Chapter 40: Intimidation and Threats

In an empty grassland of Qinghe Prefecture’s Longshan Pavilion, a silvery-white flying vessel about twenty to thirty meters in length was parked. The vessel was covered with magical runes.

“Everyone, board the flying vessel,” said Master Yuan Wu, leading Dongbo Xueying and the other four to the site.

“How beautiful the vessel is!” Dongbo Xueying’s eyes lit up. This was his first time seeing a flying vessel; he had only heard about them before. “It’s said that even the cheapest alchemical flying vessel costs over two hundred thousand gold coins. Usually only experts with titles or major powers can afford them.”

Siborong glanced at Dongbo Xueying with a half-smile and said, “Master Yuan, this alchemical flying vessel is entirely made of ‘Kanyin Metal,’ and the cabin is all crystal glass. It must have cost about five hundred thousand gold coins, right?”

“Haha, your Si Clan needs to purchase from some alchemical masters, but our Longshan Pavilion received this vessel directly dispatched from the headquarter. We didn’t have to spend any gold coins, and this alchemical flying vessel was even crafted by alchemical masters from within our Longshan Pavilion’s provincial headquarters, so the cost was much lower—probably around three hundred thousand gold coins,” Master Yuan Wu replied.

Siborong’s guess fell short, but he remained unfazed and exclaimed in admiration, “Impressive! I was planning to buy an alchemical flying vessel. Can I purchase one from the Longshan Pavilion?”

“Of course, but the price will be about the same as outside,” Master Yuan Wu smiled. “We can’t give it to you at cost price. Alchemical masters need to make a profit too.”

“Thud, thud, thud.”

Master Yu Jingqiu was the first to board the flying vessel. She had always disliked Siborong, mainly because he often flaunted his wealth and used his family’s power to suppress others. Wasn’t this conversation just him showing off that he could afford a flying vessel? Yu Jingqiu, after all, was a disciple of an extraordinary grand mage. She aspired to become an extraordinary mage like her master.

That was true power! Flaunting wealth? Oppressing others with family power? That was too shallow!

“Thud, thud, thud.” Dongbo Xueying also boarded the vessel. Without an audience for his showmanship, Siborong climbed aboard with his subordinates Liang Yong and Tang Xiong, who always followed his lead.

“Have a pleasant journey.”

Master Yuan Wu watched from the grassland below.

Whoosh.

The flying vessel quickly soared into the sky, rising higher and higher. After reaching an altitude of over a thousand meters, it rapidly flew into the distance, ascending further and disappearing into the horizon.

…

Inside the flying vessel’s cabin.

The entire cabin was made of transparent crystal glass, allowing a clear view of the outside scenery. Faint colors shimmered within the crystal, making the cabin truly magnificent.

“Everyone,”

The two experts from Longshan Pavilion who were in charge of operating the vessel turned toward Dongbo Xueying and the others. One of them, a man clad in silver-white armor, said, “You are heading to the family castle of the Lu Clan in Qutai City. Are you planning to attack at night or during the day? If during the day, the vessel can proceed at maximum speed and reach the destination in just two hours. If you’re not in a hurry, the vessel can proceed at a slower pace and arrive around dusk.”

“There’s actually no difference between attacking during the day or at night,” Yu Jingqiu’s voice was pleasant to hear. “That Lu Huairu is a Flowing Star mage and an expert alchemist. Since the location is a highly secretive stronghold, he must have set up numerous alert enchantments. Once we infiltrate, we will be discovered immediately.”

“Jingqiu is a Silver Moon mage. If she says there are alert enchantments and we will be discovered, then we definitely will be,” Siborong added. “Since we will be discovered anyway, let’s attack during the day. The sooner, the better.”

“We’re not in a hurry. Let’s go at dusk,” Yu Jingqiu said. “At dusk, the guards at the family castle will be changing shifts or preparing for dinner, and they will be much more relaxed. During the day, the guards are more vigilant, and at night, the darkness will make it more difficult to deal with the traps and enchantments.”

“Jingqiu is truly clever,” Siborong quickly added.

“Alright, then dusk it is,” the two Longshan Pavilion personnel operating the vessel immediately decided. Actually, proceeding at a moderate speed was the most energy-efficient for the vessel.

Dongbo Xueying soon left the cabin and arrived at the deck of the flying vessel.

“It really feels different.”

The wind was quite strong on the deck.

