Chapter 6: A Misunderstanding

“This, this…” Liu Yuanxi gazed at the Thirteenth Young Master writhing in agony on the ground, at a loss for words.

Qian Ye pointed at the Thirteenth Young Master and asked, “Shall I leave him to you, or what?”

Liu Yuanxi was a decisive man. His eyes flashed with a resolute light as he sighed, “Since it’s done, we might as well see it through.”

“Agreed.” Qian Ye nodded, and the East Peak sword emitted a razor-sharp sword qi that instantly severed the Thirteenth Young Master’s throat, ending his suffering. After completing the deed, Qian Ye sheathed his sword calmly and said, “I thought you would fight me to the death.”

Liu Yuanxi laughed bitterly, “I wanted to, but I lacked the strength. Wait a moment, let me deal with the aftermath.”

He turned to the Thirteenth Young Master’s guards, his face stern, and commanded, “Take the Young Master’s body back. But if anyone dares to speak out of turn, I’ll cut their tongues! Is that clear?”

The guards quickly agreed and carried the Thirteenth Young Master’s body away like a whirlwind. They knew they had narrowly escaped with their lives and dared not linger any longer.

Liu Yuanxi then ordered someone to clean up the bloodstains on the ground before inviting Qian Ye into the Cloudsoaring Tower and arranging a private room for him. Once Qian Ye was seated, he said, “The battles have been fought, and the victors are known. The Fury of the Gale has disbanded; it seems there’s no need to continue the conflict.”

Qian Ye sipped his tea and replied, “I just killed the son of the City Lord. Is that not an issue?”

Liu Yuanxi smiled, “The City Lord has many concubines, and countless young masters and ladies. One more or one less doesn’t matter. Every year, some young masters and ladies die. They can always be replaced.”

Although Qian Ye was confident that the Southern Green City Lord would compromise, he was still surprised by these words. After a moment, he said, “The City Lord truly has a broad mind. I am impressed.”

Liu Yuanxi then asked, “May I ask, Sir Qian Ye, what brings you to Southern Green City? Can you share your intentions so we can see if there’s anything we can assist with?”

Qian Ye didn’t hide the truth, “I have an old floating warship that’s been giving me trouble lately, and I want to repair it. I’m here to purchase some power equipment, and it would be even better if I could find power sails.”

“In terms of military supplies, my City Lord has many connections. Why don’t you accompany me to the City Lord’s residence? The City Lord would surely be willing to talk to you and clear up any misunderstandings.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Qian Ye agreed without hesitation, surprising Liu Yuanxi. It seemed Qian Ye was fearless and unafraid of any ambush at the City Lord’s residence.

Qian Ye stood up and followed Liu Yuanxi out. Before leaving, he instructed Qing Yue, “I’m going to the City Lord’s residence to meet the City Lord. You stay here and look for any good deals. Wait for me here after you’re done.”

“Yes, sir.” Qing Yue agreed. She felt both anxious and hopeful as she watched Qian Ye head to the City Lord’s residence alone, her feelings conflicted.

If Qian Ye were to die at the City Lord’s residence, she would be free, and the secrets of the Northern Land would be in her hands. She could eventually find a way to cross the Eastern Sea or the Void Barrier and reach that fertile land.

However, she knew that neither the Gao Hu people nor herself had the strength to hold onto the Northern Land. If the Northern Land were exposed, even the Wolf King and the Masked Spider Emperor would vie for it. How could the Gao Hu, who had no divine generals, resist them? This was why, for centuries, the Gao Hu people had wandered as mercenaries without establishing their own power.

Why did Qian Ye have confidence in holding the Northern Land? After Qian Ye left, Qing Yue pondered this question in her heart.

She could find many reasons, such as Qian Ye’s powerful combat skills and mysterious techniques. Yet, when she thought about it, none of these reasons seemed sufficient. In the end, she was left with only one thought: He is the successor of the Pole Star King. Surely, he should be able to handle such a situation? If all else fails, perhaps the Pole Star King himself would step in.

Thinking of this, Qing Yue suddenly felt a surge of confidence.

For decades, the Pole Star King had held the title of the strongest human, and many of his deeds had almost been mythologized. His name alone was enough to inspire strength and confidence.

Unbeknownst to Qian Ye, the Pole Star King once again unknowingly endorsed him. Qian Ye was now at the City Lord’s residence, sitting in a guest room, savoring a cup of fine tea. However, a single misstep could turn this hospitable welcome into a perilous trap.

