Chapter 2071: Turning Point

A ship? Lu Qinglin and Qi Chuanqing exchanged glances.

The only ships that could appear here and now could only be Yangshan's fleet.

Sure enough, after sailing a few dozen zhang further, the baleful mist cleared, revealing a multitude of large ships on the sea ahead, their sails fluttering in unison, presenting an imposing sight.

The ships' designs, paint colors, and sails were remarkably uniform, far more aesthetically pleasing than the motley collection of vessels Lu Qinglin's army was using.

But Lu Qinglin reasonably wondered if these ships were all filled with people.

A voice carried from afar:

“Who goes there? How dare you trespass into Yangshan waters!”

“I am Lu Qinglin of Bailie!” Lu Qinglin channeled his true energy, and his voice echoed across the sea. “Doesn't Yangshan claim to welcome guests from all over the world? Why are you blocking my path?”

The other side did not respond, only asking him, “Why have you come?”

“I wish to go ashore to discuss some plans in detail with Island Master He. Please make way.”

The other side sneered, and without mincing words declared, “Yangshan is sealed today. Trespassers will be killed!”

Such rudeness was unlike a merchant doing business. Lu Qinglin, however, grew curious.

Qi Chuanqing also asked in a low voice, “If He Xiao isn't here, who is defending the island on his behalf?”

“According to our intelligence, his second steward manages the Yangshan Archipelago. His name is Guan Ke.”

Qi Chuanqing shook his head. “That tone doesn't sound like it's coming from a servant.”

A steward who also conducts business would have long since adopted a more flexible demeanor. How could he be so rigid?

Since the other side wasn't beating around the bush, they saw no need for further pretense. Their fleet advanced directly, preparing for close quarters combat.

Behind Lu Qinglin, more than ten figures emerged, all cloaked and hooded, their features obscured. They remained silent, but strong fluctuations of spiritual power emanated from them.

Should a battle erupt, their formidable supernatural abilities would surely leave a deep impression on the enemy. Knowing that the Yin Python King resided here, Muni had certainly not sent any mediocre fighters.

Yangshan's fleet could navigate through the baleful mists because, of course, they were also using the Dragon Punishment Pillars.

When the lead ships of both sides were no more than one hundred and twenty zhang apart, the baleful mist on the sea surface was completely absorbed, allowing both sides to see their opponents clearly.

Up close, Yangshan's warships appeared even more massive and robust.

However, Lu Qinglin and Qi Chuanqing's attention was immediately diverted. This was because every warship's deck was packed with people!

Soldiers, armed and in distinct armor!

With over fifty warships of varying sizes, there were at least ten thousand people!

Hadn't it been said that Yangshan's troops had all been redeployed? Then who were these people before them?

“It's not an illusion!” a cloaked figure behind Lu Qinglin said. “At least the front twelve ships are carrying real people.”

They could discern reality from illusion with a glance, unless their opponent was a supreme master like Thousand Illusions.

“This military armor...” Lu Qinglin's expression instantly turned grim, as he squeezed out two words through gritted teeth: “Beijia!”

The styles of armor varied among different powers. Beijia's differed from Muni's, and Yangshan's from Yao's. Even within the same country, armor styles showed significant differences across different periods. Having spent a long time on the front lines of the Muni-Beijia war, Lu Qinglin had seen Beijia's battle armor countless times and recognized it effortlessly now.

Qi Chuanqing was startled, and blurted out, “What did you say? This is a Beijia army?”

How could this be?

“They are wearing the battle armor of the Chiyan Kingdom!” Lu Qinglin stared intently. “What is going on here?”

Why would the army of the Chiyan Kingdom, one of Beijia's thirteen vassal demon nations, appear silently in the Yangshan Archipelago, deep in Muni's rear?

How long have they been lurking here?

If there are ten thousand people at sea, how many Chiyan troops are hidden on the Yangshan Archipelago itself?

At this thought, both felt a tremor of dread.

Who was the person who spoke just now?

As if to confirm their suspicions, the three foremost large warships raised their flags. The highest among them was Beijia's Azure Dragon flag. Slightly lower was a dark red banner, with the character 'Yan' fluttering in the wind.

The third flag bore only the characters “Fushan.”

Their eyes narrowed, and on the surrounding ships, whispers and pointing began.

“Fushan” was indeed the royal surname of the Chiyan Kingdom. The fact that the opposing warship dared to raise this flag proved the presence of the Chiyan royal family!

