The objective was clear—that region called the Fallen Dragon Palace, near the Gui Xu Eye. But how to reach it was a huge problem.
That sea area marked extremely dangerous; ordinary nautical charts, only some oldest, most expensive charts had vague markings. Regular merchant ships and low-level cultivators dared not approach; needed a ship specially built for dangerous exploration—, and crew experienced and daring.
Buying or custom-building such a ship required—not something Xiao Qi and Liu Yun could afford. The only option: recruitment.
They needed a reasonable excuse, couldn't directly reveal the target was Dragon Palace ruins—would certainly and trouble. Xiao Qi thought of the City Lord's Manor mission—investigating recent near-sea merchant ship attacks. This could serve as an excellent cover.
The next day, at Wanghai City's largest mercenary and crew gathering place—Mast Tavern's entrance, a new recruitment notice was posted.
Recruitment: Hiring experienced crew to accompany Explorer vessel to eastern waters for special survey and investigation mission (City Lord's Manor mission credentials attached). Must be familiar with eastern waters hydrology and conditions, unafraid of risks. Compensation negotiable, divided by exploration results. Interested parties please discuss inside.—Employers: Qingmu, Qiushui.
Below the notice, Xiao Qi's Tier-C mission credentials were attached as verification.
Inside Mast Tavern,, air. All sorts of sailors, mercenaries, destitute cultivators gathered, awaiting.
Xiao Qi and Liu Yun sat in a, before them two almost untouched mugs of ale, waiting for applicants.
After posting, people came inquiring. But most were only interested in,—upon hearing eastern dangerous waters,. Some with, came probing,—Xiao Qi deflected with City Lord's Manor confidentiality, and these left.
Until evening, tavern's door, a voice:
Which employer recruiting for East Sea? This old Hai's here to take a look!
A strode in. He wore a salt-stained leather vest, muscular arms exposed, large liquor gourd at waist, walked like, carrying from years battling wind and waves. His cultivation—among crew quite outstanding.
Behind him followed five or six people: a; a scarred fiddling with a harpoon; a seemingly. Their cultivation ranged—a.
This self-called Hai-dashu (Uncle Hai) scanned the tavern, quickly Xiao Qi and Liu Yun's table, strode over,,.
So you're recruiting for East Sea? With City Lord's Manor job? Uncle Hai's the cloak-concealed duo,.
Indeed. Xiao Qi, pushing the City Lord's Manor credentials toward him.
Uncle Hai glanced, threw back: Credentials real. But this old man sailed eastern waters a few times with previous captain—devil's territory! Storm, sea beasts,! Just you two plus some, want to go there? Tell truth—what you really after? Treasure hunting? Or seeking death?
His words,.
Xiao Qi— indeed. He, transmitted: Uncle Hai understands. The is merely a cover; we, targeting a sea area possibly containing ancient legacies. , hence needing experienced companions like you. Compensation includes fixed spirit stones plus exploration proceeds divided by contribution.
He didn't specify Dragon Palace ruins, ancient legacy.
Uncle Hai stared at Xiao Qi,, then slapped his thigh: Good! Direct!! Hiding things are!
He: Eastern devil waters I know from youth—some experience. My brothers here also! We take this job!
He pointed, introducing: This is Old Fish Eagle—our look-out and navigator, best eyes; This is Scarred Liu—harpoon expert, good with sea beasts; This is Quick-witted—one, handles and intel...
Xiao Qi's gaze when it fell on Quick-witted,. This young man, cultivation,, and... extremely faint, hard-to-detect.
That coldness Shadow Snake Pavilion cultivators—though extremely subtle; only because Xiao Qi's spiritual sense Shadow Snake Pavilion,.
Shadow Snake Pavilion's spy? Already infiltrated so quickly? Coincidence, or were they monitoring recruitment info?
Xiao Qi,, Quick-witted, then nodded to Uncle Hai: With Uncle Hai and brothers joining, this journey's chances greatly increase. Regarding the ship...
Ship you leave to me! Uncle Hai waved. I got my old partner Wave-Cutting Ship—though some, but is fine,! Has basic defensive and accelerating formations,! Just needs for driving and maintenance...
They—compensation, supplies, departure time.
Final agreement: three days later, at City West Pier Three, gather and depart. Xiao Qi for ship repair and supplies.
Leaving the tavern, night.
That Quick-witted—he. Liu Yun immediately transmitted—she also detected.
Right, Shadow Snake Pavilion's. Xiao Qi. They're fast—.
So we still use them? Liu Yun frowned.
Use! Xiao Qi. Uncle Hai and his crew—this is the most suitable we can find. As for the spy...— Shadow Snake Pavilion we want them to know.
His.
Sometimes,..
Recruitment complete; ship and crew ready. A voyage Fallen Dragon Palace,,. And the covert struggle extended from land to the.