Chapter - 215 Scriptures of the (7) (1/2)

A few days later they arrived at Jiaxing. Since it was earlier than the appointed time, the Six Freaks were not there yet. So Guo Jing wrote a letter and left the letter with the innkeeper of the Drunken Immortal Tavern, asking him to deliver the letter in person to the Six Freaks of Jiangnan when they arrived on the beginning of the seventh month.

In the letter he explained that he had met Huang Rong and was going to the Peach Blossom Island to fulfill his promise; that with Huang Yaoshi's favored daughter's company, he should not come across any problem, so he asked his six masters to not be anxious; and they did not need to accompany him, and so on.

Even though he said that, actually he was scared since Huang Yaoshi was very peculiar. He was afraid he would more likely meet misfortune than good fortune. He was afraid Huang Rong would feel anxious for his sake, so he did not tell her anything. Thinking that his six masters did not have to go to the harm's way was his only consolation.

Two people headed east. After Zhoushan, they hired a boat and continued by sea. Huang Rong knew that local sailors were afraid of the Peach Blossom Island, like people scared of the vipers or scorpions. Nobody dared to sail within 40 li's of the island. If she mentioned the name of Peach Blossom Island, no matter how much money she offered nobody would be willing to take them. So she said they were going shrimp fishing to a nearby island. It was only after they were quite a distance from the shore did she tell the boatman to change course to the north. The boatman was terrified, but Huang Rong wielded a dagger in front of his chest; cold and bright sparkle emanated from the blade; he had no choice but to comply with their request.

As the boat was nearing the island, Guo Jing smelled flowery fragrance amidst the salty smell of the sea. He threw his gaze toward the island. It was green and lush with colorful trees and shrubs. Some were green, some red, some yellow, and some purple. The island looked like a massive flower garden.

Huang Rong smiled. ”Isn't it beautiful?” she asked.

Guo Jing sighed, ”I have never seen so many beautiful flowers like that in my whole life,” he answered.

Huang Rong was very pleased; she smiled and explained, ”Come the third month, the peach blossom is in full bloom. Now, that is really beautiful. Master did not want to admit that my father's martial art is number one in the world, but he cannot deny the fact that my father's gardening skill is unrivaled. Too bad he is only interested in food and drink; he didn't even know what a good flower or plant is. Such an uncouth person.”

”You are talking about Master behind his back,” Guo Jing scolded, ”Not a good habit.” Huang Rong stuck her tongue and made a face.

They waited until the boat was closer before they leaped ashore. Guo Jing's red horse also jumped to the shore. The boatman had heard many horror stories about the island; it was said that the Master of Peach Blossom Island would kill without batting an eye; that he liked to dig people's hearts, lungs, livers and intestines out. So as soon as his passengers disembarked, he turned the rudder, wanting to leave the island as soon as possible.

Huang Rong took out a silver ingot worth ten 'liang' and tossed it to the boat. With a clanking noise it landed on the bow. The boatman did not expect such a generous recompense; he looked ashore delighted, but still did not dare to stop on that island much longer.