Chapter 399: Trade consortium, taking a step back (1/2)

Chapter 399: Trade consortium, taking a step back

Long Feiye and his sword pointed at Jun Yixie was a sign that he wanted to fight; Jun Yixie and his fearless, scornful look back was a sight that he’d…retaliate? Both of these men were two of the three most famous figures of the three princes of repute across Cloud Realm Continent, with equal amounts of power and influence. At least, that was the case before Han Yunxi appeared. One of them had superior martial arts, while the other excelled in poisons. The two of them used to be equally matched.

Unfortunately, Han Yunxi’s appearance upset the balance and helped minimize much of Long Feiye’s wariness towards Jun Yixie’s poisons and increase his chances of success against the man by three parts. Even half a bit of advantage yielded frightening possibilities when experts were involved, so the past year or so of confrontations had always ended with Jun Yixie fleeing from Long Feiye’s triumphant sword. If he couldn’t lose his temper on Han Yunxi for that, who else would he pick?

Despite their faceoff, Han Yunxi was suffering from the most tempestuous emotions. Her stare was as sharp as knives as she fixated on Jun Yixie. If possible, she’d make mincemeat of that swine. When opponents met, it was all too natural to get in a fight. She didn’t even mind if it was a man against a woman when Jun Yixie was so despicable. If the white-robed man hadn’t risked his life to save her that day, she didn’t dare to imagine what the consequences might be. She used to hold some modicum of respect for Jun Yixie, but now it was pure contempt.

Disgraceful affairs like that weren’t worth mentioning, nor did she want to tattle about it pitifully to Long Feiye in tears. She only knew that she’d help Long Feiye completely as soon as he made a move. Any principles were wasted on a beast like Jun Yixie.

Long Feiye’s sword slashed through the air with a shrill cry until the blade became nothing more than a shadow to join its speeding owner. After shimmering hazily in the air for a few seconds, both human and weapon headed for Jun Yixie. There was still some distance between the two ships, and Han Yunxi dearly wished she knew enough martial arts at this moment to chase after Long Feiye. Unfortunately, she knew nothing.

But instead of losing heart, she used all her energy to stare at Jun Yixie. Perhaps she could find a chance to counter any poisons he used!

“Duke of Qin, long time no see. Won’t you exchange a few words with me?” Jun Yixie looked arrogant and presumptuous, but he avoided Long Feiye’s attack all the same.

“You have no right to speak with your lordship!” Then again, who could be more arrogant than Long Feiye himself? He wasn’t stupid enough to chase Jun Yixie all the way to his boat, but hovered high over the seas, slashing through the air with his sword to send a wave of sword qi blasting towards Jun Yixie.

Jun Yixie avoided the blast again, making Long Feiye realize that he had no intentions to truly fight him. His constant evasions only hinted towards a trap lying in wait.

“What, has Northern Li’s Duke of Kang turned into a shrinking turtle after all this time?” Long Feiye asked coldly.

Dissatisfaction flashed through Jun Yunxie’s eyes, but he simply twisted his body to avoid another blast of sword qi before diving unexpectedly into the water.

This…

“He really is a cowardly turtle!” Long Feiye gave a cold snort as he icy eyes stared at the surface of the sea. Unfortunately, Jun Yixie had dove too deep to show any sign of himself.

“Baili, be on guard!” Long Feiye shouted. Naturally, General Baili understood. One of the greatest fears of battling on the water was someone secretly sabotaging one’s ship. Not only was it hard to guard against such attacks, they very often proved fatal. Han Yunxi was also anxiously studying the ocean. Although poisoning the entire sea was something neither she nor Jun Yixie could manage, she was still on alert in case he tried anything toxic.

General Baili ordered a few of his men to dive into the sea and protect the boat. Underwater battles were a challenge, so it was unlikely that Jun Yixie could defeat his naval soldiers. Time passed slowly, but there was still no sign of their target. It seemed like he’d really ended up running away. But that wasn’t his style at all!

No matter what Jun Yixie’s intentions were, Long Feiye didn’t have enough patience to wait for him. A monk can run away, but the temple won’t flee with him. That was an idiom that meant Jun Yixie could run this time, but he’d have to come back sooner or later. Long Feiye would get him then.

In fact, his eyes were even now sweeping the entire sea before settling on Northern Li’s battleship. See if you’ll still keep hiding after I wreck your ship!

But before Long Feiye made his move, a man dressed in brocade robes walked out of his quarters on the towered ship. He couldn’t be more than 20 years old, but he had an elegant and smart carriage as well as a heroic air. His robes were inlaid with gold-lined hems, and every movement he made gave off a noble air. Though he looked genteel and refined, his eyes held the shrewd light of a businessman.

“Your Highness Duke of Qin, it’s been years since we’ve last met, but you’re as graceful as ever!” he cupped his hands in a urbane bow.

“Ouyang Ningnuo.”1 Long Feiye was caught off guard. He never expected to see this man on Jun Yixie’s ship, of all places.