However, due to the vessel’s aerodynamic design, the wind mostly rushed over the top of the vessel, significantly reducing the wind force on the deck compared to the outside.

“Whoosh…” Standing on the deck, holding the vessel’s railing, watching the floating clouds around him and the vast land below, the scenery was truly beautiful. Dongbo Xueying felt a sense of peace and joy.

“Thud, thud, thud.” Someone else exited the cabin and came onto the deck.

Dongbo Xueying turned his head and saw the approaching figure of Siborong, whose demeanor was somewhat cold and sinister. Dressed in luxurious attire, Siborong strolled to the railing and gazed at the scenery outside. “Although I’ve seen it many times, the view from a flying vessel is indeed quite nice. Dongbo Xueying, this is your first time on a flying vessel, isn’t it?”

Dongbo Xueying ignored him.

“I know about you, Dongbo Xueying, from Yishui City! I heard your parents were captured by the Moyang Clan, and you have a younger brother named Dongbo Qing Shi?” Siborong said casually.

Dongbo Xueying frowned and looked at him.

“In Qinghe Prefecture, there’s nothing my Si Clan doesn’t know,” Siborong looked at him. “To destroy your small Dongbo Clan is effortless for our Si Clan. For instance, your Dongbo family has two beastmen, one lion-man, and one six-armed serpent demon? Among beastmen, there are many rebellious traitors. We can simply find an excuse, claiming your Dongbo Clan is harboring rebellious traitors. Then your Dongbo family will be ruined, and you will have your dantian and sea of qi destroyed, making it impossible for you to become a knight! Your younger brother will also have his magic powers destroyed… and you’ll be made into slaves. What do you think of that?”

Siborong spoke casually,

But the threat within was venomous.

Normally, Dongbo Xueying would have ignored such aristocratic offspring, but Siborong’s words now ignited anger in his heart, especially regarding his younger brother! He had watched over his brother since childhood, nurturing him with care. How dare someone suggest turning his brother into a slave?

“Si Borong,” Dongbo Xueying spoke up.

“Hmm?” Si Borong smiled at Dongbo Xueying, accustomed to seeing families bowing before his Si Clan. “Realized your mistake? If you apologize to us today and offer five thousand gold coins, we can pretend nothing ever happened between us.”

“Si Borong,” Dongbo Xueying said coldly, “has anyone ever told you that you’re an idiot?”

Si Borong was stunned. “You…”

“You’re just an idiot! Even a three-year-old child is smarter than you!” Dongbo Xueying said coldly. “This time we’re going to Qutai City to confront a cult or demon god’s branch in our Qinghe Prefecture! The five of us working together still face life-threatening danger. At a time like this, you dare to threaten me? Intimidate me? Even if I temporarily bow to you, I would surely harbor resentment, right? Then, during the attack on the Lu family castle, at a critical moment, I might stab you in the back, and you might lose your life.”

“At least wait until the mission is over if you want to intimidate or threaten me!”

“Threatening me now only makes me resent you, doesn’t it? That’s the only effect it has!” Dongbo Xueying frowned. “Don’t you think you’re an idiot?”

“You, you…” Si Borong’s face turned ugly. “You’re really not afraid of me…”

“Do whatever you like! But you must bear the consequences, and perhaps the outcome won’t be as favorable as you imagine!” Dongbo Xueying turned and headed back to the cabin. He had no intention of wasting another word on this fool.

He had originally come on this mission to gain some experience.

After this mission, he would proactively apply for a Bronze Token to take on a Bronze-level task! It was well known that the authority of a titled warrior was entirely different. Law enforcement agencies like the City Guard had no power to deal with him. In fact, even if they wanted to, ordinary people found it hard to threaten a titled warrior. Even if a titled warrior committed a crime, it was the Longshan Pavilion that conducted the trial!

Therefore, the Si Clan could not threaten a titled warrior.

Si Lianghong was, of course, a powerful existence ranked around five hundred on the entire Longshan List. Dongbo Xueying had no intention of making enemies with Si Lianghong unless absolutely necessary.

“You, you…” Si Borong stared at Dongbo Xueying’s back as he entered the cabin, his teeth clenched in anger. “Daring to ignore me, daring to ignore me! Very well, very well, I’ll remember you! After this mission, I will definitely…”

“Ah?”

Si Borong’s face changed. “This damned kid, wouldn’t he really stab me in the back during the mission?”