Mount Hua Reincarnation - Chapter 10: Nine Pirate Strongholds

Chapter 10: Nine Pirate Strongholds

To the east is Hubei, to the west Sichuan, to the south Guizhou.

And to the north, Shaanxi.

Chongqing is the place surrounded by the territories of the righteous factions in all directions.

The Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief is located here, in Chongqing.

Zhou Xuchuan’s group came straight down from Shaanxi, arrived in Chongqing, and headed straight south towards Guizhou.

Zhou Xuchuan couldn’t even get close to the area where the vault was located.

It was a difficult journey, and even if he had tried, entry would have been challenging.

It’s not called the Divine Thief’s Vault for nothing.

It’s full of various mechanisms and traps.

Zhou Xuchuan still couldn’t break through them.

Even if he could, moving the vast amount of treasure would be another problem.

Chongqing, Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, flowing from Hubei, follows through Chongqing and ends in Sichuan.

The Chongqing region is also divided by the Yangtze River.

There is a way back, but it would take tens of days.

There was no deadline for this journey in the martial world, but there was no need to take that long.

They headed to the port to take a boat.

Along the way, they alternated between using Light Body technique and stepping techniques.

Especially for Light Body technique, traveling long distances over a long period is the most efficient way to train.

Usually, in the Mount Hua Sect, there wasn’t enough space to run freely, so they had to keep running in circles in a fixed area.

In contrast, the Central Plains were better, as everywhere you look is a place to run.

They traveled using only Light Body technique, not riding horses.

“Wow, as I heard, your internal energy is immense.”

During the journey, Gu Feng was amazed by Zhou Xuchuan.

Even when Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen were exhausted and collapsed, Zhou Xuchuan didn’t sweat a drop and looked perfectly fine.

He knew about the legendary spiritual medicines, but it was still amazing to witness their power with his own eyes.

It was hard to believe such internal energy belonged to a twelve-year-old.

The scary part is he is still growing.

“It’s nothing special. Just good luck.

My senior brother and senior sister are much more impressive than me.”

Zhou Xuchuan handed a water bottle to the exhausted Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen.

He humbled himself and elevated the others.

He didn’t want to start unnecessary conflicts with the members of Lotus Pavilion.

Having already been underestimated, he had nothing to lose by lowering his already diminished pride.

In reality, this was a wise decision.

It would hurt their pride to see a notoriously incompetent disciple not be tired at all, while they were struggling.

Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen weren’t that bad in character, nor were they narrow-minded, but they were still children.

Even though they were considered to have exceptional talents compared to ordinary disciples, they weren’t mature enough to understand and embrace everything.

A life of more than seventy years isn’t easily surpassed.

Even if they were lacking in some areas, they had experiences of being above others.

Upon arriving at the port, they saw countless small boats lined up.

Since it was the time when the sun was high in the sky, the place was crowded with people who came to see the Yangtze River.

As the group loitered near the port, the boat owners approached them with their hats, trying to attract customers.

“We’ll make sure you travel comfortably.”

Comfortable is one thing, but it’s boring.

“I may not look like it, but I was famous for my wit when I was young.”

Who dares to speak so rudely to a stranger?

“Since we’re just passing acquaintances, don’t bother with useless chatter!”

‘To see the Yangtze River like this…’

Zhou Xuchuan looked around with a sense of fresh emotion.

The emotion reflected in his eyes was nostalgia.

In two years, after the vault is discovered, the Yangtze River in Chongqing will no longer be a place for sightseeing.

It was due to the wars that would break out soon after.

When passing near the Yangtze River, instead of enjoying its charm, they had to be wary of enemies crossing the river.

When all the wars ended, he was busy strengthening his foundation as one of the Five Elders of Mount Hua, and couldn’t even go near Shaanxi.

He only properly enjoyed the charm of the Yangtze River during the truce.

But that moment was too short to remember well.

“Do you have a place for us?”

His thoughts were interrupted by Gu Feng’s voice.

“Of course.”

The boatman, holding a bamboo pole in his mouth, nodded his head. He was an elderly man with streaks of white in his hair, but his arms were well-muscled, a testament to his long years of rowing. Gu Feng handed a few coins to the boatman.

