Chapter 378: Meeting Shangguan
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
If the Three-headed Flood Dragon could be caught, consuming both the dragon and the core of a Yin Yang Ophidian that the late emperor already possessed would lead to the birth of an immortal emperor!
From the perspective of the late founding emperor, the squad he had deployed could subdue any powerful mystical beast in this world. Even if it were the mythical Three-headed Flood Dragon of Tianxuan, the situation would be well under control. It was only a matter of time before he could conquer and rule Tianxuan forever!
Sadly, it was not more than half a month later after the three s.h.i.+ps set sail when two of the s.h.i.+ps had been sunk while the third one had made an emergency U-turn in time. Otherwise, it would have been gone as well. It was attacked by powerful ocean beasts ceaselessly all the way along its return journey; even when the s.h.i.+p was moored, the attacks had not stopped and the docks had also been destroyed.
It was also that same voyage that had wiped out the Empire of Yutang’s elite marine entirely, taking with it the late emperor’s bold vision as well.
With the national strength, Yutang boasted of at that time, the Empire of Yutang would have long conquered the world if there were no voyage then. Perhaps it was destined that the world would not have an eternal emperor!
All in all, that voyage had become the turning point of the Empire of Yutang; from prosperity to ruin. As for the s.h.i.+p that had barely escaped, it was abandoned at the dock at the Lunar River and had not been in use for an unknown number of years.
As the think tank of Nine Supremes responsible to plot warfare, Yun Yang, who had kept track of all their combat capabilities knew of such a s.h.i.+p in Yutang’s possession, but he had never seen it nor had he thought that he would see this superior vessel that signaled the most prosperous time of Yutang on the Lunar River and in the Empire of Ziyou!
Yun Yang set his sight afar, focusing it on the s.h.i.+p. What greeted him were the black-helmeted and black-armored warriors who looked valiant and fierce, yet a white ribbon was tied across each of their arms. A few generals had white ribbons tied across their foreheads as well.
Yun Yang was puzzled.
What was this s.h.i.+p doing here? Who had brought it here?
He frowned; with a wave of his hand, the sound of wind picked up again.
The s.h.i.+p that was moving at high speed along the wind and water was struck by the gale in the opposite direction. The Lunar River surged violently, bringing up waves that were a dozen feet high which crashed against the superior s.h.i.+p.
Despite its large size, the vessel still shook against the violent waves and wind.
"What is going on?" A general asked sternly, as he stepped out from his cabin.
No one could answer the question. Everyone was equally stumped by this unexpected event and their eyes spoke of their disbelief.
It was at this moment that a curtain was flipped aggressively aside on the three-story s.h.i.+p, and out walked a tall silhouette with large strides.
Yun Yang who was looking on from the sky could not help staring wide-eyed when he saw the silhouette, almost falling from the sky.
What? Why was this person here?
The person who had walked out was tall and lean, with a bold stride. Although it was a skinny figure, the person’s natural aura was a majestic one, that of a great general!
The person wore the armour of dark purple, almost black, with a phoenix-feathered helmet. A treasured sword hung around the waist, while a hand seemed to be pressed on the grip casually. In actuality, the hand was preparing for the arrival of unexpected danger and was ready to react swiftly and surely.
The person gazed afar amidst the wind, standing on top of the three-story vessel; a handful of hair that escaped the helmet fluttered in the wind.
It was none other than Shangguan Lingxiu!
Yun Yang’s eyes almost fell from their sockets.
Why was she here?
He still remembered the day when the Four Seasons Tower had attacked Residence of Yun, he caught a glimpse of Shangguan Lingxiu coming to his aid with her troops. She was dressed then like she was now. She did not greet him, leaving right away after being sure that he was safe.
Now that she had suddenly appeared here, Yun Yang was puzzled.
For her to have arrived now, she would have had to rush to the dock after making sure he was fine and departed urgently. It was the only possible way for her to appear here at this time.
What was Shangguan Lingxiu doing here?
She had to know that this was the territory of the Empire of Ziyou, the Shangguan Family of Generals’ biggest enemy!
General Wudi’s tragedy and oaths still resonated in one’s ears, ringing sonorously in the soul. No matter what, the Shangguan Family should not be here, yet Shangguan Lingxiu was calmly standing upon the s.h.i.+p.
As Yun Yang stopped his ministrations, the river recovered its calm.
The s.h.i.+p continued to move forward.
"What just happened?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked calmly.
"We can"t be sure." The muscular general was still looking around, on full alert. "A strange wind came and wreaked havoc on the river, but it’s gone now."
Shangguan Lingxiu frowned and mumbled, "Strange wind? Could it be… how could it be? It shouldn’t!"
She looked around but did not find any anomaly. Frowning, she turned to head back inside. Just as she entered her personal room, she almost gasped out loud.
