Vol. 2 - Ch. 29 - Black Robe

Funing Prefecture, along the coast.

The sun was sinking into the western horizon.

Its golden afterglow spilled across the ocean, turning the waves into rippling sheets of gold.

The moist, gentle sea breeze brushed past, carrying the scent of salt and spray as the tides rose and fell.

The sea’s surface looked like an immense mirror, reflecting the sky ablaze with dusk’s colors.

“Guu—guu—”

Several snow-white seagulls skimmed across the shimmering water.

The atmosphere was calm and peaceful.

Hua Xiyue stood on the deck, leaning against the railing. Her fair hands cupped her chin as she gazed out.

Her eyes lingered on the golden sea and the crimson-tinged sky.

“So beautiful…”

Hua Xiyue sighed sincerely.

Her crescent-moon eyes sparkled with both intoxication and joy.

She had been sailing for over twenty days and had finally reached Fujian.

The task entrusted to her by Qiong Aohai was nearly complete.

Once that was done, Hua Xiyue planned to thoroughly enjoy the local cuisine of Fujian.

Just thinking about the delicacies awaiting her made her lips curve into a radiant smile, revealing two adorable tiger teeth.

“Miss Xi!”

Just as Hua Xiyue was filled with delicious anticipation, a gentle male voice came from beside her.

Upon hearing it, a flash of annoyance passed through her eyes.

She looked down and said with mild irritation, “You again?”

Standing beside her was a young man dressed in sea-blue robes, with embroidered patterns of waves and clouds at the hem. His features were handsome, and every movement exuded a cultivated gentleness.

A faint ripple of inner strength pulsed from within him—third-grade level. He had the bearing of a man among men.

However, he stood only five feet tall—shorter than Hua Xiyue herself.

To speak to him, she had to lower her head.

The young man’s name was Zhou Yunzhou. This ship belonged to him.

Ever since Hua Xiyue boarded days ago, Zhou Yunzhou had been captivated by her at first sight, showering her with all manner of attention.

Trying to win the beauty’s heart.

But Hua Xiyue had no interest in him and responded with a cold indifference. She even returned all the gifts he sent.

Days passed like this.

Zhou Yunzhou didn’t give up. On the contrary, he only grew more eager.

Hua Xiyue truly couldn’t understand what went on in a man like that’s head.

Zhou Yunzhou clasped his hands respectfully, voice gentle:

“Miss Xi, once we dock, do you have a place to stay?”

“My father is a hall master of the Haijing Gang and oversees the ports in Funing Prefecture.”

“I could be your guide and show you around Fujian’s local customs and culture.”

Hearing this, Hua Xiyue rolled her eyes.

So annoying.

“I’ll say it one more time, and you better listen closely.”

“I’m not interested in you. I don’t care if your father’s a hall master of the Haijing Gang or even a grandmaster—I’m still not interested.”

“I already paid the fare. If you keep pestering me, I won’t be so polite next time.”

Her tone was icy.

For days now, Zhou Yunzhou had been buzzing around her like a fly.

Zhou Yunzhou’s face paled slightly. He forced a stiff smile.

“Then I won’t disturb you further, Miss.”

He bowed and took his leave.

Hua Xiyue didn’t even glance at him.

She continued admiring the golden hues glinting off the waves, eyes dazed with wonder.

She had always loved beautiful things.

The sea breeze was light and steady.

The ship slowly approached the dock. Bare-chested laborers threw thick ropes that landed with precision on the ship’s prow, pulling it steadily to shore.

Hua Xiyue slung a small bundle over her shoulder and descended the gangplank, cheerful and light-footed.

She stopped a dockworker and asked in a crisp voice, “Do you know where the Haijing Gang’s headquarters is?”

The shirtless, sweat-soaked laborer froze for a second. Everyone on this dock was affiliated with the Haijing Gang.

He sized her up with a few glances, unsure of her intent.

“I’m delivering a letter,” Hua Xiyue added.

Still suspicious, the dockworker nonetheless gave her directions.

This was, after all, the Haijing Gang’s turf. Their leader, Qiong Longshan, was a first-grade expert.

Who would be stupid enough to stir trouble at headquarters?

Now knowing exactly where to go, Hua Xiyue set off with a spring in her step, heading in the direction he had pointed.

Back on the dock.

Zhou Yunzhou’s complexion was pale as he disembarked.

Two laborers followed behind him, lifting a large chest together.

The dock supervisor spotted him and came forward quickly. “Young Hall Master.”

Zhou Yunzhou nodded slightly, his expression somewhat gloomy.

The supervisor could read the mood on his face without needing to ask.

He shifted the topic, glancing at the chest behind Zhou Yunzhou. “Young Master, is that perhaps the batch of materials the Tang Clan shipped from beyond the pass?”

Zhou Yunzhou returned to his senses and nodded. “Yes. Have the Tang Clan members already arrived at the headquarters?”

“I’ll take this over right away.”

The dock supervisor replied, “They arrived yesterday.”

Zhou Yunzhou nodded.

The dock supervisor called for a horse-drawn cart. The two dockhands carefully loaded the chest onto it. Zhou Yunzhou personally took the reins and headed toward the headquarters of the Haijing Gang.

After driving for a short while down the road—

On the cobblestone path, Zhou Yunzhou spotted Hua Xiyue once again. He couldn’t help but pull the cart to a stop and called out, “Miss Xi, where are you headed?”

“Shall I give you a ride?”

Hua Xiyue offered him a polite smile and shook her head. “No need, thank you.”

With that, she continued on her way without sparing him another glance.

Zhou Yunzhou gave a bitter chuckle and lightly flicked the reins.

The horse picked up speed, and the cart rolled past Hua Xiyue.

Falling flowers long for the stream, but the stream has no heart.

Zhou Yunzhou sighed inwardly and let it go.

Hua Xiyue walked at a steady pace along the long street.

Zhou Yunzhou and his carriage soon disappeared into the bustle of the alleys and crowds.

Anmin Alley.

At the end of the broad avenue stood a four-story tavern: Xiangrui Tavern.

The tavern roared with life, the clinking of cups and shouts of merriment ceaseless.

In a private room on the second floor—

Near the window sat a woman dressed in black.

A light veil covered her face, her figure slim, her posture graceful.

Before her on the table were a few simple dishes.

The food had long gone cold, yet the chopsticks remained untouched.

She sat silently by the window, her icy gaze locked onto the streets below.

From this vantage point, she had a clear view of the Haijing Gang compound and three connecting streets.

Anyone entering or leaving the compound—person or cart—would not escape her notice.

Down below, a horse-drawn cart slowly made its way along the street.

The woman’s frosty eyes were instantly drawn to it.

The cart bore the emblem of the Haijing Gang: a massive whale cresting waves.

According to the report from Yuye Hall yesterday, the Golden Soft Iron was expected to arrive at sunset today.

The Tang Clan members had reached the compound the day before.

Judging by the time, this cart had to be carrying it.

A glint of calculation flickered through her cold eyes.

She rose to her feet.

There was no weapon on her—not a blade nor a needle—just the close-fitting black garb hugging her frame.

The very next moment—

She leapt from the window, arms spread wide, her figure gliding like a wisp of wind from the second floor.

Cries of shock erupted from the townspeople below as they witnessed the scene.

The spot she was about to land on—

Was directly atop the Haijing Gang’s cart.

Comments