“Do you think this is a fair price for your satisfaction, old man?”

“People of the martial world are said to have hearts as vast as the Yangtze River. It seems that saying is true. I’m fully satisfied, please take a seat.”

The boatman gestured with his chin towards the boat. Gu Feng, looking pleased, climbed onto the boat, followed hurriedly by Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen. It was their first time on a boat, and they found it awkward yet fascinating. Zhou Xuchuan, like any other child, pretended to find it intriguing as he boarded.

The boatman rowed powerfully, departing from the dock and moving towards the other side of the Yangtze River.

“When you’re unsure which boat to choose, look at the boatmen’s arm muscles like this old man’s. It shows how much they’ve rowed.”

Crossing the vast Yangtze River took considerable time, naturally leading to a long conversation. Gu Feng mainly shared useful information about their journey in the martial world. Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen listened intently, and Zhou Xuchuan, having no experience with boats or boatmen, paid close attention.

After about half an hour, they encountered other boats on the river, but these were not ordinary boats.

“Uncle Gu Feng, what is that boat?” asked Zhang Hong, curious.

It wasn’t a small craft like theirs, but a proper ship, a warship that seemed suitable for the sea. Although not exact, it seemed about forty feet long and ten feet wide.

“Look at the sail, brother,” said Zhang Xuen, pointing towards the hilt of his sword. At the end of his gaze were characters written on the sail.

“It’s a ‘Haochuan’, a type of warship. And calm down, put away your killing intent,” Gu Feng replied, tapping Zhang Xuen’s wrist.

“But…” Zhang Hong’s voice trailed off, his face tense with unresolved thoughts.

“Follow my orders quietly for now. That’s an order,” Gu Feng said sternly. Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen reluctantly contained their rising energy.

The boatman, who had been rowing, sighed in relief. He steered the oars in the opposite direction, briefly stopping the boat’s forward movement. Then the Haochuan approached them.

On the Haochuan were several rough-looking men. They had unkempt beards, imposing statures, and faces full of scars. Each one held a weapon in hand. Another commonality was their blue clothing.

“Sorry to stop your pleasant excursion on such a fine day,” said the man with the messiest beard, greeting them with a clasped fist. His fierce gaze shifted towards the group’s sleeves.

After confirming the plum blossom embroidery on their sleeves, he continued in the calmest tone he could muster, “We are warriors of the ‘Nine Pirate Strongholds’, guarding the Yangtze River. We used to guard this river freely… well, without charge, but due to recent financial difficulties, we’re in a tight spot. Could you spare some coins as a protection fee?”

There was an awkwardness in the man’s words, as if he was wearing clothes that didn’t fit.

“We can certainly spare some to protect the Yangtze River. However, we don’t have much, so please accept this as enough.”

Gu Feng flicked a silver coin into the air with his thumb. The coin spun in the air, flying towards the boat with the unkempt-bearded man, who skillfully caught it and once again greeted with a clasped fist.

“It’s an honor to meet the warriors of Mount Hua. Please go on your way.”

“Thank you,” replied Gu Feng, giving the boatman a meaningful look.

The boatman, after nodding respectfully to the men in blue, began rowing, propelling the boat forward. Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen looked unconvinced and angry, their faces flushed with frustration. They seemed eager to stand up and voice their concerns, but Gu Feng stopped them. The boatman, noticing this, put more effort into his rowing, increasing the boat’s speed away from the warship.

“Uncle Gu!”

As the warship became a distant speck, Zhang Hong could no longer contain his anger and raised his voice.

“Why did we comply so easily with the demands of these river pirates? Aren’t they from the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds?”

“That’s right. They clearly said they were from the Nine Pirate Strongholds. As righteous martial artists, we shouldn’t just let this pass!” added Zhang Xuen, backing up Zhang Hong’s statement. Both their faces were as red as persimmons.

This place, Chongqing, despite being surrounded by the territories of the orthodox factions, was a place untouched by their influence.