A blurry silhouette in green stood quietly, as if he had been there for a while, and was waiting for her return.
"Lady Shangguan?" The silhouette said faintly, "Please have a seat."
He did not move but the sound of a breeze could be heard in the air; a chair from the room’s corner hovered soundlessly and drifted to Shangguan Lingxiu, landing with a soft thud.
"Lord Supreme Wind?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked in delighted surprise, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Yun Yang was taken aback, "You don’t doubt the truth of ident.i.ty?"
Shangguan Lingxiu smiled. "I am the child of the Family of Generals. Of course, I can distinguish Lord Supreme Wind’s voice and accent."
Even though he was relieved, Yun Yang asked in a stern voice, "Why has the Shangguan Family come here?"
Yun Yang was bewildered by the purpose behind Shangguan Lingxiu’s voyage this time. That was why he had made an appearance as Supreme Wind, to ask her face to face and to get to the bottom of things.
Shangguan Lingxiu had discerned the origin of the wind earlier. It must be a coincidence for Lord Supreme Wind to pa.s.s by and catch sight of this s.h.i.+p by chance, recognizing it and coming here to ask her. If it were the enemy, he could have flipped them over to feed the fish while if it were Yutang’s official military secret missions, there was no need to hide it from him either.
She realized as much instantly and said, "This trip... it is for Granduncle Wudi’s case that needed our family’s personal presence. I have come to attend to this matter."
Supreme Wind’s voice was tinged with increasing brevity and respect. "It is about General Shangguan Wudi?"
"Yes." Shangguan Lingxiu lowered her head.
"Is Lady Lingxiu going to take General Wudi and his spouse back to Shangguan Family?" Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. If this was the plan, he had to lend his aid.
"No. Still, it is a related matter." Shangguan Lingxiu hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain in great detail, "The old lady at home has not been well in recent years, so she’s made me come to bring home Granduncle Wudi’s memorial tablet. The Empire of Ziyou has encountered some issues recently as well. I was thinking maybe I could bring Granduncle home earlier…"
She sighed after finis.h.i.+ng her story.
"What issues does the Empire of Ziyou have?" Yun Yang asked.
Shangguan Lingxiu gritted her teeth with murderous intent br.i.m.m.i.n.g in her eyes. "Someone here has suggested that Granduncle’s remains should be destroyed… A few of Ziyou’s royalty agrees to that move. For now, only the Empire of Ziyou’s emperor is against it… After some communication, here we are."
Shangguan Lingxiu’s narration of the issue was more of a sketchy outline. Yun Yang was still not exactly clear about it, but he could still tell the rough situation at hand.
The Empire of Ziyou intended to destroy the remains of the Shangguan Family of Generals’ ancestor and Ziyou’s emperor had the bargaining chip to coerce the Shangguan Family of Generals to make certain compromises. The so-called communication must only be words of courtesy.
This much could be seen from the worry br.i.m.m.i.n.g in Shangguan Lingxiu’s eyes. Even though she had said it easily and there was the buffer from the countries’ ties, the Shangguan Family could not afford the wait!
Shangguan Family of Generals was at a disadvantage. They were the meat on the chopping board, waiting for the other party to holler their price. What was worse was if the Empire of Ziyou had first destroyed the ancestor’s remains, it would be the biggest regret of the entire family and in no way could it be recompensed.
Therefore, Shangguan Lingxiu had departed earlier.
Hearing the news, His Majesty had sent ten thousand soldiers as a.s.sistance and even made available this supreme vessel to send Shangguan Lingxiu on this trip.
"If General Wudi could return, his remains would, of course, be welcomed with the peerless wars.h.i.+p!"
This was the emperor’s words. "Only then can Shangguan Wudi’s lifetime heroism be highlighted – to live as a hero and to die as a hero!"
"Where is Lord Supreme Wind heading to?" Antic.i.p.ation flashed faintly across Shangguan Lingxiu’s eyes.
If she could have Lord Supreme Wind’s help in this matter, the scales would tip greatly in her favor.
"Me?" Yun Yang thought and said, "I have an urgent matter to resolve but… perhaps we shall meet again in Zilong City."
Securing a confirmed answer, Shangguan Lingxiu’s eyes shone brightly. "Yes, I shall keep my mouth sealed. I would never disclose Lord Supreme Wind’s whereabouts."
Shangguan Lingxiu had never let her name down. She was smarter than most, immediately realizing the need for discretion.
It must be an important matter for Supreme Wind to leave the country. in certain sense, as the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes, he was even more important than Yutang’s emperor, Yu Peize,
If the Empire of Ziyou had known about this, they would definitely have sought to capture him. To Ziyou and the other three empires, even if an empire was lost, it was absolutely worth it as long as they could kill Supreme Wind!