Chapter 152: Chapter 109: Water Realm

“Steward Chen, Steward Song Ming is here to see you!”

’Brother Song is here!?’ Chen Qing’s heart stirred.

’His arrival at this time must mean there’s news from the Sect.’

Soon, the lean, bronze-skinned Song Ming strode in. His aura was steady, and his cultivation at the peak of the Early-stage Embrace Pill Power was on full display.

“Junior Brother Chen!”

Song Ming cupped his fist, a hint of gravity and urgency on his face. “The Sect’s approval has come through!”

“Oh? What did the Sect say?” Chen Qing invited Song Ming to sit, and the others also looked over with concern.

Song Ming sat down and wasted no time. “Elder Zhao reviewed our joint report. He agrees that the Exotic Beasts’ agitation is unusual and that the source is likely deep within Qianchuan Marsh, but…”

He paused, then his tone grew heavier. “The Elder believes the matter is not yet clear, so it’s not wise to make a big move and disturb the heart of the marsh. The order has been given: we, the Stewards of the neighboring Fisheries, are to organize our own forces to investigate several key ’Water Eyes’ and ’Reflow Areas’ near our tributary. We must find the root cause of the Exotic Beast attacks and report back with detailed intelligence immediately!”

Chen Qing asked in a low voice, “Regarding the scope and strategy of the investigation, does Brother Song have any thoughts?”

“Of course.”

Song Ming was clearly prepared. “The scope will be the few locations we discussed before: the Water Eyes near the Black Water Vortex, the Triple Fork Backflow, and the entrance to the Bone Sinking Abyss. These places are nodes for the surrounding waters. If there’s any disturbance, the signs will show there.”

He continued, “As for manpower, there’s the two of us, plus Junior Sister Lin Wei from No. 5 Fishery. Her Profound Water Snake is a sharp weapon for underwater reconnaissance. We also have Junior Brother Wu Yuanhua, newly assigned to No. 8 Fishery. Although he has just entered the Embracing Pill Force realm, his Thousand Layered Wave Sword Technique has already reached Minor Achievement, so he will be a great help.”

“Wu Yuanhua!?”

Chen Qing’s eyes flickered. He remembered the name. A genius with a Seven Forms Root Bone who had joined the Wutai Sect at the same time as him. He was picked by the Gui Water Institute in the first round and was now at the Early-stage Embrace Pill Power. It was said he was highly valued by the Gui Shui Institute Master, Chu Jinyun.

’I didn’t expect him to be assigned as a Fishery Steward too.’

“That’s right!”

Song Ming nodded. “With the four of us working together, and with Junior Sister Lin’s Profound Water Snake scouting the way, if we act carefully, our chances of finding the problem and returning safely are very high.”

Chen Qing nodded and said, “Since this is an order from the Sect and a pressing matter, I will naturally do my best. When does Brother Song plan to set out?”

Song Ming said slowly, “Time is of the essence! I’ve already sent word to Junior Sister Lin and Junior Brother Wu. We’ve agreed to meet at the No. 9 Fishery docks and set out at dawn in three days!”

Chen Qing nodded and said no more.

「Three days later, at dawn.」 A thin mist shrouded the tributary of Dingbo Lake, and the docks of No. 9 Fishery were veiled in water vapor.

When Chen Qing arrived, three people were already waiting.

Standing beside Song Ming was a young man in the moon-white Martial Attire of the Gui Water Institute. His face was gentle, and it was none other than Wu Yuanhua, the genius who had been picked in the first round by the Gui Water Institute.

A long sword sheath hung at his waist. The hilt was simple and unadorned, and his aura, though restrained, felt piercingly sharp.

The other person was a woman. She was tall, dressed in practical cyan Martial Attire with a light Leather Armor worn over it. This was Lin Wei, the Steward of No. 5 Fishery.

She had a capable air and lively eyes, but what was most striking was the small, entirely jet-black snake with fine scales coiled around her left arm.

The little snake was only as thick as a child’s arm. Its flickering tongue carried a hint of chill, and its eyes were a strange, icy blue, vigilantly scanning the surrounding waters.

This was precisely the Exotic Beast she had raised, the Profound Water Snake.

Raising an Exotic Beast is extremely difficult. A close bond must be established from a young age, but Exotic Beasts grow slowly. By the time their combat power reaches Great Success, their master might already be old and frail.

In addition, there are some Secret Techniques for raising Exotic Beasts that can rapidly accelerate their growth.

But no matter the method, nurturing an Exotic Beast requires an enormous amount of resources—Treasure Medicines, Exotic Beast Meat… which is why some people jokingly call them “gold-devouring beasts.”

“Junior Brother Chen, you’re here.”

Song Ming greeted him with a smile. “Come, let me introduce you. This is a top disciple from the Gui Water Institute, Junior Brother Wu Yuanhua, who now serves at No. 8 Fishery. And this is Junior Sister Lin Wei, the Steward of No. 5 Fishery. Her Profound Water Snake is a master of underwater reconnaissance.”

“Chen Qing.” Chen Qing cupped his fist, his words brief and to the point.

“Wu Yuanhua.” The young man returned the gesture with a smile.

Chen Qing could feel the fluctuations of Gui Water True Qi from him; it was clear he had only broken through to the Embracing Pill Force realm a short time ago.

’As expected of a disciple valued by the Gui Water Institute, to be assigned to a Fishery right after breaking through to the Embracing Pill Force realm.’

“Lin Wei. Junior Brother Chen, you’re usually in closed-door cultivation. It’s rare to see you.”

Lin Wei let out a hearty laugh, her voice crisp and clear, as she gently stroked the cool scales of the Profound Water Snake on her arm. The snake, as if understanding human nature, slightly raised its head in Chen Qing’s direction.

She had inquired about Chen Qing’s background before and learned that he came from the Cyan Wood Institute and had no backing. The fact that he could hold the position of Fishery Steward so securely made her feel he was extraordinary, and she had long intended to befriend him.

However, the last time she came to visit, Chen Qing happened to be in seclusion, so she was unable to see him.

“Senior Sister Lin is too kind.”

Chen Qing replied, “After we return from this trip, I will be sure to visit and apologize.”

Hearing this, Lin Wei broke into a smile and said no more.

Once the pleasantries were over, a look of pride appeared on Song Ming’s face. He pointed to a boat moored at the docks and said, “Everyone, let’s board. This journey will depend on my ’Water-Splitting Shuttle’!”

Everyone looked over, their eyes lighting up.

The boat was built entirely from dark brown Iron Heart Wood. Its hull had the smooth, flowing lines of a shuttle and was more than twice the size of an ordinary fishing boat.

The surface of the hull was coated in a warm, smooth material that seemed like jade but wasn’t. The bow was not pointed but curved slightly upward, resembling the head of some Exotic Beast.

The stern was fitted with a pair of intricately structured paddle-wheel rudders, clearly possessing extraordinary power.

The entire vessel exuded an air of stability, sturdiness, and considerable expense.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep