Chapter 383: A Traitor’s Communication Device
Deploying the kingdom’s newest warships, they executed a flawless ambush. Three gold level commanders besieged Feng Lian alone. Yet the losers of this naval battle were none other than the Ice Sculpture Kingdom Navy’s Second Fleet!
Watching the Divine Wind Pirates sail away triumphantly, the naval officers fell silent.
Kong Pan and the other two commanders gathered together, each wearing an extremely grim expression. This outcome differed drastically from their initial expectations!
Suddenly, Kong Pan coughed up a mouthful of blood.
The time was nearing. Feng Lian’s attack would soon manifest its effects on Kong Pan’s body.
“Feng Lian... this man hid his true strength deeply. His actual combat power far exceeds what intelligence reported,” Kong Pan gritted out, her voice icy.
“My situation is even worse. I can barely hold on!” Yue Qian's face was the palest. His voice trembled as he explained to the other two how he had been struck by Wind Blade: Heart of Freedom.
Kong Pan's expression shifted slightly. She immediately examined Yue Qian's condition alongside Sand Between Fingers.
Both of them then revealed a hint of horror.
"Wind Blade: Heart of Freedom... Feng Lian used this battle skill during his battle against our nation's saint. To think its power has grown to such an extent by now!"
Sand Between Fingers gasped, "The time magic I cast on you is rapidly fading! I've never encountered such a situation."
Knowing his end was near, Yue Qian cast a wavering glance toward Kong Pan.
Kong Pan was his elder and the de facto leader of the Li Jian clan. Yue Qian, meanwhile, was the foremost figure among the Li Jian clan's rising generation.
Kong Pan would never stand by and let Yue Qian die!
Yue Qian was the pillar of the clan's future—he had already proven himself. His death would deal a devastating blow to the Li Jian clan. Not only would morale plummet, but they would also lose crucial future support.
The Li Jian clan boasted three gold level powerhouses among its core members.
Kong Pan and the current clan leader were both gold level, though advanced in age.
Should they pass away, the clan would rely on Yue Qian to hold it together.
As for outsiders like Sand Between Fingers, they were merely recruited additions, a nice bonus, but not a crucial reliance.
Without hesitation, Kong Pan set aside her own injuries and threw herself into aiding Yue Qian.
“Don't panic! Stay calm!”
“I'll cast a spell to strengthen your defenses.”
"San Sha Man Tuo, can you still cast a delay spell for Yue Qian? We need time now!"
“Of course!” Sand Between Fingers answered without hesitation, "I can buff him three more times, but after that, my primary spell component—time sand—will be depleted. Without this crucial material, I cannot cast spells."
“Excellent.” Kong Pan nodded, "The clan will replenish your consumed time sand afterward. Regardless of Yue Qian's survival, your contribution will be duly recorded."
Yue Qian was speechless, his gaze toward Kong Pan tinged with a hint of resentment.
The situation was urgent; Kong Pan had no time to tend to Yue Qian's emotions. He was already an adult.
Kong Pan ordered the fleet to sail at full speed toward Snow Bird Harbor, while directing the accompanying clergy to gather around Yue Qian.
Time slipped away rapidly, each second an agonizing torment for Yue Qian.
Soon, San Sha Man Tuo cast spells repeatedly until the time sand reserves fell below the threshold for another incantation.
Yue Qian entered the meditation chamber.
As the delay spell neared exhaustion, he had already unleashed every defensive battle skill at his command.
Moreover, several gold level defensive artifacts stood guard over him.
Kong Pan strained to bolster his defenses.
Ten of the most powerful clergymen—some sustaining defensive spells, others casting healing magic—all channeled their power into Yue Qian.
“Come on!” Yue Qian roared, rallying himself, “I refuse to believe I can't hold out like this!”
The next instant, the delay spell vanished completely.
The full might of Wind Blade: Heart of Freedom erupted.
The full might of Wind Blade: Heart of Freedom erupted.
Dead.
Plop.
Kong Pan coughed up another mouthful of blood.
All ten clergymen collapsed, each suffering varying degrees of backlash.
“Lord Kong Pan!” Sand Between Fingers, who had pushed her limits casting spells, rushed to support the captain.
Kong Pan gritted her teeth, her face twisted with dread, "This battle skill doesn't just use battle qi. Ordinary gold level cultivators would die instantly. Feng Lian... truly a terrifying individual..."
