SECTION 6: A Fame forged in Battle
Author: Gu Zhenren
Date: 2013-02-09
The sky brightened, and the morning sun rose, illuminating the smoke-filled, devastated, and heavily damaged Wei Family Town.
From Chu Yun’s vantage point, he could even see large swathes of coral trees beneath the water’s surface.
He knew full well that the secret treasury of the Star Sea Dragon Palace, belonging to Sea Dragon King Jiang Bo, lay hidden there. However, to navigate the coral maze, one needed the aid of starlight.
“So close, yet so far. If I could retrieve the secret treasure, the combat power of Shu Family Island would be greatly enhanced. What a pity…”
Chu Yun sighed deeply and descended from the city wall.
Half an hour later, he had emptied the Wei family’s treasury, acquiring countless riches and various Demonic Beast eggs. He had also captured nearly a thousand people, including members of the Wei family. Furthermore, he seized several large ships from the civilian harbor, forming them into a fleet and making his departure.
Naturally, he did not overlook the seven replica stealth submarines when he left.
Waves crashed against the ships, making whooshing sounds. The sun rose, marking a new day. Sunlight fell upon a treasure ship. Its large main sail bore the four characters “Tiange Academy.” It was indeed a treasure ship from the Academy.
The ship carried dozens of scholars, all third-year students who could no longer remain at the Academy.
Three years ago, the Tiange Academy’s treasure ship had picked them up from various islands. Three years later, it was returning them one by one.
“I wasn’t scouted by any of the major powers. How will I explain this to my family head when I return?” Wei Qian’s face was etched with worry, and he reeked of alcohol. He sat dejectedly in a corner of the ship’s bow, having been there all night, with three empty wine amphorae beside him.
His three Steel Feather Eagles had all been slain by Chu Yun, rendering his three years of effort in vain. Among all the third-year students, his future was the bleakest.
“Chu Yun! You killed my three Great Demons, and you’ll face retribution! The destruction of Shu Family Island will be your retribution!” The thought of Chu Yun twisted Wei Qian’s face into a contorted mask of rage. He both hated and feared Chu Yun, wishing Chu Yun would die on the battlefield to quell his anger.
“How will I face the family head?” As Wei Family Town came into view, Wei Qian became increasingly panicked. “What do I do?!”
He wracked his brain but could find no solution. Too many people knew the truth; he couldn’t even concoct a plausible excuse!
Wei Qian’s brow furrowed, his mind felt hollow, and his heart was heavy with sorrow. Helpless, he uncorked another amphora of wine and guzzled it down, trying to drown his sorrows.
He wished the treasure ship could sail on forever, never reaching Wei Family Island. But reality was cruel; Wei Family Island was already visible in the distance.
Gulp, gulp!
“No matter what, I still have to face the family head. It’s the same whether I face it head-on or try to hide. Better to be decisive.” Taking another large swig of wine, Wei Qian tried to embolden himself with the alcohol, a fierce resolve hardening within him. He stood up, but suddenly froze, staring ahead in disbelief.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing!
The majestic Wei family city he remembered now had a collapsed gate and heavily damaged walls. Puffs of thick smoke rose from various parts of the city. The wind carried the cries and wails of countless islanders.
Crash!
The wine amphora in Wei Qian’s hand slipped and smashed onto the deck, shattering into pieces. Wine spilled everywhere, but he was oblivious.
“Damn it, am I really this drunk?!” He shook his head furiously, squeezed his eyes shut tightly, then snapped them open.
The scene remained the same!
“Wei Family Island, is that Wei Family Island?!”
“How could it have become like this? My heavens, I can’t believe it.”
“Was it ransacked? Who could have done something so audacious…”
Gasps erupted from the scholars on the treasure ship.
“What… what’s going on?” A chill suddenly swept through Wei Qian’s heart, making him shiver. He was half-sober now. He was dazed, incredulous, and cried out in despair, “Can someone tell me what happened?!”
The surrounding scholars cast looks of concern and pity towards him. The severe damage to Wei Family Island was undoubtedly devastating news for the Wei family members.
“Wei Family Island has been attacked; the entire island is on high alert. No ships are allowed to dock!” Soon, a warship sailed out from Wei Family Island. The general on board spoke with a stern tone, preventing the treasure ship from coming any closer.
“We are only here to return the scholars to the island,” the people from Tiange Academy quickly explained, unwilling to cause any misunderstandings.
After some negotiation, Wei Qian transferred from the treasure ship to the Wei family warship.
“It’s Wei Qian. Good. You haven’t joined any other forces and have returned to serve the family. I see your loyalty.” The general on the warship recognized Wei Qian.
“Third Uncle, what happened on the island?” Wei Qian asked. The scholars on the treasure ship immediately pricked up their ears.
