Chapter 65: Fair and Reasonable

Time was passing, and October was already halfway through.

Despite it being the season of Cold Dew, the days remained hot due to Seven Blood Eyes' coastal location. Only at night did the wind turn cold, and so did the sea. It was as if an eerie gloom, buried deep within the seabed, permeated with the moonlight, rising from the surface to shroud the world and seep into the bodies of all who cultivated during the night, giving them a premature taste of winter's malice.

At this moment, the night wind blew, and moonlight illuminated the harbor, blanketing every bluestone path. It also illuminated Xu Qing, who, after finishing his day's work, was walking cautiously towards his berth.

Xu Qing walked through the moonlight, his tall figure and grey robe swaying with his steps, his long hair seemingly dancing with the fabric. From a distance, he appeared like a solitary silhouette in a moonlit painting.

However, the coldness in the night wind made Xu Qing instinctively feel cold. The chill wasn't in his body, but a lingering memory from the slums. It was like smoke stains on a painting: even if the piece was fully restored, concealed with ink, and framed, making them invisible to outsiders, the painting itself knew the marks were still there.

In the cold wind, Xu Qing exhaled and quickened his pace.

Half a month had passed since his last gathering with Zhou Qingpeng and others. For the past half month, Xu Qing had been on duty at the Monster Hunting Division as usual. The promotion Zhou Qingpeng mentioned had not materialized, nor did Xu Qing care. Because for Xu Qing, cultivation was his priority at this stage.

His Sea Transformation Scripture had reached the peak of the seventh level, not far from a breakthrough. The Sea Mountain Art was also similar, about to reach the eighth level. He was very much looking forward to this.

He believed that with his current combat power, once both the Sea Transformation Scripture and the Sea Mountain Art broke through to the eighth level, he would most likely be able to instantly kill his past self from before coming to Seven Blood Eyes, without taking any damage. Even if he were to encounter the Vajra Sect Patriarch again, Xu Qing felt that with his strength after reaching the eighth level, though still unable to defeat the opponent, if he cooperated with the shadow and went all out in a sneak attack, he would have a certain chance to hold his own for a few exchanges.

"Soon..."

Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Apart from the Vajra Sect Patriarch, the enemy he most urgently wanted to kill was the mermaid youth. He felt it wouldn't be long before he possessed the power to kill the former, and for the latter, he was already looking for an opportunity. However, somewhat regrettably, for the past half month, he had cautiously shadowed the mermaid youth almost every day, looking for an opportunity to strike. But the youth's protectors were always present, making it difficult to act. On one occasion, the youth went out alone as the captain had mentioned, but used a treasure that concealed his aura and presence, leaving no trace. Xu Qing found it difficult to track him, but he remained patient. After some analysis, he realized he needed to find a way to leave a mark on the youth.

"Next time I encounter such an opponent, I need to leave a mark in advance."

Xu Qing murmured, engraving this lesson into his mind, just as he had learned to handle corpses back then, and continued walking.

Soon, he arrived at Berth 79. Along the way, Xu Qing encountered no hostile gazes, and no one disturbed him during the night. Although he hadn't been in Seven Blood Eyes for very long, Xu Qing had gradually forged a formidable reputation. This reputation significantly reduced the number of people who dared to scheme against him, and most of those who did were extremely cautious.

At that moment, as Xu Qing released his Dharma Boat, an enormous vessel instantly materialized out of thin air. As it settled onto the water, it produced a resounding splash, sending waves rippling outwards. Looking at it, the hull, over twenty zhang long and more than three zhang wide, possessed an astonishing presence. Under the moonlight, the dark hull planks emitted a shadowy gleam, which seemed to merge with the cold light reflecting off the dense scales on the exterior. Combined with the massive, ferocious alligator head at the bow, the Dharma Boat truly appeared to have transformed into a colossal alligator. Especially the countless sharp teeth within the alligator head's gaping maw, and the eerie glow in its eyes, added further deterrence.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that the scales on the outer hull were of a higher grade than before, and even the interior, invisible to outsiders, was covered in scales. Furthermore, a special keel ran through the entire vessel, providing stronger support than ever before. Wind encircled it, causing this beast-like Dharma Boat to emit waves of deterrent aura. The cabin, in particular, was now much larger, with spacious rooms for rest and cultivation. Xu Qing had even built a dedicated herb room.

Moreover, within the hull, a streak of azure light occasionally darted around like a living thing, making the Dharma Boat even sturdier wherever it passed. Most importantly, a large empty groove was visible on the deck. Although it was empty, it was filled with dense formations, clearly reserved for future use.

This was the Level Six Dharma Boat Xu Qing had crafted using mid-tier materials, after spending over a hundred spirit stones! The reserved groove had cost him an additional ten spirit stones. He had his eye on a particular material: a small piece of a giant whale's skull. Once installed, it could upgrade his Dharma Boat's sturdiness from Level Six to the peak of Level Seven. However, this giant whale skull was extremely expensive, being one of the second-highest-tier materials for Dharma Boats. Its price was naturally astounding, requiring a full two hundred spirit stones.

