Murong Yunsheng: "???"
What the hell? What kind of opening line is that???
But Murong Yunsheng was not yet prepared to make a move. She decided to observe the situation first; after all, she was currently a passenger on someone else's boat, and it would be best not to stir up trouble.
Lu Chengze: "Good sirs, we are merely merchants passing through. We have no intention of disturbing you, nor do we wish to become your enemies. We ask that you show us some leniency. We are willing to offer some Spirit Stones for you to buy a drink, so please, let us pass."
Lu Chengze broke into a cold sweat. He could not discern the cultivation level of the pirate leader! If a fight were to break out, it would bring nothing but disaster.
The pirate leader let out a wild, arrogant laugh, looking at them with utter disdain. "Hahahaha! And how many Spirit Stones is your Lu Family Chamber of Commerce prepared to offer? A commercial house that large surely isn't stingy, right? And you, young master of the Lu Family, how many Spirit Stones do you think your life is worth?"
This trip was truly profitable. This green, wet-behind-the-ears brat was likely about to wet his pants, wasn't he? So much for the great young master of the Lu Family!
Hahahaha!!!
Lu Chengze gritted his teeth. It turned out they had recognized their identities all along. He had hoped that if the pirates didn't know the status of the Lu Family Chamber of Commerce, they might let them go after receiving some Spirit Stones, but now it seemed…
"Men, tie them all up! Ask the Lu and Nangong families how many Spirit Stones they are willing to pay to ransom these people." The pirate leader spoke with a smug smile. They had been eyeing the Spirit Boats of the Lu Family Chamber of Commerce for quite some time; this time, they had finally made thorough preparations. Hahahaha…
To think they would also bag the Nangong Chamber of Commerce’s boat—this trip was a bountiful haul!!!
"Yes, Second Boss." The other pirates were equally excited. The Lu and Nangong families of the Shuangmeng Continent were two of the wealthiest merchant clans in existence. With their young masters and mistresses held hostage, what shortage of Spirit Stones could they possibly have?
However, the pirate second-in-command suddenly spotted the young girl on the cargo ship behind them, and his gaze instantly locked onto her. "You lot, go and bring that little beauty to me first."
As he spoke, he pointed toward Nangong Ling on the Nangong Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit Boat, drool practically dripping from the corner of his mouth.
His greedy eyes were nauseating.
Nangong Ling grabbed Nangong Yushao’s sleeve and shrunk back in fear. Her eyes turned red, and she looked exactly like a terrified little rabbit. With a trembling voice, she whispered, "Third Brother."
Nangong Yushao stepped forward, shielding Nangong Ling completely. "Don't be afraid. Third Brother won't let him take you."
The wretched, ugly freak actually dared to covet his sister—he should go look at himself in a puddle first.
Nangong Yushao: "Lu Chengze, what are you cowering for? They’re just a bunch of pirates! Are you really afraid of them? Don't you know what our fate will be if we fall into their hands?"
He couldn't guarantee they would win alone, but if they joined forces, it might be a different story.
Lu Chengze: "..."
His mouth twitched. This guy…
He knew this fellow wouldn't sit idly by, but accusing him of cowering? When had he ever cowered?
Lu Chengze: "Nangong Yushao, don't slander me. When have I ever cowered?"
Nangong Yushao: "Oh? My eyesight has always been excellent, and my ears are just as sharp."
Nangong Yushao stoked the flames further. "If you're a man, then fight alongside me. Otherwise, when I return to the Shuangmeng Continent, I'll tell everyone you were scared senseless by pirates. See where that leaves the reputation of the Lu family heir."
Lu Chengze: "..."
"Enough talk, let’s fight then! At worst, I'll be a hero again in eighteen years." As he spoke, he drew his weapon from his storage ring.
The moment the ice-blue long sword left its sheath, Murong Yunsheng could feel a wave of chilling air rushing toward her.
Murong Yunsheng’s eyes lit up. "Whoa, a Grade 7 Spirit Artifact. As expected of a merchant family; they really are loaded."
No wonder these pirates targeted the Lu family’s ships—if she were a pirate, she’d definitely rob the rich too.
Chiyun: "It’s a good thing you aren't a pirate. Aren't the Spirit Stones in your space enough for you to spend?"
Murong Yunsheng: "Chiyun, I would appreciate it if you stopped spying on my thoughts. Besides, what do you know? Who would ever complain about having too much money?"
Chiyun: "Do you think I want to? Who told you to bind your soul to mine? But don't worry, I’m practicing hard. Once my strength improves a bit more, I’ll be able to block out your thoughts."
Murong Yunsheng: "..."
...
"Attack! Kill them all and bring that little beauty to me!"
These two green, wet-behind-the-ears brats actually dared to disregard them.
Nangong Yushao’s cultivation was Blue Spirit Level 1, and Lu Chengze’s was Level 9 Cyan Spirit. Although their talent was far superior to that of the pirates, the difference in years of cultivation was stark.
Moreover, above the Blue Spirit level, every single rank was a massive chasm—not to mention the sheer gap in levels between them.
As the two ships pulled alongside, the pirates swarmed onto the Spirit Boat. Both sides began to clash. Nangong Yushao pulled his boat closer as well to join the fray.
The Deep Sea Snow-Howl Whale slammed into their Spirit Boat with great force. Murong Yunsheng gripped a pillar, her gaze so cold it seemed like she could turn it into ice blades to pierce the pirates to death.
Chiyun: "Hey, are you still not going to act? If you don't move soon, we’re all going to die here."
Murong Yunsheng: "Tsk, can't a girl play the part of a fragile maiden for once?"
Chiyun: "..."
Nangong Yushao and Lu Chengze joined forces against the pirate second-in-command, but even so, they couldn't gain the upper hand.
...
Just then,
An arrow pierced the air, aimed directly at the heart of the pirate second-in-command, Bie Biao…
Bie Biao sensed something wrong and ducked abruptly. The three ice arrows struck the deck with a *clang*. Given the force behind them, had they hit a person, they would have surely pierced right through.
The ice arrows dissipated, leaving behind holes in the deck…
Murong Yunsheng glanced indifferently at Lu Chengze and Nangong Yushao. "You two deal with the others; leave him to me."
Though Lu Chengze was shocked by Murong Yunsheng’s hidden strength, he knew that eliminating the pirates was the priority. "Fine."
"It's you?" Bie Biao stared coldly at the woman in the black dress and mask. He couldn't perceive her cultivation level, and there wasn't a hint of Spirit Power fluctuation from her, so he had assumed she was just a useless person who couldn't cultivate.
But now…
Bie Biao’s hand, gripping his weapon, trembled slightly. A flicker of caution entered his eyes as he looked at Murong Yunsheng. "Your cultivation… you are also at Blue Spirit Level 5."