The general’s face darkened, and he let out a heavy snort. “It was Chu Yun, the young island master of the Shu family, who led an assault on Wei Family Island last night. We will settle this score later! Be careful when you see the family head; he lost an arm and is currently in a furious temper.”
“What? Chu Yun!” Wei Qian stood there, stunned, his face filled with horror.
Whoosh!
A wave of sound erupted from the treasure ship.
“Did I hear that right? It was the ‘Young Tiger’ who heavily damaged Wei Family Island!”
“This is too massive! How did he manage it?!”
“Wei Family Island is known for its strict defenses, with a permanent fleet stationed there and even a Great Demon from the Earth Altar. The Wei island master’s pair of bronze hooks are also legendary. Yet, he still lost an arm!”
Everyone found it unbelievable and let out exclamations of astonishment.
“The east gate of Wei Family Town has completely collapsed, and all other arrow towers and watchtowers have suffered varying degrees of damage. Three granaries have been burned down. The armory has been emptied, and of the seven secret vaults in the manor, four were discovered and cleared out…” The reporter stammered, his voice growing quieter as he spoke.
Before him sat the Wei family head, his right forearm severed. His face was ashen, his expression indifferent. An overwhelming killing intent emanated from him.
“Chu Yun of Shu Family Island, I swear, I will personally tear you into pieces!” The Wei family head gritted his teeth, filled with an absolute hatred for Chu Yun.
After the incident, he had boarded a replica stealth submarine, rendezvoused with the patrolling fleet, and then immediately rushed back. However, Chu Yun and his group had already vanished.
What awaited his return was the heavily damaged Wei Family Town.
In truth, the losses at Wei Family Town were secondary. The crucial point was that the fleet stationed on the island had been turned to ashes by Chu Yun without putting up any resistance, which filled him with immense frustration!
Moreover, most of the Wei family members had been captured, including his elderly mother and several of his children. What pained him most, however, was that all seven replica stealth submarines had been taken by the enemy.
“Miserable! Miserable! Send a military dispatch to General Suo Nan, ordering him to attack Shu Family Island at all costs, starting immediately. I will annihilate Shu Family Island!” The Wei family head’s face twisted as he roared.
His subordinates trembled.
“Why aren’t you going? What are you standing around for?!” Seeing that none of his subordinates moved, the Wei family head’s anger flared.
“G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-T-G-I-B-A-T-E-R-R-O-R-I-S-T-S…”
The original English translation had some issues, as it was a direct word-for-word translation without capturing the essence of the content. Here’s an improved version:
The sky was breaking, and the morning sun was rising, illuminating the vast ruins of Wei Family City, filled with smoke from the fires.
From Chu Yun’s position, he could even see the large coral trees beneath the sea.
He knew that the secret treasury of the Star Sea Dragon Palace, guarded by Sea Dragon King Jiang Bo, was within. However, to pass through the coral maze, he would need the aid of starlight.
“So close, yet so far. If I could just retrieve the secret treasure, the combat power of Shu Family Island would be significantly boosted. What a pity…”
Chu Yun sighed deeply and descended from the city wall.
Half an hour later, he had emptied the Wei family’s treasury, obtaining countless riches and various Demonic Beast eggs. He had also captured nearly a thousand people, including members of the Wei family. Furthermore, he had seized several large ships from the civilian harbor, forming a makeshift fleet and making his escape.
Naturally, he did not forget to take the seven replica stealth submarines.
Waves crashed against the ships with a swooshing sound. The sun began to rise, signaling a new day. Sunlight bathed a treasure ship, its large main sail bearing the four characters “Tiange Academy.” This was indeed a treasure ship from the Academy.
The ship was filled with dozens of scholars, all third-year students who were no longer eligible to remain at the Academy.
Three years prior, the Tiange Academy’s treasure ship had picked them up from their respective islands. Three years later, it was returning them one by one.
“I wasn’t chosen by any of the major powers. How will I explain this to my family head when I return?” Wei Qian’s face was wrought with worry, and he reeked of alcohol. He sat dejectedly in a corner of the ship’s bow, having been there all night, with three empty wine jars piled beside him.
His three Steel Feather Eagles had been killed by Chu Yun, rendering his three years of effort fruitless. Among all the third-year students, his future was the most bleak.
“Chu Yun! You killed my three Great Demons, and you’ll face retribution! The destruction of Shu Family Island will be your retribution!” The mere thought of Chu Yun contorted Wei Qian’s face into a grotesque mask of hatred. He both despised and feared Chu Yun, wishing for Chu Yun’s death on the battlefield to appease his rage.
“How will I face the family head?” As Wei Family Town came into view, Wei Qian grew increasingly anxious. “What should I do?!”