This was simply unbelievable.

Lu Qinglin could not hold back, and shouted, “Who exactly are you!”

A robust voice chuckled twice. On the Chiyan Kingdom's lead ship, the ranks suddenly parted, and a figure stepped onto the deck, placing one foot on the high bulwark at the bow.

The warship, which had been gently swaying with the waves, seemed to become rooted in the sea, motionless, as he stepped.

This person also wore battle armor. He was tall and imposing. His beard and hair were somewhat gray, and there were faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, but his facial features were sharply defined, chiseled as if by a knife and axe, incredibly rugged.

If He Lingchuan had been there, he would have noticed that his features greatly resembled Fushan Yue's. Or rather, Fushan Yue greatly resembled him.

He was... Lu Qinglin's pupils suddenly contracted. He murmured, “The... the Chiyan King? How is this possible?”

At that instant, he instinctively wanted to rub his eyes, to ensure he wasn't hallucinating.

Qi Chuanqing also clearly heard the words “Chiyan King.” He remained silent, but his mind was in turmoil.

How could the dignified monarch of the Chiyan Kingdom possibly be in this place!

It made no sense, a million times no sense!

Fushan Lie's voice was not loud, but it echoed across the nearby sea, audible far and wide: “Little Lu, did you pick up the helmet my subordinate shot off your head at Qu Lan Mountain?”

At these words, the Chiyan army burst into collective laughter. Lu Qinglin pressed his lips together.

Five months earlier, he had led troops in the chaotic battle on the Qu Lan Mountain front. Their enemies were three vassal demon armies of Beijia, one of which was the Chiyan army. During the fierce combat, an arrow, from an unknown source, had struck and knocked off his helmet. If it had moved down an inch, he would have died.

Fushan Lie's words were both a taunt and a genuine confirmation of his identity.

The ruler of Chiyan, one of the thirteen most powerful demon nations in the world, was truly here!

Qi Chuanqing knew even more clearly that the rulers of Beijia's other vassal demon nations had generally inherited their positions from their predecessors. Only the Chiyan Kingdom was exceptionally young, and Fushan Lie, standing before them, was its founding monarch!

One hundred and fifty years ago, Beijia had only twelve vassal demon nations. Fushan Lie, due to his immense martial prowess and distinguished military achievements, had single-handedly forged an entirely new nation.

The Chiyan nation and its legacy were all personally established by the man standing before them.

Standing before them was the founding monarch!

In the presence of such a figure, Qi Chuanqing instinctively straightened his back, and said loudly, “Chiyan King, how dare you privately lead an army into the rear of our great Muni? Are you planning to openly declare war?”

This was a very serious diplomatic incident! The words “privately,” “lead an army,” and “trespass” carried significant weight.

“Muni's rear?” Fushan Lie said languidly, “Look carefully, this is the Yangshan Archipelago, it does not belong to your Muni. If your hands stretch too far, don't blame me for chopping them off!”

After the Yangshan Archipelago was sold by Bailie to He Xiao, it effectively became a neutral free port, privately owned, and not part of any other power.

Theoretically, anyone could come here, provided He Xiao permitted it.

If Muni's high-ranking officials could come, why couldn't Beijia's vassal demon king?

“What is the relationship between the Yangshan Archipelago and your Chiyan Kingdom?”

This question was loaded. If the Chiyan King replied that Yangshan had invited him, then for Muni, He Xiao would be suspected of colluding with and aiding the enemy!

He Xiao, knowing full well that Muni and Beijia were at war, had secretly allowed the Chiyan army to be stationed in the Yangshan Archipelago. This was like hammering a nail into Muni's rear. The Muni Emperor would certainly be displeased.

Fushan Lie, who had navigated court politics for most of his life, knew well the treachery of human hearts. He immediately gave a sly chuckle: “I found this place to have excellent feng shui and a good location, especially suitable for my clan's cultivation, and with its defenses so empty, I simply took it over. Now, Yangshan is part of my Chiyan Kingdom!”

He was a Corpse Demon (Ba), and for him, the baleful aura that others feared and avoided was more comfortable than spiritual energy. Yangshan, to him, was truly a blessed land, a grotto-heaven.

Lu Qinglin and Qi Chuanqing exchanged glances, each seeing the barely concealed shock on the other's face.

What had this old Ba just said? He had “forcefully” occupied Yangshan, so the archipelago now belonged to the Chiyan Kingdom?!