“This matter is of great importance. Although deceiving the barbarians is nothing, impersonating our holy Son of Heaven… is indeed somewhat inappropriate.”
The sorcerer slowly shook his head.
“That’s true…”
Zhang Fan hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Allow me to think further…”
“Captain, there’s another matter!”
The sorcerer’s expression turned grave. “Although temporarily using this port for respite is a matter of expediency, this place seems to have a lord. Whether he will accept us remains uncertain!”
“I originally intended to prepare gifts and visit this local lord, but we are strangers in unfamiliar territory. Hasty actions might provoke unwanted attention… From the beginning, when we met those fishermen, they regarded us as monsters and devils. It seems our Eastern appearance is somewhat conspicuous here…”
Zhang Fan also expressed his concerns, “Fortunately, the upper echelons of this kingdom should have some well-informed individuals, perhaps even possessing sea charts leading to the East.”
Even the sorcerer and others took this matter very seriously.
After all, it concerned whether they could ever return to their homeland in their lifetime.
“Lord, although this place is backward and ignorant, there may still be many powerful individuals. Please proceed with caution!”
The sorcerer reminded him again, “Take for example that ageless William, who remains youthful even at a hundred years old and dominates an entire nation. Obviously, he is a formidable legendary figure. Even in the Empire, only a few can rival him!”
“I know, I know!”
Zhang Fan helplessly smiled bitterly, “Don’t you really think I’ve read too many novels and tales? Wanting to emulate our predecessors, conquering a nation single-handedly? I know exactly how much I’m worth.”
“Good, good!”
The sorcerer and several experienced sailors and mates nodded in agreement.
There was no helping it; the benefits of discovering a new continent were simply too immense.
Throughout history, both East and West have records of sailors discovering native empires, then with just a ship or even dozens of men, conquering an entire continent and acquiring countless riches.
This greatly inspired the Empire’s adventurers to embark on long-distance maritime explorations.
But only those in the know understood that the later fates of those sailors were not good at all. Even the greatest spoils were often usurped by the Empire’s nobles and aristocrats who followed closely behind.
Rather than taking such risks, it would be better to return with navigation charts. Just the merit and honor of discovering a new continent would be enough for them to live comfortably off their achievements for the rest of their lives.
“Something’s happening!”
Just then, the lookout on the treasure ship suddenly pointed into the distance and shouted.
…
Although Tie Lebao’s territory was barren, as a mid-ranking noble, he still had his own private military forces.
At the very least, he could easily assemble a fully armed force of over a hundred men at any time on his estate.
Now, driven by greed for the wealth aboard the giant ship, Tie Lebao did not hesitate to dispatch all his forces. This included five knights under his command who, in response to their lord’s call, donned armor, brought their retainers, and arrived outside the small fishing village.
“Is that the heathens’ ship? It’s indeed huge!”
From a distance, Tie Lebao spotted the treasure ship anchored at the shore. Its towering height immediately reminded him of the ironclad fleets he had seen before.
“Although it’s just a civilian vessel without armor or cannons, if used for transportation, it would surely bring immense profits!”
Tie Lebao exclaimed in admiration.
“Lord Viscount, our task is merely to judge the heretics. As for the ship and its cargo, you may handle them as you wish. The Church only requires thirty percent of the value!”
Bishop Melk, dressed in priestly robes, presented the Church’s terms on behalf of the clergy.
“Thirty percent? Why don’t you just rob me?”
Tie Lebao immediately exclaimed dramatically, “I’ve brought five knights and 150 soldiers, while you… only brought a few priests.”
“Yes, but at least they are extremely effective in healing and dispelling demonic curses!”
Bishop Melk stood his ground firmly.
This was also a characteristic of the continent of Seer—interests could be openly discussed on the table without any need for pretense.
“Demonic curses from heathens and devil worshippers… Alright, I agree.”
If Bishop Melk had only boasted about the strength of his few priests, Tie Lebao would certainly have scoffed. But faced with invisible and intangible curses, he couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.
“Quickly! Don’t let those heathens escape!”
Several knights, clad in armor like iron cans and riding large horses, shouted in unison.
“No need to rush!”
Bishop Melk smiled mysteriously, “Such a large ship cannot be moved in a moment… Besides, many of their crew have already grown weary of life at sea and are lingering ashore!”
It was evident that he had made thorough preparations for these strangers.
…
“Captain, what should we do?”
The approaching force was spotted, causing great commotion. The sailors on the treasure ship looked at Zhang Fan with worried expressions.
“I’ll go down to negotiate. You all prepare to set sail!”
Zhang Fan gritted his teeth.
