Chapter 1006: Cutting Off Retreat

The sailors only dared to transport passengers during the hurricane and land on the island illegally because they had been offered an irresistible reward by Bailie. But Bailie had never mentioned that this job came with the risk of being beheaded!

The boat captains grew fearful at the sight of these menacing figures constantly brandishing their knives. What if the Bailong people only returned when the hurricane made landfall and forced them to set sail? Being beheaded meant death, but going out to sea at that point would also be death!

Everyone gathered to discuss; they couldn't stay here any longer. However, the Bailong guards, who had been left behind, heard their murmuring and approached them.

“What are you talking about?”

Seeing the knives at their waists, the men quickly feigned indifference, saying, “Nothing, we’re just having a bite.”

Fearing exposure, the Bailong people did not allow them to light a fire, so everyone had to subsist on dry rations and cold food. In this dreadful weather, the more they ate, the colder they felt.

Just then, one of the boat captains pointed towards the sea and exclaimed, “They’re gone! They’ve fled!” Everyone crowded to the edge of the cave and saw two fishing boats indeed moving away from the shore and heading out to sea. It was too late for the Bailong guards to jump down and intercept them.

“Aren’t those Huang Laosan and Li Mazi?” everyone lamented. “Those two cunning bastards snuck off and left us behind!” While they stood there indecisively, others had already taken action.

The boat captains on shore watched the two boats with envy. The Bailong guards, gripping their steel knives, yelled at them, “Do you all want to escape too? Get back into the cave!”

It would have been better if they hadn't shouted that. As soon as the boat captains heard it, their minds began to stir with ideas. Indeed, there were only five guards, but they numbered around twenty. If they all jumped down and started the boats, how many could the Bailong guards possibly stop?

Those who spent their lives battling wind and waves at sea were naturally brave. With this thought, they began to exchange surreptitious glances. The Bailong guards also sensed something was amiss and were about to yell a warning when suddenly someone else pointed to the sea and cried out:

“They’ve flipped! They’re going to capsize!”

Everyone rushed to the cave entrance again. The two boats that had slipped away into the sea were already pitching wildly in the tempest. Now, it looked as if something was darting back and forth across their decks. Uncontrolled, the boats spun broadside and, unable to withstand two crashing waves, capsized.

Everyone exchanged grim glances, their faces pale.

“Huang Laosan is an expert sailor; how could he capsize so easily?”

“Didn’t you see something on his boat?”

“Yinhui! It’s Yinhui!” someone cried, their face ashen. “How are these abominations out in hurricane weather?!”

“They shouldn’t be near Suoding Island!”

“With those things underwater, we can’t take our boats out!”

Well, that settled it. Everyone immediately abandoned any thought of secretly going out to sea. No matter how strong the wind and waves, there was always a chance to fight. But with Yinhui lurking beneath the surface, who would dare venture into the sea and court death?

As they chattered amongst themselves, the Bailong guards' expressions grew increasingly grim.

Just then, new visitors appeared on the beach. The guards instantly became vigilant but soon realized the newcomers were their own allies. They were the elite guards of Wanqifeng.

“What’s the situation here?” an elite guard asked. “The young master wants everyone to be ready; we might depart at any moment.”

Wanqifeng had gone to reinforce the dock, but he hadn't abandoned their fallback plan, still sending people to check on the ships.

“Depart at any moment?” The guard smiled bitterly. “I’m afraid we can’t get out!”

“Too much wind and waves?” The elite guard frowned. “Aren’t there talismans affixed to the bottom of the boats? Even in this weather, they should just about be able to withstand it, right?” After all, the hurricane hadn't even made direct landfall yet.

All the boats involved in tonight’s operation had “Keel-Steadying Talismans” affixed to them. This talisman set consisted of eight pieces: the main talisman was affixed to the main cabin, and seven subordinate talismans were placed around the hull. They made the boats behave like roly-poly toys, righting themselves after being tossed by wind and waves. Without these, no sea vessel would dare venture out in such weather; they'd capsize within two hundred zhang.

The Lu family did not possess such valuable items; these sets of Keel-Steadying Talismans had all been provided by the Beijia people. Supporting a rebellion required more than just words; it demanded material aid.

Before the guard could respond, a boat captain nearby cried out, “There are Yinhui dragging boats underwater! Go one by one, and you’ll all die! Go in pairs, and you’ll both die! They’re far more terrifying than the wind and waves!”

The boatmen chorused, “We’re not going out to sea! You can kill us, but we won’t go!”

The guard also told the elite, “Just now, two boats ventured out and were both dragged away by Yinhui. The boats were destroyed, and everyone perished! It seems these creatures are lurking nearby!” With Yinhui attacking vessels, going out to sea meant gambling with their lives. Furthermore, the wind and waves were growing increasingly violent. By the time the young master arrived, the sea conditions might already be unsuitable for sailing. While the Keel-Steadying Talismans were effective, their power was ultimately limited. Facing the boundless fury of the ocean, who could claim that talismans crafted by sorcerers would hold out until the end?

So, upon hearing this, the elite guards nodded, instructed them to remain at their posts, and then turned to leave. They needed to report these developments to Wanqifeng as soon as possible.

After giving instructions via the tray, Yu Zecheng suddenly rose and pushed the door open to leave. With He Xiao dead, there was no longer any need for him to maintain this pretense. He had been sitting idly in the room for half the night, utterly bored. As someone who had experienced countless battles, he felt an irresistible urge to join the fray, especially knowing his subordinates were intercepting the subterranean spider queen in eastern Suoding Island.

With continuous commotion outside, the guests at the Hot Spring Villa were naturally aware and had all left their rooms, crowding outside to observe. Panic and unease permeated the air. The guards of the Hot Spring Villa specifically hurried in to maintain order. When guests inquired about the commotion outside, they merely stated that Qingyun Road was dangerous and the docks even more chaotic, implying that safety could only be found within the villa. Such reassurances were, of course, unconvincing, and many people rushed out, hoping to reach the docks and depart by boat.

Yu Zecheng and his two companions also merged with the departing guests. However, before they reached the exit, several figures appeared, blocking their path.

“Where is Lord Yu off to?” asked one of the two Rongshan men, Lü Qiuwei and Du Xiaoyi, who were blocking their way. Lü Qiuwei, his face wreathed in smiles, continued, “We’ve prepared a special late-night supper for our esteemed guests tonight. Each guest will receive a perfectly roasted tender lamb leg, paired with twenty-year-old Spring Mountain wine – a renowned old brand from Blade Port! After that, there’s a bowl of brown sugar lotus seed soup to cleanse the palate…”

“Step aside,” Yu Zecheng said, returning a faint smile. “I’m just going for a walk. You can simply send the supper to my room.”

Lü Qiuwei exclaimed, “Oh dear! It’s not safe outside. You are a distinguished guest of Beijia, and if anything were to happen to you out there, how could we possibly bear such a responsibility?”

“Anything were to happen?” Yu Zecheng’s guard behind him couldn’t help but interject, “Your Island Lord He Xiao is dead, and you’re talking about ‘anything happening’?”

Lü Qiuwei’s smile did not falter. “I merely perform my duties,” he replied. “How could I possibly manage affairs outside?”

“Is your task to watch me?” Yu Zecheng eyed him, a growing unease settling in his heart the longer he looked. Could a subordinate maintain such an attitude after their lord had died? “Move aside. I don’t wish to kill anyone tonight.”

Du Xiaoyi let out a whistle, and immediately, men positioned themselves at every door and window of the Warm Fragrance Pavillion.