Chapter 378: Secret Operation

Snow Bird Harbor Dock.

The chaotic battle had calmed considerably.

The situation was now clear: both the Divine Wind Pirates and Snow Bird Harbor had exercised restraint, preventing the conflict from escalating further.

The dragonman youngster remained rooted to the spot for a moment, gazing at the Divine Wind and other pirate ships. His gaze was solemn, his expression impassive.

The tacit understanding between the Divine Wind Pirates and Snow Bird Harbor's Lord was something the dragonman youngster hadn't anticipated.

But after communicating with the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord, the dragonman youngster grasped this layer of understanding.

Only then did he realize his earlier misunderstanding—the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord had genuinely chosen a conservative strategy, refraining from rash attacks.

Upon careful reflection, the dragonman youngster found the city Lord's approach entirely reasonable.

Recalling the Snow Bird Harbor Lord's modus operandi, he was adept at patience and restraint, using that time to prepare relentlessly. Once those preparations were complete, he would strike without hesitation. When he moved, it was with devastating force.

Conversely, the fact that the Snow Bird Harbor Lord exercised such restraint spoke volumes about the Divine Wind Pirates' formidable strength.

“Feng Lian... even a saint level powerhouse couldn't touch you?” the dragonman youngster sighed inwardly.

Gold level existences were rulers of a territory.

Saint level existences were pillars of the nation!

The entire Ice Sculpture Kingdom boasted only three saints.

Legend level powerhouses were even more formidable, possessing strength capable of toppling nations and wielding immense influence.

Take the War Merchant, for instance. He controlled the majority of the global arms market, stirring up conflicts everywhere, manipulating smaller nations at his whim.

“Compared to these powerhouses, I'm still far too weak.”

“If borrowing power fails, there's nothing I can do.”

“Therefore, the true foundation lies in one's own strength!”

The dragonman youngster craved power even more intensely.

But alas, a battle qi cultivator's cultivation could never be achieved overnight.

Though his innate talent was exceptional, it still demanded time and immense dedication to transform potential into tangible strength.

His current battle qi cultivation was merely silver level—not even a hint of gold luster had appeared yet.

“Zi Di, given the current situation, we need to adjust our plan.” Gathering his composure, the dragonman youngster contacted Zi Di.

She showed no surprise. Knowing him well, she understood he would never give up easily. Not even the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's refusal to fight could deter him.

Zi Di felt both helpless and reassured.

The dragonman youngster's unwavering commitment to never abandon any member had never changed.

He was the most reliable leader imaginable.

It was precisely this quality that earned him the survivors' unwavering trust.

No one but the dragonman youngster could fill the role of their leader.

Before the dragonman youngster could speak again, Zi Di took the initiative: "We must spare no effort to rescue Lan Zao. But we also need to reach the capital of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom as soon as possible."

“We've wasted time at Snow Bird Harbor, and we still haven't determined why we couldn't receive replies from Two Eyes Island.”

“Time is running out for us.”

“Only by contacting the Empire's higher-ups as soon as possible and atoning for our sins can we secure a stable environment for development.”

Zi Di emphasized the survivors' most crucial mission.

The dragonman youngster sighed, feeling torn.

The situation with Lan Zao was urgent. Without a quick rescue, he risked discovery and execution.

Contacting the Empire was even more critical—it determined the survival and future of all survivors.

After a moment of deep thought, the dragonman youngster declared, “It seems we must split our forces.”

“Zi Di, you know the Wisteria store best. Only you and Fei She should go. Besides, no one else is qualified for this task.”

"Therefore, you must proceed to the royal capital next. Take my alchemy puppet, disguised as me. After meeting up with Zong Ge, depart Snow Bird Harbor immediately."

"Regarding securing the potion market share, leave that to Bu Quan. Hand over our magic medicine bath tubs and such to her as well, increasing her production. As for the three newly joined silver level alchemists, keep Zhong Yong aboard the Deep Sea Monster Fish. The other two should assist too."

“I, meanwhile, will pilot the Deep Sea Monster Fish, tracking beneath the sea in search of an opportunity to rescue Lan Zao.”

Zi Di's brows furrowed deeply.

Truthfully, she yearned to accompany the dragonman youngster on this mission.

She was profoundly concerned about his safety throughout this journey.

But there was no choice.

The dragonman youngster's arrangements had been meticulously planned, with personnel assigned logically.

Setting aside emotional considerations, this plan was nearly flawless when viewed rationally.

Zi Di had considered refusing and hesitated briefly, but ultimately chose to support the dragonman youngster, just as she had on Mystifying Monster Island.

“I understand. Please take every precaution!”

“If the situation becomes untenable, do not force the issue.”

“Even if Lan Zao were to sacrifice himself, he would never want to see you endangered because of him.”

