Chapter 43: Meticulous Planning, The Mission Begins

“Metal plate?”

Su Yi felt his mind was struggling to comprehend it. How could such a fantastical thing appear in a proper martial arts world?

“Yes, I find it quite incredible myself, but my father told me this on his deathbed.”

Su Yi recalled what Xie Lingyuan had said: many believed that three hundred years ago, the demonic Lu Sheng had already touched the legendary and elusive Tianyuan realm. If this legend were true, then it wouldn’t be impossible for someone to pass down a divine skill by such extraordinary means.

Su Yi considered himself quite adaptable—after all, he was a boy who’d been steeped in countless fantasy stories since childhood.

“Until you have that metal plate in hand, it should be safe for now. As far as I know, those demon cultists have been trailing you all along. Now that word has spread about their stronghold being smashed, they’re like startled birds; they shouldn’t dare show themselves for a while. But just in case, we must remain vigilant. From now on, don’t stray far from me.”

“Are Uncle Zhao and your two attendants trustworthy?”

“Uncle Zhao grew up with my father. Uncle Sun and Uncle Mi fought alongside him on the battlefield many times. All three are absolutely reliable.”

“Good.” Su Yi nodded and continued, “Those cultists lurking in the shadows are hard to guard against. I worry I might not be able to handle them alone, so I’ve called for reinforcements—they should arrive by tomorrow at the earliest. Until then, don’t go anywhere; I promise to keep you safe.”

“All right, I’ll listen to you, Brother Su.”

“Then rest well. I’ll go speak with them.”

Chi Pengjin followed him to the cabin door. Zhao Xing and the two burly men, Sun Wei and Mi Gui, stood not far outside. The patrol officer Su Yi had hired was alone at the bow, not conversing with the others. Su Yi was quietly pleased that the man hadn’t forgotten his instructions.

Su Yi called Zhao Xing and the two over.

“Steward Zhao—may I call you Uncle Zhao? The young master is now being targeted by demon cultists and is in grave danger. We must ensure his safety without any oversight. I have a few questions for you.”

“Please, Master Su, ask anything. We will answer honestly.”

“Where did you hire this boat? Is it trustworthy?”

“It was hired from the broker outside Luodu City. I personally compared four companies before making the choice. The captain and crew were vetted in advance—they have clean backgrounds, so there shouldn’t be any issue.”

“Have you two checked their skills and backgrounds?”

Sun Wei replied, “Mi Gui and I have both assessed them. The captain has some rudimentary martial arts, but the crew are just ordinary men.”

Both were veterans, naturally cautious and detail-oriented.

“Good. Out of caution, I’ll also vet them myself.”

Although their interrogation suggested no demon cult informants aboard, Su Yi preferred to be careful.

“How are meals supplied on the boat?”

“It’s all waterway travel. The captain prepares fresh river fish daily, and when we dock, the crew buy meat and vegetables.”

“Food from outside may not be safe. To prevent tampering or poisoning, don’t let anyone go out to buy supplies anymore. The kitchen will be handled by the three of you, no one else. Best if Sun Wei and Mi Gui take charge.”

From his dealings and intelligence, Su Yi knew Sun Wei and Mi Gui both possessed second-tier martial skills. With their abilities, even if a master sneaked aboard, he needn’t worry about silent sabotage.

Having covered the main points, Su Yi discussed the arrangements and details for the coming days. Zhao Xing, Sun Wei, and Mi Gui had no objections, which pleased Su Yi greatly, as it reduced much hassle for his assumed identity.

Su Yi then summoned the patrol officer to the dock among the soldiers, gave him instructions, and sent him away. However, he kept the patrol squad behind. These soldiers wouldn’t be much use against true experts, but with their official authority and the precedent of the morning’s imperial sweep of the demon cult’s stronghold, Su Yi was confident nothing would happen today or tomorrow.

With the mission underway, Su Yi didn’t leave again. He’d brought everything he needed and took up residence on the boat.

...

The sound of the night watch drifted from afar; the darkness deepened.

On the wharf, a squad of patrol soldiers took shifts, torches blazing bright, illuminating the surroundings. Su Yi had paid generously, and his mysterious background left them wary. Though tired, the soldiers dared not slacken, keeping their eyes wide.

Su Yi patrolled the boat up and down, found nothing amiss, and returned to the cabin, greeting Sun Wei who was on night duty before settling cross-legged on his bunk.

Farther in was Chi Pengjin’s bed, barely ten feet away. Su Yi didn’t even need to focus to hear the steady rhythm of his breathing.

For Su Yi now, meditation was enough to replace sleep—a dream come true for any homebody from Blue Star. With part of his mind on alert, he began to examine his internal state.

In the morning’s battle, Su Yi first used archery to wear down the elder Feng Fei of the demon cult, then disguised himself as a soldier with the Twelve Golden Armors, misleading her about his strength. In the direct confrontation that followed, his formidable defense and unexpected skills allowed him to defeat and capture her.

After unleashing the Whale Devouring Method to drain Feng Fei’s true energy, Su Yi realized just how deep the cultivations of the demon cult’s foremost elder ran.

Even after a fierce fight, the elder’s remaining true energy was not inferior to Su Yi’s. With such vast energy, Su Yi could easily break through to the fourth layer of the Whale Devouring Method and reach the peak of the first-tier realm.

The Whale Devouring Method had six layers; the third and fourth corresponded to the first-tier realm, while the fifth and sixth stood at the innate pinnacle of this world. However, the higher the level, the harder it was to break through, so throughout history, only a handful of sect masters had ever reached the sixth layer.