Although the Beggar Sect & the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans were positioned nearby, there was a force capable of sufficiently resisting their power.

It was the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds.

This was due to the coalition formed by the Nine Bandit Strongholds and the Nine Pirate Strongholds.

For reference, the Nine Bandit Strongholds refers to the coalition of mountain bandits, while the Nine Pirate Strongholds refers to the coalition of pirates.

Decades ago, the Bandits and the Pirates had banded together to resist the pursuit and suppression by the official forces and the orthodox martial world.

Their strength and scale were considerable enough that even the orthodox martial world and the official forces could not easily interfere.

Engraving on the sail discovered by Zhang Xuen indicated that they were indeed pirates.

“Fearing mere river pirates as martial artists!”

“Even if we haven’t trained in water arts, ordinary pirates are nothing before the swords of Mount Hua…”

“Quiet!” Gu Feng’s voice rose for the first time, filled with authority. The boatman flinched and stopped rowing momentarily.

“Sorry, old man. They’re just young and hot-blooded. Please continue rowing,” Gu Feng said to the boatman.

The boatman nodded, pulling his hat down and focusing on rowing.

“Do you really think I’m afraid of those river pirates?” Gu Feng, a transcendence expert, could easily defeat ordinary river pirates, even on water.

“I gave them a few coins without a fight because otherwise, it would have caused a lot of trouble.”

“Trouble?”

Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen looked puzzled.

“Even I can’t guarantee capturing all the river pirates. Do you know why?” Gu Feng asked Zhou Xuchuan.

Zhou Xuchuan, a bit taken aback by the question, replied calmly, “Pirates are skilled swimmers and have advantages in the water.”

“Right.” Water arts not only allowed free movement in water but also provided various advantages. They could hold their breath for long periods and moved swiftly underwater. Catching them, especially if they dived and escaped, was nearly impossible unless one was a master of light body techniques capable of walking on water.

“If any escape, the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds will hear of it. Let me pose a question: if that happens, who suffers?”

“Us… or the Mount Hua Sect?”

Zhang Xuen guessed hesitantly.

Gu Feng shook his head and glanced at the boatman.

“It’s this old man.”

“What?”

Zhang Hong looked confused.

“As long as we don’t provoke the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds, they won’t bother us. Killing a few pirates won’t prompt revenge. But the backlash will fall on this boatman who ferried us across the Yangtze River.”

“How is it the boatman’s fault?”

Zhang Xuen asked incredulously.

“It’s not about fault. It’s just a way to vent their anger. It’s not for no reason that the Nine Pirate Strongholds, no, the entire Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds are classified as Outlaws. That’s just how these people are.”

The Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds are neither protectors nor honorable martial artists. They are so notorious that even the unorthodox sects of the martial world refuse to associate with them. They are merely a band of bandits.

“It’s better to leave things as they are unless you’re willing to take responsibility for the boatman’s life. Besides, if this incident becomes known among boatmen, they might refuse to ferry us in the future, fearing reprisal from the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds.”

Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen, still in shock, had nothing to say and slumped their shoulders.

“I know, and everyone knows, it’s wrong. But sometimes, there are things we can’t help. As you venture into the martial world, you’ll encounter many such unfair situations. Remember today’s incident and think before you act.”

Zhou Xuchuan listened intently to Gu Feng’s teachings and inwardly admired them. A high level of pride is common among martial artists, especially those at the level of Transcendence. To speak without a trace of resentment about such a pragmatic approach was not common.

Tragically, Gu Feng, known as the ‘Fourteenth Gallant Swordsman’, would die a few years later as a casualty of the era of turmoil. Zhou Xuchuan hoped that in this life, with the future potentially altered, Gu Feng might survive.

“To prevent such incidents, the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds would need to be eradicated. However, their size and strength are significant, as you know. It would require the movement of not just the Mount Hua Sect but also the Martial Alliance. But even this is not advisable. Do you know why?”

…

Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen remained silent, seemingly understanding but reluctant to speak as Gu Feng just quietly sat and waited for a response.

Frustrated by the silence, Zhou Xuchuan stepped in, “It’s because it would disrupt the balance.”