The treasure ship was now his greatest fallback. As long as it could be set in motion, he could immediately flee far away. Therefore, he had a bit of confidence in his heart.
He selected several people and, together with the sorcerer, came to the fishing village, watching the dust rising along the road.
A group of dark figures gradually emerged. At the forefront were five fully armored knights, followed by a group of militia. The officers were wearing leather armor and carrying weapons. Although they looked somewhat like a rabble, the fishermen had already fled in fear to their homes, locking their doors tightly.
“May I ask what business you have coming here?”
Zhang Fan glanced at the sorcerer beside him. The sorcerer immediately cast a “Comprehend Languages” spell upon him.
Originally, this spell could have a permanent effect, but given Zhang Fan’s status, he couldn’t afford such a powerful sorcerer. The ship’s mage could only concoct this temporary version, effective for only a dozen hours or so, which was still sufficient for the task.
“Stranger! I am the local lord, Viscount Tie Lebao!”
The two rows of knights and soldiers parted, and a haughty young noble stepped forward. He wore a long robe made of silk, his skin pale and sickly from a lack of sunlight. His eyes were bloodshot, with dark circles and bags underneath, indicating he hadn’t rested properly in days.
“You have entered my territory without permission, violated my domain, conducted illegal commercial activities, and failed to pay taxes!”
Although he looked somewhat pitiful, Viscount Tie Lebao proudly announced Zhang Fan’s crimes, “Now, you must pay the price for your actions!”
“Wait a moment, honorable Viscount!”
Zhang Fan immediately raised his hand, “We were merely blown here by a storm. Our ship urgently needed repairs, so we had to dock here temporarily. We are willing to pay rent for this privilege!”
“Rent?”
Tie Lebao licked his lips, as if he could already see the golden treasures beckoning to him.
However, Zhang Fan was unaware that his submission was perceived by the other party as a sign of weakness.
Compared to the trivial compensation, the entire ship and its cargo were naturally far more valuable. In fact, if not for Bishop Melk’s insistence on judging the heretics, Tie Lebao might have even considered selling these sailors into slavery.
Skilled slaves could still fetch a good price in the market. Moreover, with their unique hair and eye colors, there would surely be many curious slave owners eager to acquire them.
“Very well, the matter of the port can be set aside. But you conducted trade on my territory without paying taxes, which violates the laws of my domain!”
Viscount Tie Lebao’s lips curled into a cruel smile, “According to the laws I have established, all illegally obtained property must be confiscated, including that ship!”
“Attack!”
With a wave of his hand, numerous grinning soldiers and knights surrounded them.
“I knew it! The barbarians of foreign lands indeed have the hearts of wolves!”
Zhang Fan sighed, drawing a flexible sword resembling a measuring tape from his belt, “Let’s go!”
“Heaven and earth, wind and clouds, heed my command, haste!”
The well-prepared sorcerer quickly performed a gesture, and a burst of white mist exploded among the crowd.
Although it wasn’t very damaging, it effectively obstructed the soldiers’ vision.
Whoosh!
In the midst of the chaos, Zhang Fan suddenly darted forward like a leopard, his target none other than Viscount Tie Lebao, whose face still bore a look of smug satisfaction.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The flexible sword in his hand straightened in an instant, emitting a faint bluish glow, like a spring of clear water, yet carrying an indescribable sharpness. Several soldiers had red lines appear on their foreheads and throats before collapsing limply.
As the captain of a ship and an adventurer on long-distance voyages, Zhang Fan was naturally no ordinary man. In fact, his “Willow Fluff Gentle Wind Sword Technique” had cost him a large sum of gold coins, learned from the largest martial arts academy in Fufeng Prefecture.
“Help!”
In stark contrast, Viscount Tie Lebao had cast aside whatever bravery his ancestors might have had, tumbling off his horse in terror, looking extremely pitiful.
“Kill them!”
However, his several knight vassals roared in response, their fighting spirit exploding as they charged forward like black bears.
“Good strength, but too reckless!”
Zhang Fan scoffed, his figure as nimble as a shadow. After clashing with one knight, he immediately turned, his flexible sword seemingly possessing its own life, piercing into the knight’s armor through a gap.
Plop!
Blood splattered, and one knight fell limply. Zhang Fan then stepped forward, grabbing Viscount Tie Lebao by the collar, “Don’t come any closer!”
“Fire arrows!”
Surprisingly, at this moment, Bishop Melk, who had been standing aside as if harmless, shouted loudly, “Purify!”
Several priests emitted radiant light from their hands, and the mist in the air quickly dissipated. The sorcerer’s nose and mouth bled as he staggered backward, “My lord, quickly retreat! My spell has been interrupted!”
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