Chapter 3, The Boat

However, if there could be a better environment, that would be the best. Slowly inserting his fingers into the floating wood beneath the boat's string, Jiang Feng tightly gripped the hull with both hands and carefully pressed his ear against the boat's string to listen.

"Green Butterfly, did I not ask you to send those people outside away?" The soft and charming voice possessed a captivating magic that penetrated the heart. Jiang Feng found himself unexpectedly tempted to turn over and board the boat to glimpse the true face of the other party.

There is at least one hidden stake on this side of the ship, and the opponent's aura is long and steady, clearly indicating that they are also a skilled practitioner. Moreover, it seems they intend to maintain this vigilance indefinitely, which poses a considerable challenge for Jiang Feng. To board the ship, he must pass under the watchful eyes of the opponent, and finding a way to evade their attention is indeed quite difficult

The Baihe River appears relatively calm during this stretch, and Jiang Feng makes every effort to avoid making noise while paddling in the water, striving to get closer to the target.

The dark silhouette of the ship gradually became clear before Jiang Feng, what a large vessel!

Who exactly are the people on this ship, and what is the source of such grandeur?

"Miss, Lord Weichi is also concerned for your safety. This ship is navigating on the water, in complete darkness, and in the event that a rogue intruder were to board..."

The dark piles have certainly not gone far, still monitoring the deck passage; however, as long as there is a certain distance, Jiang Feng has a way to handle it

This single medium, the vine grass, is sufficient to prove that the individuals aboard the ship do not belong to the aristocratic families, nor do they possess the stature of the major sects in the martial world. The heritage of aristocratic families is often reflected through such details.

No, they are outside the window, and I cannot fall asleep. Isn't there a magical restriction? Why don't you wait until I fall asleep before calling them back.

Jiang Feng gradually emerged from the water, pressing his body tightly against the side of the boat, and then cautiously poked his head out to observe his surroundings.

The two-story decked boat stood majestically, with strict regulations in place. The cold light flickered on both sides of the ship's hull, clearly indicating the weapons held by the hidden sentinels. At the bow and stern of the ship, two guards stood with halberds, and despite the undulating motion of the vessel, the soldiers remained utterly still.

Hmph, do the Xue brothers think they can command me? Do I need their permission? Go ask them if they would still dare to boast if we were to fight with no holds barred. Also, at this late hour on the river, who would come to board a boat? Is there a water ghost?

If it were not for the soft and charming voice that just revealed the existence of magical restrictions, Jiang Feng would not have deliberately sought to investigate. Such a reckless act of climbing through the window would likely result in him being tightly bound by this spirit medium vine and reduced to a prisoner at once

At this moment, Jiang Feng could no longer care about the wounds on his body. If he could not catch this boat, he feared he would have to rely solely on his two legs to escape the enemy's pursuit, and it would be worth taking a little risk. However, sailing on the Baihe River at such a late hour was certainly not something ordinary people would do. There had been no reports of passenger boats available for transit on the Baihe River, and cargo ships would never take the risk of sailing at night. Jiang Feng was indeed quite curious about the identity of the passengers on this boat.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Feng dared not move recklessly. This was a living spirit vine, the cultivation of which must have required immense effort from the sorcerer. To use it as a window lattice restriction for this woman, isn't that a bit too extravagant

Shaking his head, he cautiously approached a little closer, and just as he was about to touch the vine, a pulsating spiritual aura emanated from his fingertips

The deck passage is empty, this is a three-story ship, which is quite a considerable vessel in the inland waterways. The first floor is presumably occupied by the guarding personnel, while the second floor is where the owner resides

Waiting for what seemed like the right moment, Jiang Feng dove lightly into the water and swam vigorously towards that glimmer of light

This surprised him greatly, as it seemed he had never experienced such an unusual feeling before

In the midst of the dispute, unable to go against her master, the young girl had no choice but to report to the so-called Lord Weichi. The informant, upon receiving the notification, quickly vanished beside the ship's railing

"Pah! You dead girl, dare to scare me. If a water ghost comes up, I will be the first to send you to him." Upon hearing about the water ghost, the young lady's originally angry voice seemed to weaken considerably, yet her attitude remained very firm: "You go and make those people outside leave. How can we rest like this, lying on the edge of the boat?"

Following the flow of the water, Jiang Feng slowly submerged downward, cleverly leaning his body against the edge of the boat. With the solid hull pressing against him, Jiang Feng's mind gradually settled. He regulated his breathing; the sword wound on his shoulder felt somewhat numb, but fortunately, it did not hinder his movements. Above the waterline of the boat, there were at least 4 feet of space, allowing Jiang Feng to effectively use the cover of night to conceal himself. As long as the sentries were not deliberately searching, he was confident that he could remain attached to the hull for two to three hours without issue. He regulated his breathing; the sword wound on his shoulder felt somewhat numb, but fortunately, it did not hinder his movements. Above the waterline of the boat, there were at least 4 feet of space, allowing Jiang Feng to effectively use the cover of night to conceal himself. As long as the sentries were not deliberately searching, he was confident that he could remain attached to the hull for two to three hours without issue

A hand-thrown arrow was shot out, embedding itself in the side of a boat several zhang away. The sound resembled that of climbing tools like the flying tiger claw against the boat. Amidst the chaos, shadows flickered, and lights illuminated at the bow of the ship. In the midst of the confusion, Jiang Feng gracefully flipped his body, leaping across the deck and landing outside the brightly lit cabin.

Hehe, miss, the Xue family brothers usually accommodate you, but according to Lord Weichi, once they are on the battlefield, it will be entirely different

You little girl, do you take me for a delicate flower with no strength to even bind a chicken? Is it possible that the three-foot green blade in my hand is merely for show?

Miss, these individuals are the most loyal guards of the residence. You may rest assured, it will not affect you in any way

Jiang Feng observed carefully; one hand clung to the other, and the fingers of the second hand slowly approached, stopping just an inch away without any reaction. This left Jiang Feng somewhat puzzled, wondering if his expectations were mistaken

Outside the window frame hangs a rather inconspicuous purple vine, which Jiang Feng had never seen before; it is slanted along the upper edge of the window frame, resembling more of a decorative plant.

Jiang Feng's curiosity was instantly piqued. Not to mention that he had to rely on this ship to navigate the difficulties, even the demeanor exhibited by the passengers on board was enough to arouse one's curiosity and desire to take a closer look.

Hehe, Miss, that is uncertain. If you do not want the Green Butterfly to accompany you tonight, it is quite possible that a water ghost from the river will come up and carry you away to make you his wife. The crisp and lively voice sounded somewhat mischievous and proud, clearly aware of the weakness of its mistress

This object is entirely different from the withered vine dart used by the previous pursuer. The withered vine requires the user to activate it and has a strong magical aura, making it easily detectable. In contrast, this vibrant spiritual medium vine is like an ordinary plant; unless one deliberately attempts to touch or investigate it, one would have no way of knowing its presence

Just by the appearance of this ship, Jiang Feng knew that the owner or the passengers of this ship were certainly not ordinary people