“Explain further.”

Before the era of war, the martial world was still maintaining peace.

It was because the powers of the forces were in perfect balance.

The Martial Alliance of the orthodox sects, and the River of the Unorthodox Path.

The Two Demonic Forces: the Demonic Cult and the Blood Cult.

The power of these four forces was roughly equal.

That’s why no one could act rashly.

Since the power difference was similar, even if one side won, the damage would be great.

In such a situation, if two of the other forces joined together, they could easily deal with the remaining force.

If the Martial Alliance fought against the Eighteen Outlaw Strongholds and lost its strength, it would end up in a similar situation.

The other three forces could quickly join together and devastate the weakened Martial Alliance.

There was really no choice.

“It’s unavoidable,” Gu Feng acknowledged. “I suppose you both understand this too, but just don’t want to say it aloud.”

Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen silently agreed. Despite understanding the situation, they found it hard to accept the reality of allowing those outlaws to go unpunished. At their age, full of righteousness and vigor, such a concession was difficult to bear.

“I understand your ideals, but the reality of the martial world is especially harsh. Think about it.”

Gu Feng smiled, a bittersweet expression reflecting the compromise of an adult who has given up dreams for reality.

***

The boat reached the dock safely, and the group successfully crossed the Yangtze River without encountering any more water bandits.

Zhang Hong and Zhang Suen still had thoughtful expressions on their faces.

Zhou Xuchuan saw this and smiled inwardly.

‘It reminds me of the past. I’ve been like that too.’

I once thought that adhering to the code of righteousness was all that mattered.

But then I was shocked to learn that such adherence could lead to even greater harm.

That’s what those two are experiencing now.

From the start of the journey, the two, who had been talkative, now looked troubled by their thoughts.

‘Hmm, you seem unaffected.'”

Gu Feng noticed Zhou Xuchuan’s lack of distress and looked at him curiously. Zhou Xuchuan, realizing he had let his guard down, quickly adjusted his expression and responded to Gu Feng’s observation.

“Yes, there was an incident when I left the Mount Hua Sect as a child,” Zhou Xuchuan said, scratching his head awkwardly. “I had my share of shocks early on, so I guess I’m less affected now.”

The group had just entered Guizhou, not their final destination, which was Kaiyang. Gu Feng decided they would stop using light body technique due to the constantly changing territories of the orthodox and unorthodox factions in Guizhou, making the land particularly tumultuous. Walking to Kaiyang would avoid unnecessary energy expenditure and reduce the risk of encountering enemies.

In Guizhou, Zhou Xuchuan felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. He had a specific purpose there: to find the Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief and the treasure it contained. He had been planning for nearly three years for this moment, needing the help of certain individuals, one of whom he believed to be in Guizhou.

His thoughts turned to Merchant King, real name Li Yicai, an unremarkable grain merchant who would rise to become the foremost merchant in the Central Plains. Li Yicai’s life changed drastically at the onset of the era of turmoil. He became incredibly wealthy by using his connections in the martial world to sell military supplies during the chaos of war.

Zhou Xuchuan was determined to enlist Merchant King, a man of neither the orthodox nor unorthodox path but a pure merchant whose principles were almost frightening in their focus. Throughout the era of turmoil, Li Yicai managed to profit from all factions, maintaining neutrality and earning the title “Merchant King”.

Zhou Xuchuan knew that entrusting the treasure from the vault to the Merchant King would be a wise decision. Merchants value trust above all, and breaking that trust meant social and business death. While Merchant King would be a formidable ally in profitable ventures, he was unlikely to be cooperative without the promise of benefit.

In reality, Zhou Xuchuan had only seen Li Yicai’s face a few times when he visited the Mount Hua Sect, but they never had a conversation.

The reason was that when he came in person, Zhou Xuchuan was considered an unremarkable martial artist.

By the time Zhou Xuchuan became one of the Five Elders of Mount Hua, Li Yicai had become such a big shot that he sent his subordinates instead of appearing in person.

Zhou Xuchuan eagerly anticipated meeting Li Yicai, striding with purpose towards Guizhou.