Chapter 94: Slaughter
The setting sun's remaining light cast the river surface in deep red.
Jagged reefs pierced the water's surface, making the current exceptionally violent at this location.
This was the infamous "Black Dragon Shoals" that struck fear into passing merchants.
A large cargo ship flying Wu family flags was forced to stop by several fast boats in a relatively open backwater bay at the river's heart, thick ropes roughly tied to several crooked trees on shore.
The sailors and Wu family guards on the ship were herded to one corner of the deck, all showing terror on their faces, many bearing injuries.
The air was thick with the smell of blood, sweat, and fishy odors.
On shore, before a crude water stronghold built against the rock face, bonfires blazed fiercely.
Five bare-chested men sat around the fire, drinking from large bowls and tearing into freshly roasted meat.
Their bodies were still wet, clearly having just returned from the ship robbery, now reveling in the ecstasy of victory.