Chapter 685 - 275: Boiling (2)

A bonfire had also been lit here, its CRACKLING flames driving away the slight chill of the seaside.

She produced a food box from somewhere. Opening it revealed several types of seafood dishes Chen Qing had never seen before. There were Red Jade Clams, grilled until golden and glistening with juices, their meat plump and substantial. There were also Silver Thread Fish skewered on long, thin wooden sticks, roasted and sprinkled with unknown spices.

"Try some."

Chen Youning passed the food to Chen Qing, then picked up a skewer of Silver Thread Fish herself and began to eat it in small bites.

Chen Qing thanked her and picked up a Red Jade Clam. The clam meat was fresh, sweet, and springy to the bite, with the smoky aroma of the grill—a truly unique flavor.

He nodded in praise. "This tastes pretty good."

"I think so too," Chen Youning responded curtly, her head lowered, completely focused on tackling the grilled fish in her hands.

The firelight flickered across her face, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyes.

Chen Qing took a sip of the fruit wine—it was sweet, tart, and refreshing. Watching the dancing flames, he suddenly asked, "You’ve been taking me all over this island for the past two days. Why?"

Chen Youning’s movements didn’t falter, her head still bowed. "Mission."

’Mission?’

Hearing that word, Chen Qing’s heart jolted.

’The Black Dragon Island Master, Mo Yuan, suddenly sent his senior disciple, Zhang Longhu, to ’invite’ me from that hornet’s nest, Black Profound Island, only to use seclusion as an excuse to avoid meeting me.’

’He only sent his Closed-door Disciple, Chen Youning, to show me the sights every day. It seemed like a slight, but in reality... was it a form of protection in disguise?’

’Keeping me here on Black Dragon Island, treating me to good food and drink.’

’This way, Island Master Mo Yuan wouldn’t have to directly fall out with Yanzi Dock over me—a True Inheritance disciple of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. By simply using the excuses of "hosting a guest" and "the Island Master is in seclusion," he could shelve the issue for now and de-escalate the situation.’

Having figured this out, Chen Qing gazed thoughtfully at the distant horizon where the sea sank into the night.

Across the bonfire, Chen Youning’s head was still lowered as she continued to eat the food before her in small, extremely focused bites.

It seemed as if nothing else in the world could capture her attention.

’This girl is quite the foodie!’

Chen Qing also picked up a Red Jade Clam and began to feast.

「Five days later」 Zhang Longhu finally reappeared and hosted a banquet for Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng in the Black Dragon Tower.

After a few rounds of drinks, he was the first to speak. "I must ask your forgiveness for neglecting you both these past few days."

Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng raised their cups. Chen Qing said, "Brother Zhang, you’re too kind. Your island has been a most gracious host. There is no neglect to speak of."

Zhang Longhu asked how their excursions had been. With a calm expression, Chen Qing replied, "The scenery of the outer seas is unique. It has been a real eye-opener for us both. It was wonderful."

Zhang Longhu nodded slightly, then changed the subject. "My master is still in seclusion, and it’s uncertain when he will emerge. The island’s affairs are many, and I’m afraid we cannot entertain our two honored guests for much longer. I have already ordered a fast boat to be prepared. You may both depart for your Sect whenever you wish."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Chen Qing’s gaze flickered. He said, "In that case, we will have to trouble Brother Zhang."

He seemed to grasp the deeper meaning behind Zhang Longhu’s words.

Deng Ziheng’s eyelid also twitched. He said nothing, simply draining the wine in his cup in silence.

"Your return journey is a long one. You must be careful."

Zhang Longhu raised his cup and added with a smile, his words laced with unspoken meaning.

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Zhang." Chen Qing smiled and cupped his hands. Everything was understood without another word.

After the banquet, Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng returned to their guest quarters to discuss the matter.

"There was a hidden meaning in Zhang Longhu’s words. We shouldn’t stay here any longer."

Deng Ziheng said in a low voice, "The people from Yanzi Dock won’t let this go so easily, I’m afraid. Delays will only breed more trouble."

Chen Qing nodded. "The Elder is absolutely right. We’ll go and bid farewell to Zhang Longhu now."

Having made up their minds, the two wasted no more time. They immediately found Zhang Longhu and stated their intention to leave.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Longhu showed no surprise. He simply nodded. "Very well. Since you have both decided to leave, I won’t insist you stay. The seas are rough and the winds are strong. Be careful on your journey."

He personally escorted Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng to the docks. A light and nimble fast boat was already prepared there. Its hull was long and narrow, its mast and sail towering high—clearly it had been carefully chosen for swift travel.

"Brother Zhang, thank you for your hospitality during our stay. If you have the time in the future, you are welcome to visit us at the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect," Chen Qing said, standing on the bow and cupping his fists toward Zhang Longhu on the shore.

Zhang Longhu returned the salute, forcing what could be considered an amiable smile onto his ugly face. "Chen Zhenchuan, you are too kind. We shall meet again. I wish you both... a smooth journey."

Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng said no more and nodded to the boatman.

The boatman understood and immediately untied the mooring lines and raised the sail.

With a WHOOSH, the sail filled with wind. The fast boat shot away from the dock like an arrow loosed from a bowstring, cutting through the azure sea as it sped toward the western horizon.

Zhang Longhu stood in place, watching the fast boat shrink until it was just a black dot on the line where sea met sky.

"I hope your journey is truly a smooth one."

A moment later, he turned and returned to the Black Dragon Tower.

.....

The vast, boundless ocean was a sweeping vista of azure.

The Treasure Ship was pushed to its maximum speed. Its bow cleaved the sea, kicking up two walls of white spray. Like an arrow loosed from a bowstring, it left a long wake trailing behind it.

On deck, Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng stood side by side, their robes snapping in the sea wind.

Both of them had sensed something unusual from Zhang Longhu’s words and actions. They knew that Yanzi Dock would never let the matter rest, and that their return journey was bound to be fraught with peril.

Chen Qing’s expression was calm as he said, "Since he went out of his way to warn us, he must know something. Yanzi Dock wouldn’t dare attack Black Dragon Island directly, but the chances they’ll set an ambush for us on the way back to Dongji City are extremely high."

"Mm."

Deng Ziheng nodded. "It pays to be cautious."