75: Chapter 75 Yanshui

The massive procession, surrounding Hereditary Prince Zheng's carriage, departed from Tayan Tower.

Having received the reward of thirty taels of silver, the group of Jianghu Martial Artists were all high in spirits, guarding the carriage so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass through.

Chen Fan blended into the crowd, keeping a low profile.

His heart, however, was not as fervent as the others.

This errand was filled with strange occurrences at every turn.

That Hereditary Prince Zheng, along with that unfathomable old eunuch, were certainly not just out for a simple pleasure trip.

The procession passed through half of Yanzhou city, arriving at the Yan River ferry crossing in the west of the city.

By this time, it was already dusk.

The afterglow of the setting sun plated this prosperous city with a warm golden edge.

And the Yan River before them left everyone who saw it for the first time completely mesmerized.

The Yan River was so wide that one could not see the scenery on the opposite bank, only a blur of dark silhouettes.

The current was rapid, churning up huge whirlpools and emitting dull roars, like an ancient beast trapped underground, bellowing in unwillingness.

The river wind whipped fiercely, causing clothes to flap and bringing a damp, majestic mist rushing towards them.

The setting sun was sinking into the western horizon. Its final rays dyed half the sky a magnificent orange-red.

The color was so intense it seemed as if it were burning, yet it was as gentle as the blush on a lover's cheek.

The clouds were thoroughly dyed, shifting from gold to crimson, and then to an eerie purple.

Myriad rays of sunset light poured onto the vast surface of the river.

The endless, rushing river water was plated with a layer of flowing gold. Ripples shimmered, each one shattering into thousands of golden scales, rising and falling with the current, flashing with a dazzling, mesmerizing light.

Where the water met the sky in the distance, that sliver of setting sun, like a huge, overripe salted egg yolk, slowly sank.

When the last ray of light vanished into the horizon.

The world fell into a brief dimness. Then, the night, like spilled ink, quickly enveloped everything.

"Splash!"

It was unclear which ship was the first to light its lanterns at the prow. Immediately after, as if receiving a signal, the dozen or so massive multi-story ships moored on the river, one after another, lit hundreds and thousands of lanterns.

In an instant, the dark river surface was completely ignited.

Each of those dozen or so multi-story ships was comparable to a palace on the water, with carved beams and painted pillars, and upturned eaves.

At this moment, ten thousand lamps shone together, outlining the silhouette of the entire ship with brilliant lamplight.

The lamplight shone into the pitch-black river water, reflecting a world that was equally magnificent, yet swaying and fragmented in the ripples.

The water reflected the candlelight, and the candlelight illuminated the river surface.

Looking from afar, it seemed as if the entire Yan River had transformed into a river composed of flames and starlight.

Singing, laughter, and the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments drifted from those multi-story ships, mingling with the river wind and carrying far, far away.

"Your Highness, please."

Eunuch Zheng personally lifted the carriage curtain for Hereditary Prince Zheng.

The crowd had long since cleared a path at the ferry crossing leading to the largest multi-story ship.

That ship, named "Yanshui Ballad", stood five stories high, bright with lights as if it were day.

Hereditary Prince Zheng stepped out of the carriage and glanced at the magnificent scene on the river; there was still no ripple in his cold, Phoenix-like eyes. He merely nodded slightly and strode towards "Yanshui Ballad".

The group of Martial Artists immediately followed, splitting into two rows to protect him in the middle.

Chen Fan walked at the end of the procession, watching this scene of debauchery and luxury, feeling a sense of wonder; although it was a feudal era, the level of extravagance was something to behold.

Stepping onto the deck of "Yanshui Ballad", a thick fragrance of powder and rouge, mixed with the scent of wine, rushed to meet them.

Everything had been prepared on the ship; dozens of beautiful women dressed in colorful light gauze stood in two rows, chirping like orioles and swallows, bowing in unison to pay their respects.

"Welcome, Your Highness."

Those seductive voices were enough to make any man's heart flutter. Many of the Jianghu men present had their eyes fixed straight ahead, mesmerized.

Hereditary Prince Zheng did not even spare them a glance, walking straight into the main cabin. Inside, it was even more luxurious. Fine wine and delicacies had already filled the long tables.

Everyone took their seats, with Hereditary Prince Zheng naturally sitting in the main seat. Those beauties immediately swarmed up like butterflies, some pouring wine, others serving food, their breath as fragrant as orchids.

However, before they could even get within three feet of Hereditary Prince Zheng.

"Withdraw."

Hereditary Prince Zheng finally spoke, his voice cold and devoid of any emotion.

The few beauties froze, at a loss for what to do.

"Did you not hear His Highness's words?" Eunuch Zheng's shrill voice rang out, carrying a chilling intensity, "Get out, all of you."

The beauties were frightened out of their wits, hastily bowing and retreating; in an instant, they had all cleared out.

The entire main cabin immediately became much quieter.

Hereditary Prince Zheng picked up his wine cup but did not drink, merely bringing it to his nose to sniff lightly before setting it back down.

"Change to singing and dancing," he instructed indifferently.

Soon, a group of musicians carrying pipa and guzheng, along with a group of graceful dancing girls, filed in.

Elegant music began to play, and the dancing girls' water sleeves fluttered as they danced gracefully.

The atmosphere finally eased. The group of Martial Artists also began to toast one another and feast heartily. Chen Fan did not drink, simply eating his food in silence. His mission was to guard, not to enjoy himself.

The night gradually deepened. The ship reached the center of the river, where everything around was vast and empty, with only moonlight and lamplight.

Chen Fan stood up, walked out of the main cabin, and came to the outer deck to patrol. The river wind blew, carrying a hint of chill, helping to clear his head, which had been somewhat muddled by the smell of wine and meat.

On the deck, every few steps, a Martial Artist stood guard. Everyone was performing their duties, and it was quite orderly.

Chen Fan walked slowly around the deck, his gaze vigilantly scanning the surrounding darkness. He walked to the stern and leaned against a huge wooden post used for hanging cables.

The texture of the wooden post was very hard, covered in traces of wind and sun exposure.

Inadvertently, Chen Fan's finger brushed across the rough surface of the wooden post. Suddenly, his fingertips touched a smooth, carved mark that was completely different from the rest of the surface.

His heart stirred, and using the faint light from the lanterns on the ship's railing, he looked down.

He saw that in an inconspicuous corner, someone had used a Sharp Weapon to carve a highly concealed mark.

It was a blooming lotus flower.

Chen Fan's body stiffened abruptly.

He was all too familiar with this mark.

"White Lotus Sect!"