Chapter 111: The Dagger Revealed
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“Big Boss Wu, if it’s convenient, may I ask where your ship will head next?” Yu Zhao’s question immediately drew several sharp and hostile gazes toward her.
She smirked internally, confirming her suspicion that they harbored secrets among themselves.
Big Boss Wu’s expression didn’t betray any emotion. He chuckled heartily and said, “There’s nothing to hide. This ship is actually chartered by Lady Hua and her group. My priority is to deliver them to their destination before returning. You and your Senior Sister can rest easy with me. I’m a man of integrity—having accepted your payment, I’ll absolutely ensure your safe disembarkation.”
Yu Zhao smiled faintly. “Hearing that from Big Boss Wu puts me at ease.”
As Yu Zhao and Big Boss Wu conversed, Lady Hua swayed her hips and approached Ji Han Zhou. Her voice was sugary sweet. “Young man, where are you from? Such a long journey… wouldn’t you like some company from your elder sister?”
She followed her words with a flirtatious wink, but Ji Han Zhou shuddered with disgust.
Recalling his previous unpleasant encounter, he responded curtly, with a trace of disdain in his tone, “Stay away from me!”
Lady Hua’s smile froze.
Over her many years navigating the cultivation world, no man had ever dared to reject her advances. Initially, she intended only to tease the young man to pass the time. But upon closer inspection, she realized his strikingly handsome features surpassed all her previous companions, causing her heart to flutter.
“Young man, I mean no harm. Wouldn’t you like to make friends with your elder sister?” she asked again, her voice softening.
“No!” Ji Han Zhou’s reply was once again swift and firm.
Being rejected twice in a row made Lady Hua’s face falter. “You…”
“Lady Hua, my junior brother has been introverted since childhood. I hope you won’t hold it against him,” Yu Zhao interjected with a polite yet firm demeanor, stepping in front of Ji Han Zhou.
Lady Hua glanced at Ji Han Zhou, then at Yu Zhao, and suddenly chuckled. “Ah, so the young man acts so cold and distant because he already has someone in his heart. I, Lady Hua, always abide by the rule of mutual consent. Since he’s spoken, I won’t persist.”
“I…” Ji Han Zhou was dumbfounded by this sudden exposure of his supposed feelings, left speechless and flustered.
To Yu Zhao, his reaction only confirmed her assumption that he was being unjustly accused and unable to defend himself. Internally, she sighed. Junior Brother Ji, to preserve your reputation, you’ll just have to bear this misunderstanding for now.
“Thank you, Lady Hua,” Yu Zhao replied, aiming to placate her. She decided to wait until they disembarked to sort things out.
Lady Hua eventually left.
Yu Zhao felt relieved.
Ji Han Zhou… not so much. He was nearly beside himself with embarrassment. His ears turned a deep shade of red, and his heart pounded erratically.
Did Senior Sister Yu believe what Lady Hua said?
Why didn’t she react at all?
Why hasn’t she confronted me?
If she asks, should I tell the truth?
Lost in a spiral of conflicting emotions, Ji Han Zhou found himself caught in endless turmoil.
The ship lapsed into silence, with no one speaking. The atmosphere was tranquil, yet tension simmered beneath the surface.
Another day and night passed.
The three Long brothers started to grow restless. Long Three approached the bow, scanning the horizon before confronting Big Boss Wu. His tone carried dissatisfaction. “Big Boss Wu, didn’t you say we’d reach the destination in ten days? It’s been fifteen days now. Why aren’t we there yet?”
“Brother Long, there are too many uncertainties in sea travel. Delays are inevitable. Besides, there are other passengers aboard. Patience, please,” Big Boss Wu replied smoothly.
Yu Zhao, who had been resting with her eyes closed, opened them upon hearing this exchange. Her gaze met Long Three’s, who glared at her with a sinister look.
She curved her lips into a polite smile.
Long Three snorted heavily, turning away to sit back with his family. His expression was still sour, but his earlier impatience seemed to have subsided.
Yu Zhao appeared thoughtful.
This group seemed like a hastily assembled team, unfamiliar with each other. Since Yu Zhao boarded the ship, they hadn’t spoken or even exchanged glances. Of course, it was possible they were putting on an act in front of her, but Yu Zhao thought this was unlikely. Based on their apparent strength, they had no reason to fear her and Ji Han Zhou.
This left only one other possibility: they were plotting something monumental and couldn’t risk even a whisper of it leaking.
The more mysterious they acted, the more Yu Zhao’s curiosity grew.
It was said that the Southern Abyss was a land where danger and opportunity coexisted. Until now, she had encountered only peril at sea and had yet to gain any treasures. Perhaps this time, with their help, she might catch a glimpse of the wonders hidden in the Southern Abyss.
Time flew, and three days passed since Long Three’s questioning.
Not only were the three Long brothers restless, but even the seemingly composed Zhao Xian and his wife were frequently standing up to survey the surroundings.
By Yu Zhao’s calculations, they had been at sea for nearly twenty days—double the time Big Boss Wu had initially estimated. No wonder everyone was growing edgy.
Big Boss Wu was no exception. When Yu Zhao and Ji Han Zhou had first boarded the ship, he still had the energy to chat and joke. Now, his face was devoid of even a hint of a smile, his expression as grave as still water.
“Big Boss Wu, it’s been twenty days. Don’t you think you owe us an explanation?”
The three Long brothers stood up, their imposing presence spreading like a storm. Zhao Xian and his wife also turned their gaze to Big Boss Wu, their invisible pressure bearing down.
Lady Hua, arms folded, stood to one side, staying neutral and clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“Long brothers, and esteemed Zhao Xian and Madam Zhao,” Big Boss Wu began, “you must have some idea of who I am. I’m not someone who would make a joke about this kind of matter! My miscalculation in timing is my fault, and for that, I apologize. But I swear on my life, the information is absolutely genuine!”
Realizing he was stirring up collective anger, Big Boss Wu knew he had to act quickly or risk making enemies. He apologized sincerely and swore an oath to prove the authenticity of his claims.
After a brief discussion, the Long brothers and the Zhao couple decided to trust him one more time. After all, they had already been at sea for twenty days. To return empty-handed now would feel like an even greater defeat. It was better to gamble once more—if they won, all would be well; if they lost, they could always vent their frustration on Big Boss Wu.
Thus, the brewing storm dissipated as if it had never existed.
Yu Zhao and Ji Han Zhou remained silent throughout, but they carefully observed and committed every word and action to memory.
Finally, on the twenty-fifth day of their voyage, Big Boss Wu and his crew spotted an island that matched their destination’s description.
“Big Brother, look! We’ve arrived! We’ve finally arrived!”
“The rumors are true! The rumors are true! Hahaha!”
“Ah Zhen, these past days have been hard on you.”
“Brother Xian, as long as I’m with you, no place feels difficult.”
“…”
Some were overjoyed, while others exchanged loving words.
Yu Zhao and Ji Han Zhou exchanged a glance.
The moment of truth was at hand.