Chapter 672: Tanka People

"Not just the Child God?" A sudden chill ran through Li Huowang when he heard this. He had been in Daliang all this time and hadn't paid attention to this side of things.

Now, recalling it, Xuanpin was indeed correct. When the Dharma Sect first emerged, it was relentlessly pursued and cornered by the Supervising Heaven Bureaus across different regions. Even military strategists were enlisted to combat them. Yet, despite these adversities, they managed to conquer Si Qi and Nan Ping, then advance into Hou Shu. Even conceding that these states were in poor condition, plagued by constant warfare and corrupt courts, the Dharma Sect's remarkably swift expansion in just a few short years seemed far too abnormal.

"So, it's not just the Child God? Are other Fate Masters also opposing us?" Li Huowang asked Xuanpin, his expression unusually grim. Regardless of the opposing force, the root of the problem inevitably pointed back to the Dharma Sect.

Xuanpin shook his head slightly. "Opposing us? Why would you assume all Fate Masters would automatically align with us? Can you truly fathom their intentions? If they say they'll help you, do you genuinely believe them?"

Upon hearing this, Li Huowang's heart was troubled for a long time. A terrifying suspicion surfaced in his mind. "You're not suggesting that all the Fate Masters in White Jade Capital are actually allied with the Child God, are you?"

"The Supervising Heaven Bureau exists to supervise the heavens, after all. Regardless of who is allied with whom, don't rely on others, and never place your vital interests in their hands." Having said this, Xuanpin's massive red Taoist robe began to slowly turn transparent.

"Regardless of what is secretly aiding the Dharma Sect, simply proceed with caution once you reach Hou Shu. There are still many things in this world that can kill you."

"While I don't fully trust you, when it comes to dealing with the Child God, we are at least allies. I've already made arrangements with the Heavenly Supervising Bureau; they will assist you with anything you request."

After uttering these final words, Xuanpin's body completely vanished, leaving Li Huowang standing alone.

In the dim underground chamber, a deeply solemn Li Huowang contemplated for a long time before finally turning and striding out of the murky interior.

When he emerged, Li Sui and Bai Lingmiao, who had been waiting, immediately gathered around him. "Senior Brother Li, how did it go? They didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

Li Huowang shook his head slightly and replied, "It's fine. Have your people resupply as quickly as possible. We're leaving this city."

"Leaving right after we just arrived? Where are we headed next?"

"Hou Shu."

"Hou Shu? Are you truly headed there? That region is currently embroiled in war. For years now, we've only seen people fleeing outwards, never venturing in." The boatman, a front tooth missing, squatted barefoot on the deck, scrutinizing the two young individuals before him. One was a boy, estimated to be a teenager, and the other a comely woman in her twenties or thirties. To call them mother and son felt off due to their age difference, and their interactions didn't quite suggest they were siblings either.

"It's alright, we're not going deep into Hou Shu. We just need to take the boat to Zhenhai Cape. Boatman, we hope for your understanding."

As the boatman hesitated, Yang Xiaohai presented the envelope written by Sun Baolu's kinsmen. "In these chaotic times of war, I don't wish to wander aimlessly, but I am a Tanka. My parents are still there, and I have no choice but to go and rescue them."

"You're Tanka? Your attire doesn't suggest you're from a Tanka family." The boatman opened the envelope and quickly scanned its contents.

After reading the letter, the boatman's wariness lessened slightly. "Such filial piety is commendable, but for a boat of this size, taking just one passenger for the entire journey... isn't that..."

At this point, the boatman saw the silver Yang Xiaohai offered with both hands. He reached out, took it, and tucked it into his tunic along with the letter. "Very well then. Who am I to refuse, especially since I'm also a filial son? For your parents, we shall embark on this sea journey."

Hearing this, Yang Xiaohai was instantly overwhelmed with gratitude. He could finally see his family!

As the sails quickly unfurled, Yang Xiaohai and his group led their horse-drawn cart onto the old flat-bottomed boat, which was neither large nor small. The sails billowed with the sea breeze, and the flat-bottomed boat slowly departed the harbor. As the dock receded from view, Yang Xiaohai, despite his excitement, did not forget to remain cautious of the boat owners. He had purchased ample fresh water and provisions, enough to sustain them on the boat, to avoid any possibility of being drugged. He vividly remembered the previous incident when he and Senior Brother Li were forced by river bandits to choose between two kinds of noodles.

The boatman had clearly noticed Yang Xiaohai's caution, but in truth, they were equally wary of Yang Xiaohai themselves. In such turbulent times, for a half-grown boy and a woman to venture out like this, it seemed impossible without some particular means or abilities.

As both parties remained cautious, days passed. Yet, as their destination drew closer, and through their constant proximity, the initial wariness on both sides gradually began to soften.

Upon learning they were nearing their destination, Yang Xiaohai approached the boatman, who was fishing, to strike up a conversation. "Boatman, how many years have you been sailing these seas?"

"Heh heh, I've been sailing for twenty or thirty years myself. If you count my father and grandfather, it's even longer. This is an ancient trade. Some goods and people find land travel difficult, so they naturally take the sea route."

Hearing this, Yang Xiaohai asked with a hint of curiosity, "That long? Then, Boatman, have you ever dealt with the Tanka people?"

"Dealt with them? Of course, I have. How could anyone who makes a living from the sea not interact with them?" As he spoke, the boatman, who had been sitting on a stool, suddenly straightened up and began to sway his fishing rod back and forth.

"So... what kind of people are they? Are they easy to get along with?" Yang Xiaohai asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice. Although he now knew his family were Tanka people living on the sea, he knew nothing else about them.

The boatman, alternately reeling in and letting out his line, cast a surprised glance at him. "Aren't you Tanka yourself? Don't you know what your own family is like?"

"I... I went to live on shore right after I was born, so I don't know what my family is like."

Although Yang Xiaohai's excuse was flimsy, the boatman showed no intention of challenging him. "The Tanka people, what else could they be? The men fish, the women dive for pearls, much like the 'mud-legged' farmers on shore. When the catch is good, life is manageable, but if it's poor, then things get tough."

Yang Xiaohai's expression darkened slightly upon hearing this. He himself had been sold by his family during a time of poor harvest.

"Don't let their poverty fool you; the Tanka people have more rules the poorer they are. I generally avoid dealing with them." The boatman spoke without pausing his hands, beginning to reel in his fishing line with measured pulls.