"If you were to fall, I could not live on alone. The rest of us would crumble. No one could replace your leadership. Zong Ge falls far short of you—he lacks the authority to command our loyalty."

The dragonman youngster nodded slightly, sensing the profound care in Zi Di's words.

A wave of warmth washed over him. "I understand. You must stay safe too!"

However, just as the dragonman youngster sought an opportunity to dive into the Deep Sea Monster Fish, an envoy arrived bearing an invitation from the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord. Important matters demanded his presence.

The dragonman youngster glanced at the pirate ship in the distance, still receiving members of the Bayonet Gang. He thought: This is also my chance to bid farewell to the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord.

So, he went.

The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord welcomed the dragonman youngster's arrival.

“Commander Long Fu, first I must apologize to you.”

“This time, the Bayonet Gang's escape caused losses to your group—it was my fault.”

“I can compensate for part of those losses.”

The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's apology and offer of compensation softened much of the dragonman youngster's anger.

“Thank you, City Lord,” the dragonman youngster replied immediately.

He then sighed, "My flagship still requires your assistance to be repaired. Since I acquired it, it has never sustained such severe damage."

“Many of my men were also killed or wounded.”

“I must take revenge!”

“City Lord, are we truly to stand by and watch the pirate ships carry away these remnants of the Bayonet Gang?”

“We've sworn mortal enmity with them. If they return to seek vengeance, it'll be impossible to guard against.”

The dragonman youngster persisted in his efforts, attempting to persuade the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord and Feng Lian to engage in combat.

He was anxious for Lan Zao but couldn't voice it plainly.

To rescue a mere bronze level boatswain?

That justification wouldn't hold water.

In truth, Lan Zao's greatest vulnerability lay in the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's hands.

His magician tower recorded every detail of the battlefield.

The magic footage showed Lan Zao setting sail from the Love Triangle and embarking on a campaign of conquest. This was irrefutable proof of Lan Zao's identity.

The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord shook his head, patting the dragonman youngster on the shoulder, "I am the Lord of this city, its ruler.”

“Even if these ringleaders escaped, I've eradicated the Bayonet Gang—an achievement no previous Lord ever accomplished. My merit remains undeniable.”

"After my term ends, with some maneuvering, my position might even rise higher than it is now. Why would I risk it all?"

“There's no need to lock horns with Feng Lian's crew.”

“Commander Long Fu, your situation mirrors mine.” You've already made a name for yourself, and your talent is truly remarkable. Why not preserve your valuable life, actively grow, and build up your strength?"

“Don't let the blind fury of revenge cloud your judgment.”

The dragonman youngster's efforts had failed, only to be met with the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's earnest and heartfelt advice.

The dragonman youngster's face darkened, yet the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's words held undeniable truth.

The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord continued, “I invited you here tonight to share some good news.”

“The ship you purchased has arrived.”

“It's a silver level magic ship—a military vessel from our nation that was ‘retired early’.”

“I believe it will make an excellent flagship!”

Upon hearing this, a thought flashed through the dragonman youngster's mind: Could this silver level magic ship be used to pursue the Divine Wind Pirates?

He immediately shook his head inwardly, dismissing this impractical notion.

Since his final effort had failed, the dragonman youngster exchanged a few polite words with the city Lord before formally taking his leave.

The city Lord showed no surprise.

He understood: the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps had a mission to expand their market, and heading to the capital was the most crucial step in that endeavor.

After the dragonman youngster departed, an unfamiliar voice sounded through the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's communication device.

"If Long Fu seeks revenge, why not let him go? He can serve as cannon fodder for us."

Throughout their earlier conversation, the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's communicator remained active.

He shook his head, "I deliberately let those ringleaders go precisely to plant spies.”

“I never imagined that right after planting them, we'd reel in a big fish like Feng Lian!”

"Hehe."

“This is the Divine Wind Pirates, after all.”

"Truthfully, I never intended to target them. But fate had it that you were the ones transporting that decommissioned warship."

“This matter must remain strictly confidential.”

“Before the official operation, Feng Lian must not catch wind of anything.”

“Long Fu... Their origins are unclear. They don't deserve our trust yet.”

On the Divine Wind.

“Kid.” Bing Xiao patted Lan Zao's shoulder, "You saved me back on that rocket assault boat.”

“So, what reward do you want?”

Bing Xiao gradually relaxed.

Most of the gang members had boarded the ship, and Snow Bird Harbor's threats had proven to be all bark and no bite.

Lan Zao glanced at Bing Xiao, thinking: How about your life?

But those words were absolutely forbidden to utter.

At least not now.

Just as Lan Zao was about to respond, a gang member suddenly shouted: “Old gang leader, he's a traitor!”

“I saw it with my own eyes—he killed Lao Dong!”