously wound Elder Mao! I implore you, Brother Zhang, help me capture him! Yanzi Dock will be eternally grateful!"

At these words, Zhang Longhu merely shot Bai Cang a cool glance, his tone indifferent. "When did I ever say I was going to help you?"

"Hm!?"

Bai Cang’s brows knitted together instantly, a wave of astonishment washing over him.

He hadn’t expected such an attitude from Zhang Longhu. Not only did the man fail to immediately take their side, but his words were laced with indifference.

Amidst the crowd’s varied stares, Zhang Longhu turned his hideous face toward Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng and, to everyone’s surprise, cupped his fist in a salute. "Chen Zhenchuan, I am here on my master’s orders. He wishes to invite you to Black Dragon Island for a discussion. Would you do us the honor?"

At these words, Bai Cang’s expression turned utterly grim.

He never imagined that not only would Zhang Longhu refuse to help, he would actually try to interfere by inviting Chen Qing.

’He’s clearly trying to poach him!’

Deng Ziheng’s brow furrowed slightly. He didn’t answer immediately, instead looking to Chen Qing and sending a telepathic message: "The Black Dragon Island Master is personally inviting you? This is strange. Black Dragon Island is a major power, and its Master is one of the top experts in the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands. He rarely makes an appearance. For him to ask for you by name... I can’t tell if this is a blessing or a curse."

Chen Qing’s mind raced.

’Black Dragon Island is one of the top powers in the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands. For its Master to suddenly invite me, a True Inheritance disciple from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, through his head disciple... his motive can’t be simple.’

Deng Ziheng continued his telepathic message: "As things stand, Gu Sitong has Bai Cang and Mao Chengyue temporarily intimidated, but reinforcements from Yanzi Dock could arrive at any moment. It won’t be easy for us to leave the Thousand Reefs Sea Region safely. Black Dragon Island’s stance is unclear, but judging from Zhang Longhu’s words and actions, he is at least maintaining surface-level politeness and showing no immediate hostility. Rather than get stuck in a stalemate here and lose the initiative, it might be better to go with him to Black Dragon Island and see what’s what."

Chen Qing shared his sentiment. He cupped his fist toward Zhang Longhu and said, "I am honored by your Island Master’s invitation. It would be rude to refuse."

Zhang Longhu nodded. "Please."

Chen Qing then turned to He Shuang, Luo Qianjue, and the others. "Senior Sister He, Junior Brother Luo, you will return to Dongji City with Elder Gu," he instructed. "Create a detailed record of the battle here: the slaying of the Demon Sect scoundrels, Jiang Kui’s obstruction, and the interference from the Yanzi Dock Elder. Report everything to the Sect."

He paused, then added, "Remember, secure the heads and identification tokens of the Demon Sect scoundrels. They’ll be converted into Contribution Points, and I don’t want us to be shorted a single one."

He Shuang couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Chen Qing when she heard that.

’This Junior Brother Chen,’ she thought, ’here he is in the lion’s den, surrounded by powerful enemies, and he’s still worried about a few Contribution Points. I don’t know if he’s just brazen or truly confident.’

Gu Sitong gave a slight nod. "Very well," he said coolly.

Bai Cang grew anxious at the sight and was about to protest, but Zhang Longhu cut in coolly, "He is a guest of my Black Dragon Island. If you have a problem with that, you can come to Black Dragon Island and take it up with my master."

These words left Bai Cang speechless, and he didn’t dare make another move.

The Black Dragon Island Master’s reputation was legendary throughout the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands. Bai Cang didn’t dare to directly defy his head disciple, who was speaking on his master’s behalf.

Zhang Longhu ignored them and made an inviting gesture to Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng.

The three of them set off, and soon arrived at the docks of Black Profound Island.

At the docks, seven colossal Treasure Ships were moored, silent and still as seven mobile fortresses. Their hulls were built from dark Ironwood, giving them an incredibly sturdy appearance.

A black flag flew from the top of each mast, snapping in the wind. Embroidered on each was a snarling Black Dragon, baring its fangs and claws in an imposing display.

The experts pacing the decks all possessed refined and potent auras, clearly veterans.