This price was already exorbitant. Xu Qing had visited it multiple times in recent days, secretly gritting his teeth and resolving to save up to buy it.

"Once my cultivation breaks through to the eighth level, and once I've bought the giant whale skull and upgraded my Dharma Boat to Level Seven... I'll head out to sea!"

Xu Qing murmured. With his decision made, he stepped onto the Dharma Boat, entered his cultivation chamber, sat cross-legged on a futon, and closed his eyes to cultivate.

The sea breeze blew all night, and by morning, it seemed to grow weary, gradually dissipating. As sunlight streamed in, Xu Qing opened his eyes and began a new day on duty. After the operations to search for Night Gulls ceased, the Monster Hunting Division's work was mostly idle. Only occasionally would the Patrol Division request their assistance for matters they couldn't handle.

Today, for instance, shortly after Xu Qing arrived at the Monster Hunting Division and reported for duty in the courtyard of Xuan Department's Sixth Team, he received an assistance request from the Patrol Division. Not many people were dispatched, a total of six, including the captain. After leaving the Monster Hunting Division, the captain's introduction revealed that the target for this assistance mission was the Dispatch Division.

The Dispatch Division and the Pilot Division were considered major departments in the entire port area. The former was responsible for scheduling and arranging incoming and outgoing vessels, while the latter acted as the Dispatch Division's 'arm,' guiding external vessels into the harbor. Therefore, each port had its own branch. Today, they were headed to Port 96.

Recently, fierce conflicts had erupted between the Pilot and Dispatch Divisions at Port 96. Currently, over a hundred members of the Pilot Division were gathered at the Dispatch Division, seemingly in a standoff. The Dispatch Division had reported this to the Patrol Division for mediation, but the Patrol Division, finding it difficult to handle, requested assistance from the Monster Hunting Division.

After hearing the captain's mission briefing, one of the accompanying team members spoke with a sarcastic expression.

"It seems the core of the conflict is the extra bonus that was supposed to be given to Port 96's Pilot Division this month. The Dispatch Department at Port 96 only gave them ten percent of the usual amount. No one would agree to that."

"Besides their regular salaries, the disciples of the Dispatch and Pilot Divisions, especially since the Pilot Division often assists the Dispatch Division and the Dispatch Division earns many extra funds, are supposed to receive additional rewards from the Dispatch Division at each port on time."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing gained a general understanding of the situation.

"Oh, this matter originated from the Dispatch Division at Port 96, which recently got a new supervisor—that core disciple Zhao Zhongheng."

Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.

"As soon as this core disciple took office, he forcefully changed the rules. It's said that the monthly bonus for the Pilot Division was changed from a 50-50 split to a 90-10 split, which naturally infuriated the Pilot Division disciples."

As Xu Qing listened to the discussion, deep in thought, their group arrived at the Dispatch Division in Port 96. From a distance, the Dispatch Division's architecture resembled a large sail spread across the ground, with buildings of various sizes erected around it, and numerous Dharma Boats haphazardly parked nearby. In front of the Dispatch Division's main gate, over a hundred members of the Pilot Division currently blocked the entrance, confronting the Dispatch Division disciples inside. Arguments constantly erupted, and the tension grew increasingly palpable, while more disciples gathered around to observe.

Patrol Division disciples were also inside, attempting to mediate, but both sides refused to yield, making the mediation extremely difficult. Even the slightest spark could ignite a direct confrontation between the two parties in this tense atmosphere. Therefore, upon seeing the arrival of the Monster Hunting Division, the Patrol Division disciples visibly relaxed, and the onlookers outside parted to allow the Monster Hunting Division to approach.

The captain, who was eating an apple, ignored the tense standoff and the struggling Patrol Division, instead finding a spot in a nearby corner to sit down and watch the spectacle. The Monster Hunting Division's duty was to quell the conflict once the two sides actually started fighting. Since no one had been killed yet, they didn't need to intervene.

The other team members followed suit. Xu Qing sat down with them, and after scanning both sides, he didn't see Zhao Zhongheng, but he did spot an acquaintance. This person stood at the very front of the Pilot Division crowd; he was a chubby young man. It was none other than Huang Yan, the one who had generously given him the Spirit Condensing Leaf at the pharmacy that day.

"You bastards from the Dispatch Division! What you're doing is cutting off the livelihoods of our Pilot Division disciples at Port 96! Without that bonus, our cultivation and ship-refining will slow down. How are we supposed to survive in this main city, constantly fraught with danger? You're trying to kill us! If we're going to die anyway, then we'll kill you first!"

Huang Yan seemed to be the representative of Port 96's Pilot Division. Although he wore a grey robe, he stood tall and proud, showing no signs of backing down. A ferocious expression appeared on his face as he yelled, his voice sharp, his face red and veins bulging in his neck.

