Chapter 0: Deep Sea Confusion (8)
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“Splash splash…”
After being exposed to the rain for just a few minutes, Lin Nan and the others were drenched from head to toe. Their hair and clothes clung tightly to their bodies, and their boots felt like they were filled with lead, becoming heavier with every step.
But what was even more disappointing than being soaked was that their planned escape on the three-masted sailboat had gone up in smoke. The very ship they had been counting on had vanished into thin air!
Cold rainwater dripped down their faces as the four stood dazed for a moment, feeling lost and helpless.
However, they quickly pulled themselves together.
After all, Luo Ying, Bai Tao, and Lin Nan had seen their fair share of storms; this little setback wouldn’t break their spirits.
Only Fatty was shaking like a leaf, fretting and continuously asking Lin Nan, “We’re not going to d*e here, right? Are we still players? Can we still resurrect?”
Seeing Lin Nan silent, he was on the verge of tears, not even knowing if what was running down his face was rain or tears.
Lin Nan smacked him hard.
“Slap!” The sound rang clear even through the rain.
“Calm down!”
Fatty froze, the sharp sting brought his tears back into check.
“Oi, what are you doing!” Bai Tao pushed Lin Nan away and hugged the dazed Fatty.
“How could you hit a woman! Do you have no shame!”
Lin Nan was left speechless.
“Don’t worry, it’s okay. Did it hurt? The ship is gone, but we’ll think of another way. Just stick with me from now on, don’t hang out with such a fickle man anymore,” Bai Tao comforted.
Fatty wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, but after that little episode, his earlier anxiety faded a lot.
With no other option, the four returned to the cave where they had been hiding.
No one expected this outcome.
The only difference was that the dozen bodies that Luo Ying and Bai Tao had taken down had completely vanished.
There was no firewood in the cave, and while the heavy rain was letting up outside, finding dry branches in such weather was near impossible.
Luo Ying took out the last four small pills and handed one to each. After swallowing, they sat cross-legged on the ground to dispel the cold.
Suddenly, the cave was filled with steam.
Thanks to the magical effects of the pills, instead of catching a chill, the four gained a slight boost.
As night deepened, the heavy rain turned to a moderate drizzle, and the wind began to calm. Based on experience, Bai Tao predicted that tomorrow would surely be sunny.
They took turns keeping watch to ensure Ren Dan wouldn’t send anyone to attack.
Fortunately, they weren’t disturbed until dawn.
But soon, they heard angry shouts and cries coming from outside the cave.
Was it the fishermen?
Please don’t tell me their boat disappeared too!
Bai Tao was about to step out to check when Luo Ying blocked her.
“I advise you not to go out there,” said Luo Ying.
Lin Nan jumped in, “Exactly, the angry crowd needs a release, and you, as the ship’s navigator, will immediately be blamed as the main culprit.”
Bai Tao fell silent for a moment before saying, “Thanks for your good intentions, but they’re here because of me…”
Fatty panicked, “But that’s not your fault! It was Ren Dan who made you do it, right?”
“Even so, I can’t just escape responsibility. Someone has to bear their wrath. I’m sorry, you three.”
Luo Ying and Fatty turned to Lin Nan, waiting for his final decision. Even if it took force, they wouldn’t hesitate to stop Bai Tao.
Bai Tao forced a smile and said to Lin Nan, “Looks like Luo Ying trusts you. If you insist on stopping me, I don’t mind having a little brawl.”
After a moment of thought, Lin Nan replied, “Our ship didn’t just disappear without reason. Fishermen’s boats are their lifelines. Before they came ashore to escape the rain, they would have tied them down securely. Even with strong winds, it’s impossible to take all the boats away.”
“And even if we know Ren Dan is behind this, what does that matter? The boats are lost for good.”
Lin Nan continued, “Second Palace Master, I know you’re upset, but bearing the brunt for Ren Dan isn’t worthwhile. Besides, compared to taking the blame, we have something more important to do: to prevent a total disaster and save these fishermen who are on the brink of despair.
Without their boats, they can’t leave the island.
While they might hold on a little while in an unfamiliar environment, over time, many will face dire fates.
So, what we need to do now is find Ren Dan. She has taken the Flowerless Palace by storm and must have a fleet of ships.
It’s only a two or three-day trip back to the Flowerless Palace. If we hurry, everyone here can be saved.”
Bai Tao sighed, “You’re right. We can’t afford to waste any more time.”
Luo Ying and Fatty couldn’t help but feel happy.
Especially Luo Ying, who knew Bai Tao well enough to understand that once she made a decision, not even ten oxen could pull her back. Now, with Lin Nan’s persuasion, it was indeed a rare occurrence.
“First, we need to scout the nearby islands.
We were led here quite confused by Ren Dan’s people after the rain, and it seems they definitely have ulterior motives. Although their intentions are unclear, I suspect it may have something to do with the so-called sea sacrifice.
Let’s wait until we investigate before deciding on our next course of action. Finding Ren Dan’s hideout would be the best outcome.”
Just as Lin Nan finished speaking, they suddenly heard screams coming from outside the cave.
What was going on?
Bai Tao couldn’t hold back any longer and dashed out of the cave first.
Lin Nan and the others hurried after her.
But just a few steps in, they halted in their tracks.
Because not far ahead, two to three hundred fishermen had surrounded a dozen female swordswomen from the Flowerless Palace.
“Fraudsters of the Flowerless Palace!”
“Give us back our boats! Give us back our boats!”
“You’re not gods; you’re demons! Devils!”
“Waaah… give us our boats! How can we live without them?”
Some burly men could hardly resist the urge to rush in, but they found themselves kicked to the ground by the female disciples, with their arms twisted right there and then.
Their pained screams sent shockwaves through the other fishermen.
While they didn’t dare make a direct assault, they surrounded the swordswomen tightly. It seemed they wouldn’t leave until the Flowerless Palace explained themselves.
At that moment, several women in white robes flew down from the sky, their ethereal voices echoing over the island.
“Please, everyone, stay calm. Boats will arrive at each island this afternoon to take you back. For those who lost boats, the Flowerless Palace will fully compensate you; we will not delay.”
The kind fishermen gradually dispersed, deciding to trust the Flowerless Palace one more time.
The few women in white seemed to have spotted Bai Tao. After circling in the air, they landed in front of the four.
Bai Tao clenched her teeth, “Ren Dan, is that you?”
The skinny woman at the forefront smiled and said, “Second Palace Master, my apologies for alarming you.”
“What are you up to? You let their boats go, didn’t you?”
Ren Dan smiled, “Storms are merciless; how could mere mortals like us go against them?”
Right at that moment, Lin Nan suddenly interjected, “There aren’t actually any boats coming this afternoon, are there?”
Ren Dan looked at him with interest and nodded, “Correct.”
……
P.S. There’s more to come tonight! Is the “Demon Queen” about to make her appearance?
