Unsheathed

After arriving at someplace on the lake, Chen Ping'an stopped the boat and put down the bamboo pole, retrieving some dry rations from his minimization treasure to fill his belly.

Liu Laocheng suddenly smiled and asked Chen Ping'an whether or not he liked to fish, saying that Bamboo Scroll Lake had three types of famous fish that were regarded as delicacies in the banquets held by influential and wealthy individuals in the Luminous Vermilion Empire.

One type of fish was called winter carp, and the best time to catch it was during the winter. The heavier the snow and the colder the weather, the more delicious the fish would be. Liu Laocheng pointed at the lake and said that winter carp existed in this area. Before he could say anything else, Chen Ping'an had already retrieved a fishing rod that he hadn't been able to use at Purple Bamboo Island. At the same time, he also retrieved a small tin of distiller's grain.

Liu Laocheng did the same, with his actions as adept as could be. However, his bait was slightly different, and his fishing rod was made from unique and verdant green bamboo brimming with spiritual energy.

In the end, Liu Laocheng caught three palm-sized winter carp while Chen Ping'an caught two. They put away their fishing rods at almost exactly the same time, and they both started to show their wares as they retrieved chopping boards, stoves, clay pots, firewood, seasoning, and so on. They had everything they needed.

One cooked at the bow of the boat, and one cooked at the stern.

Steam wafted through the air as the two of them sat cross-legged, one holding a pair of chopsticks and one holding a pot of wine.

Chen Ping'an and Liu Laocheng exchanged a smile, chatting casually as they enjoyed the fish.

There were clashing schemes and murderous intents, but at this moment, they had all transformed into temporary chatter and smiles.

After enjoying their meal and chat, they had just cleaned up and put away the pots and utensils when Chen Ping'an patted his Sword Nurturing Gourd and summoned Fifteenth, saying in front of Liu Laocheng, "Go and tell Cyan Gorge Island's Liu Zhimao that I'm with Palace Willow Island's Liu Laocheng, and that Liu Laocheng wants him to activate his island protection formation. I'm also going to enter the island by myself."

"You're only going to issue a command? You're not going to make up any excuses? Won't this make Liu Zhimao feel extremely suspicious?" Liu Laocheng asked.