Regaining her footing with effort, Kong Pan asked Sand Between Fingers, “How far are we from Snow Bird Harbor now?”
“Only five nautical miles,” San Sha Man Tuo replied immediately.
“Excellent,” Kong Pan chuckled, “Though we failed, Yue Qian can still live!”
The Second Naval Fleet practically charged into Snow Bird Harbor's dock.
The Snow Bird Harbor Lord had received the communication long ago and prepared everything in advance.
Before the warship docked, he and the Sea Bird Bishop hurriedly leapt aboard and entered the meditation chamber.
"I entrust this to you, Bishop! If you revive Yue Qian, you shall be the most honored guest of the Li Jian clan!" Kong Pan's expression was solemn as she pledged her promise.
The Sea Bird Bishop bowed respectfully, his tone humble: “All is by the grace and power of our Lord!”
Though also a gold level, his standing within the kingdom clearly paled beside that of Kong Pan, captain of the Second Naval Fleet.
The bishop's reply was masterfully crafted, avoiding any bold guarantees of success.
Whether failure or triumph, all was the will of the Sea Bird God.
Fortunately, the Sea Bird Bishop's resurrection spell succeeded.
Yue Qian slowly opened his eyes. His gaze remained vacant for a moment before clearing.
“I died?”
“Yes. The Sea Bird Bishop revived you.”
Yue Qian hastily rose to express his gratitude. His face was deathly pale; his relief mingled with profound dread.
Kong Pan exhaled a heavy breath. As her guard dropped, darkness instantly clouded her vision, nearly causing her to collapse on the spot.
The others rushed to aid her, casting healing spells that alleviated some of her condition, though she remained listless.
Though unharmed physically, her spirit was utterly drained. The previous naval battle had exhausted both her mental fortitude and magic reserves.
“I never imagined Feng Lian's strength could be so formidable!” The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord spoke with a heavy tone, observing the three gold level naval commanders in such a battered state.
Kong Pan glanced at him and cautioned, "Feng Lian's intellect is also extraordinary. Given his cautious nature, he will surely realize there's a mole among the pirates. You must be prepared."
The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's face darkened once more. He nodded slightly and said nothing further.
Over at the Divine Wind Pirates.
The pirates cheered and rejoiced at their escape.
Feng Lian gathered his first mate and other subordinates for a discussion.
Bing Xiao was among them.
Feng Lian scanned the group, "The navy's new warships excel at stealth, but their ability to ambush us in advance means they knew our movements.”
“Such precision is highly unusual.”
The first mate's eyes widened, "Captain, are you saying we have a mole among us?”
Feng Lian nodded, looking at Bing Xiao, "Highly likely.”
Bing Xiao's heart sank abruptly.
Sure enough, the next moment, the pirate captains all shot him malicious glances.
The pirates naturally trusted their own men, but the Bayonet Gang members had only just boarded the ship—there was no foundation for trust.
The first mate spoke with a sinister edge: “Lord Bing Xiao, what do you suggest we do?”
“A thorough investigation—a complete investigation!” Bing Xiao roared the words without hesitation, his face twisted with fury, displaying an uncompromising stance against the traitor.
Feng Lian forced a thin smile: "Not just the Bayonet Gang—we must search ourselves too. Secure everyone first, then strip-search them one by one. I need to find the tracking device!"
In the recent battle, Feng Lian had single-handedly taken on three foes, displaying formidable prowess.
Within his own pirate crew, he held supreme authority.
Thus, his command was obeyed without question.
Pirates scoured every nook and cranny of the three ships, conducting thorough body searches on everyone.
Bayonet Gang members were herded onto the deck. Even Lan Zao, who had been lying unconscious in the hold, was dragged out.
“Commander, we found an alchemy communication device!!! We seized it from the Bayonet Gang," the pirate reported excitedly.
Bing Xiao's expression instantly turned grim.
Alchemy communication devices commanded a hefty price tag—ordinary gang members wouldn't invest heavily in acquiring one.
Even if they once owned one, for this voyage to flee the port, they'd likely sell it cheaply to acquire more useful weapons or vessels.
Such a device almost certainly marked the traitor.
Bing Xiao demanded immediately, “Who is it?”
The pirate shook his head, “I don't know his name, but Lord Bing Xiao should recognize him.”
Feng Lian sneered coldly, pushing open the captain's cabin door, "Come. Let's go see for ourselves.”
Bing Xiao hurried to follow.