Chapter 53 The Palace of Daylight

“Bring that demonic woman from the evil sect here!”
A few soldiers obeyed, and soon escorted Wen Xiang out from the cabin.

With a sharp clang, Pang Xian drew his blade and pressed its edge against her snow-white neck, carving a clear line of blood. His voice thundered, “Witch, reveal your accomplices’ plans. If you do, I may spare your life. Otherwise, don’t blame me for beheading you on the spot!”

Wen Xiang’s expression was icy and unwavering as she uttered three words, “I do not know.”

Pang Xian flew into a rage; a thin stream of blood trickled down Wen Xiang’s throat. He was about to apply more pressure when Su Yi’s voice sounded from the side, “Commander Pang, this woman from the demonic sect has nothing to do with those who attacked us tonight. Killing her will avail you nothing.”

Pang Xian dared not truly kill the woman before him; his display was merely bravado. After all, in his mind, Wen Xiang was caught by Su Yi of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Hearing Su Yi speak, Pang Xian seized the opportunity to withdraw his blade from Wen Xiang’s neck, snorting heavily.

“Master Su, what should we do now?” Pang Xian, somewhat anxious, looked to Su Yi as if grasping at a lifeline, ignoring the fact that he was the officer in charge of this fleet.

“Our ships are fewer than theirs. Commander Pang, do you have confidence in holding your own?”

“Our ships are bigger and sturdier; our soldiers are well-armed. If we fight ship-to-ship, we have a clear advantage. The problem is our vessels are slow, and this area is riddled with hidden reefs—there’s little room for maneuver. A running battle is impossible. I’m worried they’ll try to set us ablaze. Damn it, these bastards chose this place on purpose!”

Su Yi pondered for a moment, then looked up, his face calm and serene. “I have a plan. Commander Pang, let your men fight without restraint. After this battle, each will be rewarded. We must make sure these fools are swallowed by the fish tonight.”

Seeing Su Yi’s confidence, Pang Xian’s spirits soared. He shouted at the top of his lungs, “Listen up, you scoundrels! Master Su says you’ll be rewarded if you win this fight, so put your backs into it! Anyone who drags us down, I’ll cut him myself!”

The soldiers responded with a thunderous roar, their shouts echoing across the deck. Sun Wei and Mi Gui, their blood stirred, hoisted their blades onto their shoulders and laughed, “It’s been too long since we fought on the battlefield. Tonight, we’ll kill our fill.”

“Old Master Guan uses long weapons; we’ll rely on you later.”
Guan Shan chuckled, “I’ve spent my life escorting caravans, but this is my first real battle. Rest assured, Master Su, I’ll do my best.”

—

As they spoke, the enemy ships drew within a mile. The sound of oars and shouted commands carried clearly across the lake. Under the firelight, heads clustered together, and the cold gleam of blades could be glimpsed.

At some point, a voice called out from the distant lake, “Mo Santong from Wanqi Island, here to greet you all!”

No sooner had the voice faded than others followed in quick succession.

“Gu Yanqu from Flying Peak, here to greet you all!”

“Ge Jian from Baizhang Cliff...”

“Nie Jin Xiong from West Mountain Gang...”

Su Yi’s brows furrowed, “Who are all these people?”

Pang Xian was beside himself with rage, “Damn it! All these are local gangs making a living on Suiyang Lake. No wonder there are so many water bandits. These fools have lost all fear—they dare defy the imperial court!”

“They think themselves untouchable, seeking to shake our morale. They’re making it clear we won’t leave here alive tonight,” Su Yi said, seeing through their intentions.

“Alas, I had hoped to appeal to old acquaintances for mercy, but it seems that’s impossible.”

“It appears the Yuan Demon Sect is still formidable, even in decline. They’ve managed to rally so many rogue factions to risk everything and besiege the imperial navy,” Su Yi remarked, turning back.

“Miss Wen Xiang, do you have anything to add?”

Wen Xiang pressed her lips together, then shook her head. “For a hundred years, the Yuan Demon Sect has endured suppression from all sides, keeping a low profile. Now, only a handful of disciples remain; it’s impossible for us to control so many gangs at once. That woman Dan Xia may have allied herself with outsiders.”

Dozens of ships converged from every direction. Three warships formed a triangle, encircling a double-decked flat-bottom vessel that lacked combat ability. Flaming torches cast a pale glow over the night waters. Su Yi and the others stood high on the warships, gazing down at the scores of boats filled with water bandits and rogue warriors armed with steel forks, machetes, and all manner of weapons.

—

Though perhaps individually lacking in skill, each boat was packed with men, their numbers enough to inspire terror. Their faces bore varied expressions—fierce, helpless, fearful, tense—but one thing was shared: the mounting intent to kill.

A large vessel cleaved the darkness, laughter ringing like silver bells. “Well, well, isn’t this our once lofty Wen Xiang? How did you end up a prisoner? Don’t worry, sister, I’ll send these people to the underworld to keep you company.”

At the prow stood a beautiful woman untouched by the years, dressed in crimson that made her skin seem snowy white. Two red hairpins slanted in her hair, her eyes dark and luminous—she was none other than Dan Xia, one of the last elders of the Yuan Demon Sect.

“Elder Dan, you certainly command great power tonight. I don’t recall our sect having so many affiliates. You’ve colluded with outsiders and exposed our secrets. Do you truly wish to make our sect the enemy of the world?”

Dan Xia laughed, swaying her slender waist. “Colluded with outsiders? There are only a few left in the sect besides you and me. Feng Fei, that wretch, and you shattered the sect and got everyone captured, yet you blame me?”

Her tone turned icy. “From the day I escaped your grasp, I resolved to erase the Yuan Demon Sect from the world. If I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it myself.”

“From now on, there is no Elder Dan Xia of the Yuan Demon Sect—only the Vice Palace Master of White Day Palace.”

“You’re mad!” Wen Xiang could hardly believe her ears.

A soft sigh came from behind Dan Xia on the big ship. Though not loud, it sent a shiver through the crowd, their hearts startled. They saw a tall and imposing man appear at the prow, his eyes sharp as lightning, exuding a sinister charisma that was unforgettable.

Guan Shan’s face changed dramatically—such a figure reminded him of a legendary name.

Wen Xiang stared fixedly at the man, forcing out each word, “Palace Master of White Day—Zuo Qingzong.”