Chapter 683 - 274: Black Dragon (4)
’As expected of a great power that dominates an entire sea region,’ Chen Qing mused. ’This kind of grandeur is far beyond what those Inland River Treasure Ships I saw in Yunlin Prefecture could ever compare to.’
Just then, an elegant figure descended gracefully from the central Treasure Ship.
The newcomer was a woman who looked to be no older than twenty. She wore a set of well-tailored, aqua-blue Martial Attire that perfectly accentuated her slender, graceful figure.
A simple Jade Hairpin held back a portion of her hair. Her face was icily beautiful and otherworldly, her skin was fairer than snow, and her features were as perfect as a painting.
Her legs were long and straight, and her steps were so light as she moved that it seemed she floated above the dust.
The woman walked up to Zhang Longhu and bowed slightly. Her voice was clear and pleasant but held no inflection. "Eldest Martial Brother."
Zhang Longhu nodded slightly and made the introduction. "Younger Martial Sister, these two are honored guests from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. You will be responsible for receiving them and arranging their accommodations."
He then turned to Chen Qing and the other. "This is my Younger Martial Sister, Chen Youning."
With that, Zhang Longhu said no more. With a leap, he was the first to board the main ship.
Chen Qing looked at the cold woman and offered a friendly smile. "What a coincidence. My surname is also Chen—Chen Qing. We must have been from the same family five hundred years ago."
Chen Youning’s gaze lingered on his face for a moment. She gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, then simply made a "this way" gesture, her tone flat and emotionless. "This way, please."
Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng followed Chen Youning aboard one of the slightly smaller, yet still incredibly magnificent, Treasure Ships.
Chen Youning led the two to a pair of adjacent, elegant guest rooms on the ship’s upper deck. The interiors were clean and tidy, fully furnished with everything they might need.
Soon, the Treasure Ship set sail. The fleet of seven massive vessels cut through the azure surface of the sea, heading for the horizon.
After settling in, Chen Qing found an opportunity to approach Chen Youning, who was standing quietly on the exterior corridor, gazing out at the sea. He asked tentatively, "Miss Chen, forgive my forwardness, but may I ask the purpose of your Island Master’s invitation?"
Without turning her head, Chen Youning answered curtly, "I don’t know."
Chen Qing tried asking a few more questions indirectly, attempting to glean some information from her.
However, Chen Youning’s replies remained terse, as if every extra word was a waste of breath. She seemed completely unwilling to engage in conversation with a stranger.
Black Dragon Island’s massive Treasure Ships were extremely fast, far surpassing ordinary sea vessels.
The Thousand Reefs Sea Region was even vaster than Chen Qing had imagined, dotted with countless islands of varying shapes like stars in the sky. Along the way, any other ships that spotted the conspicuous Black Dragon flag from afar would invariably give way well in advance, demonstrating Black Dragon Island’s absolute authority in these waters.
Half a day later, the fleet arrived at its destination.
Stepping out of the cabin and onto the docks of Black Dragon Island, Chen Qing gazed out at the scene before him, unable to help but marvel at the sight.
Black Dragon Island was vast, far beyond what Black Profound Island could compare to. It was less an island and more a small continent.
The island was covered in dense vegetation, with rolling mountains and rivers. Buildings were constructed along the mountainsides and waterways, their architectural style both rugged and grand.
The docks bustled with people and carriages, a picture of flourishing trade.
And in the very center of Black Dragon Island, a colossal black tower that soared into the clouds was particularly eye-catching.
That was the symbol of Black Dragon Island—the Black Dragon Tower.
It was said that from its peak, one could overlook the entire magnificent vista of Black Dragon Island and even the surrounding sea region.
"This way, please," Chen Youning said.
She led Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng to an area of elegant guest houses not far from the Black Dragon Tower.
The area was tranquil and heavily guarded, clearly a place meant for hosting honored guests.
After giving a few brief instructions, Chen Youning departed as gracefully as she had arrived.
Chen Qing watched her departing figure and shook his head helplessly.
He had hoped to get some valuable information out of the woman, but unfortunately, she was incredibly taciturn.
’The people of this Black Dragon Island are all a bit strange,’ he thought. ’The Eldest Martial Brother is exceptionally ugly, and the Younger Martial Sister has a peculiar personality.’
Deng Ziheng gazed in the direction Chen Youning had disappeared and said, "That young woman’s strength is quite impressive. Judging by her status, she must be that Island Master of Black Dragon Island’s Closed-door Disciple."
"Closed-door Disciple?" Chen Qing looked at Deng Ziheng.
"Yes."
Deng Ziheng nodded, stroking his beard. "Unlike Yanzi Dock, which is an alliance of multiple factions, Black Dragon Island’s foundation was built from the ground up by the current Island Master’s own two fists. His word is law on the island, and his core followers are mostly disciples he personally trained. According to rumors, about nineteen years ago, this Island Master took his last personal disciple, his Closed-door Disciple, and has not accepted another since. That must be her."
Chen Qing nodded thoughtfully.
Seeing this, Deng Ziheng lowered his voice. "This type of woman often appears as cold as ice on the surface, but more often than not, they are warm on the inside. They’re just not good at socializing. If you can get to know them, you might find they aren’t so difficult to get along with."
"Cold on the outside, warm on the inside?"
Chen Qing glanced at Deng Ziheng. "And how can you tell, Elder Deng?"
"I have roamed the Jianghu for decades and seen more types of people than I can count. I have at least that much discernment," Deng Ziheng said, stroking his beard proudly.
Chen Qing chuckled and didn’t press the issue. Instead, his expression turned serious. "Elder Deng, in your opinion, what is Black Dragon Island’s true intention with this invitation?"
Deng Ziheng’s smile vanished. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly shook his head. "There’s too little information. It’s impossible to guess."
Chen Qing nodded, knowing it was pointless to dwell on it. After a bit more small talk with Deng Ziheng, they each returned to their own rooms to rest and meditate.
...