Just as he was thinking, a jolly, rotund figure entered the room, bowed, and greeted him with a smile, “Sir Qian Ye, it’s an honor to meet you! I am Ji Rui, the Southern Green City Lord. Please forgive any lack of hospitality on my part.”

Qian Ye rose and returned the bow, and after exchanging pleasantries, they sat down. Ji Rui dismissed the servants, closed the door, and asked solemnly, “Might I inquire if you come from the Zhao Clan of the Empire?”

Qian Ye had anticipated that his background would be investigated. He responded, “I did serve under the Zhao Clan.”

Ji Rui nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, “There was some misunderstanding between us in the past, but now that the Thirteenth is dead, can we put aside our grievances?”

“Of course.”

“If the Thirteenth hadn’t sought you out…” Ji Rui probed.

“I would have found him.”

Ji Rui’s smile faltered, and he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a white cloth. “In that case, it’s a good thing. But may I ask, what is your relationship with the Original Races?”

“There is no relationship.”

“And what is your opinion on the logging of the Black Forest?”

Qian Ye smiled, “What does it have to do with me? During the last battle, the Original Races and I happened to have a common enemy, so we temporarily allied.”

Ji Rui sighed in relief, “That’s good, that’s good.”

Since Qian Ye didn’t oppose the logging of the Black Forest, his plans could proceed. This was his true source of wealth, and it also brought the support of the Empire. In comparison, the bounty offered by the Spider Emperor for the Little Zhu Ji or even his son, the Thirteenth, were insignificant.

Ji Rui lowered his voice and carefully asked, “I heard that you’ve done something quite remarkable in the Empire.”

“Not really. I just stormed a military base and killed a General.” Qian Ye spoke casually, but Ji Rui was shocked. He knew the rank of General matched his own combat strength. If Qian Ye could infiltrate a heavily guarded military base and kill a General, he could certainly kill Ji Rui in the City Lord’s residence.

Ji Rui smiled, “General Qian Ye, you are indeed extraordinary, carrying out such a feat with such nonchalance.”

Hearing this, Ji Rui’s address changed from “sir” to “general,” and he asked, “But the Imperial Military won’t let this go. Why risk using your real name in a neutral area? If this information reaches the Empire, it could cause trouble.”

Qian Ye smiled calmly, “I hope they do come. I have no more concerns and it’s time to take action.”

Ji Rui was alarmed. As the Southern Green City Lord, he had little to fear, but he dreaded individuals like Qian Ye, who were unpredictable, powerful, and fearless. He didn’t doubt the truth of Qian Ye’s words. Qian Ye had revealed his real name in front of many mercenaries, showing no fear.

Ji Rui took a sip of tea to calm himself and asked, “What brings you to Southern Green City? Perhaps I can be of some assistance.”

Qian Ye had been waiting for this. “I need the City Lord’s help. I want to purchase a batch of power sails, but it seems there isn’t much stock in the city. Can you help me?”

Hearing the word “batch,” Ji Rui’s eyes lit up. He cleared his throat and feigned indifference, “Power sails are difficult to make, expensive, and only a few floating ships use them. Ordinary shops wouldn’t have them. However, I happen to know some friends who have some in stock. If it’s not enough, we can order from a shipyard. How many do you need?”

Qian Ye smiled and remained silent, watching Ji Rui perk up. Then, he raised four fingers. Ji Rui looked disappointed, “Four?”

A typical cargo ship used three sails, and four was already considered large. Four power sails would be enough for Qian Ye. However, for Ji Rui, this was a small deal. He began to reconsider Qian Ye’s value.

Before Ji Rui could think further, Qian Ye shook his head, “No, forty.”

“Forty!” Ji Rui nearly jumped up, but managed to stay seated.

“High-grade quality, the largest size,” Qian Ye added.

Ji Rui’s eyes gleamed, “Let me be frank. Such power sails aren’t produced here. They must be bought from the Evernight or the Empire. When they arrive, each will cost around five thousand gold coins.”

Qian Ye nodded, “That’s reasonable. This will serve as a deposit.” He placed a small box filled with black crystals in front of Ji Rui.

Ji Rui opened the box and saw that the black crystals were worth about thirty thousand gold coins. He no longer doubted, “Forty power sails, my friends might have just enough. I’ll arrange it, and they can be shipped in a week. Where should they be delivered?”

Qian Ye named a small town and then bid farewell. Ji Rui escorted him to the gate of the City Lord’s residence.

As Qian Ye was about to leave, a scream echoed from the courtyard, “Return my son’s life!”

With a loud boom, a burst of origin energy shot towards Qian Ye.