In front of him, standing within the Dispatch Division's gate, was a middle-aged cultivator also wearing a grey Daoist robe. He was not from Port 96's Dispatch Division, but Zhao Zhongheng's attendant. This matter was Zhao Zhongheng's idea, and now that a problem had arisen, someone of his status naturally wouldn't come out to resolve it personally, so he had dispatched his attendant to handle it.

At this moment, cold light gleamed in the middle-aged cultivator's eyes, accompanied by strong displeasure. He had followed Zhao Zhongheng for a long time, and though an attendant, disciples from lower ranks usually showed him great respect. Having witnessed many other core disciples, he had long forgotten his own status and inwardly dismissed these grey-robed disciples. Knowing that his master would never change the regulations, he now adopted a forceful stance.

"If you don't want to die, get out of here within the time it takes an incense stick to burn!"

As soon as he spoke, murderous intent permeated among the Pilot Division disciples, and seeing this, cold light flickered in the eyes of the Dispatch Division members. For the disciples in the various divisions of Seven Blood Eyes' main city, who had fought their way out of the 'wolf's den' and established themselves without relying on others, killing was not unfamiliar.

"Make us get out? I'll get out of your grandfather's way!" Huang Yan's eyes widened, and he charged forward directly. He was fast and heavy, and with a roar, he initiated the fight.

The next instant, the already tense Pilot and Dispatch Division disciples immediately began to brawl at the main gate. Roars echoed, and spell fluctuations spread in all directions. A chaotic battle involving hundreds of people unfolded directly before Xu Qing's eyes, with blood splattering and agonizing screams filling the air.

The Patrol Division disciples responsible for mediation immediately retreated, while Xu Qing and his group remained seated. Xu Qing glanced at the captain beside him. The captain was eating an apple, appearing quite interested in the chaotic battle ahead, occasionally even cheering.

"There are too many of them, and a chaotic fight like this is a bit dangerous. We'll wait until they've fought enough, then intervene to quell it. Besides, the sect itself doesn't want to see two departments fighting... they'll likely step in to stop it anyway."

After cheering, the captain quietly spoke to the team members beside him.

Meanwhile, casualties were already appearing on both sides of the chaotic battle. Amidst intensified roars and clashes, Xu Qing saw Huang Yan in the crowd, his eyes bloodshot, striking out wildly. His seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivation made his burst of power highly destructive. Just then, Xu Qing saw the middle-aged man who had confronted Huang Yan earlier rapidly retreating within the Dispatch Division crowd. A malevolent gaze fixed on Huang Yan, and taking advantage of Huang Yan's distraction, he suddenly waved his hand. Immediately, a willow-leaf throwing knife shot out from his sleeve.

The knife was made of a special, somewhat transparent material, moving at incredible speed. A faint blue glow emanated from it, as if it were coated with poison, as it flew straight towards Huang Yan's neck. Caught in the chaotic battle, Huang Yan didn't notice it immediately. Seeing the knife rapidly approaching, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, lightly flicked his right hand, and a droplet of water instantly materialized in mid-air. It shot out with astonishing speed, striking the willow-leaf throwing knife directly. The water droplet struck with immense force. With a 'bang,' the throwing knife was knocked off course, whizzing past Huang Yan's face.

Huang Yan's expression changed. He first looked at Xu Qing and nodded, then, with a ferocious expression, his gaze locked onto the middle-aged cultivator, and with a low growl, he charged straight at him.

"Damn it!" The middle-aged cultivator immediately retreated, but it was too late. Huang Yan caught up to him in a few leaps and slammed into him forcefully. The sound of bones breaking was drowned out by the surrounding melee; one could only see the middle-aged cultivator's distorted expression as he swiftly counterattacked.

The chaotic battle continued, with more casualties. At this moment, the captain beside him cast a glance at Xu Qing, a half-smile playing on his lips. Xu Qing said nothing, withdrawing his gaze from Huang Yan. His earlier intervention was due to Huang Yan's generous gift of the Spirit Condensing Leaf that day.

Soon, as the battle between the two divisions grew increasingly fierce, a low roar, like thunder, boomed from a distance.

"Stop at once!"

As the words rang out, a figure strode through the air from afar. A powerful and terrifying aura descended from the sky at that instant, suppressing all directions and causing every disciple on the ground to tremble in awe, stopping their fight simultaneously.

"Time to work," the captain whispered, standing up and assuming an authoritative, solemn demeanor. Xu Qing and the other team members also rose.

The moment they stood up, the figure in the sky rapidly approached, descending to mid-air and revealing itself as a youth dressed in deep purple Daoist robes. The youth was unremarkable in appearance, and his eyes showed little emotion, yet his aura was astonishing. Standing in mid-air, he cast a cold gaze upon the two groups of disciples on the ground, who had now ceased their fighting.