He thought back and forth but couldn’t find a solution. Too many people knew the truth; he couldn’t even find a proper excuse!
Wei Qian’s brow furrowed, his mind felt empty, and his chest was heavy with sorrow. Helpless, he uncorked another amphora of wine and drank it down, seeking solace in alcohol.
He wished the treasure ship could sail on forever, never reaching Wei Family Island. But reality was harsh; Wei Family Island was already visible in the distance.
Gulp, gulp!
“No matter what, I still have to face the family head. It’s the same outcome whether I face it head-on or hide. Better to be direct.” Taking another large swig of wine, Wei Qian bolstered his courage with alcohol, a fierce resolve hardening in his heart. He stood up but suddenly froze, staring ahead in utter disbelief.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing!
The majestic Wei family city he remembered now had a collapsed gate and severely damaged walls. Puffs of thick smoke rose from all over the city. The wind carried the sounds of countless islanders crying in despair.
Crash!
The wine amphora in Wei Qian’s hand slipped and smashed onto the deck, shattering into pieces. Wine spilled everywhere, but he was oblivious.
“Damn it, am I really this drunk?!” He shook his head violently, squeezed his eyes shut, then abruptly opened them.
The scene remained unchanged!
“Wei Family Island, is that Wei Family Island?!”
“How could it have become like this? My heavens, unbelievable.”
“Was it ransacked? Who could have possibly done this…”
Exclamations of shock erupted from the scholars on the treasure ship.
“What… what’s going on?” A chill suddenly washed over Wei Qian, making him shiver. He was half-sober now. He stood there, lost and incredulous, crying out in a distraught voice, “Can someone tell me what happened?!”
The surrounding scholars cast him looks of concern and pity. The severe damage to Wei Family Island was undoubtedly devastating news for the Wei family members.
“Wei Family Island has been attacked; the entire island is on high alert. All ships are forbidden from approaching!” Soon, a warship sailed out from Wei Family Island. The general on board spoke with a stern tone, preventing the treasure ship from coming any closer.
“We are simply here to return the scholars to the island,” the people from Tiange Academy quickly explained, unwilling to cause any misunderstandings.
After some negotiation, Wei Qian transferred from the treasure ship to the Wei family warship.
“It’s Wei Qian. Well done. You haven’t joined any other powers and have returned to serve the family. Your loyalty is evident.” The general on the warship recognized Wei Qian.
“Third Uncle, what exactly happened on the island?” Wei Qian asked. The scholars on the treasure ship all strained their ears to listen.
The general’s face darkened, and he let out a heavy snort. “It was Chu Yun, the young island master of the Shu family, who launched a surprise attack on Wei Family Island last night with his men. We will settle this score! Be careful when you see the family head; he lost an arm and is in a terrible temper.”
“What? Chu Yun!” Wei Qian stood there, stunned, his face a mask of horror.
Whoosh!
A wave of commotion erupted from the treasure ship.
“Did I hear that right? It was the ‘Young Tiger’ who crippled Wei Family Island!”
“This is too much! How did he even do it?!”
“Wei Family Island is renowned for its impregnable defenses, with a permanent fleet and a Great Demon from the Earth Altar. The Wei island master’s twin bronze hooks are legendary. Yet, he still lost an arm!”
Everyone found it astonishing and let out sounds of disbelief.
“The east gate of Wei Family Town has completely collapsed, and all other arrow towers and watchtowers have suffered varying degrees of damage. Three granaries have been burned down. The armory is empty, and of the seven secret vaults in the manor, four were discovered and emptied…” The messenger reported, his voice trembling and growing softer with each word.
Before him sat the Wei family head, his right forearm severed. His face was ashen, his expression indifferent. An overwhelming killing intent radiated from him.
“Chu Yun of Shu Family Island, I swear, I will personally tear you into pieces!” The Wei family head gnashed his teeth, consumed by an all-consuming hatred for Chu Yun.
After the incident, he had boarded a replica stealth submarine, rendezvoused with the patrolling fleet, and immediately rushed back. However, Chu Yun and his group had long since escaped.
What greeted his return was the devastated Wei Family Town.
In truth, the damage to Wei Family Town was secondary. What truly infuriated him was that his fleet stationed on the island had been utterly destroyed by Chu Yun without firing a single shot, leaving him incredibly frustrated!
Furthermore, most of the Wei family members had been captured, including his elderly mother and several of his children. What grieved him the most, however, was the loss of the seven replica stealth submarines, all taken by the enemy.
“Miserable! Miserable! Send a military dispatch to General Suo Nan, ordering him to attack Shu Family Island at all costs, starting immediately! I will annihilate Shu Family Island!” The Wei family head’s face contorted as he roared.
His subordinates trembled.
“Why aren’t you moving? What are you standing around for?!” Seeing that none of his subordinates responded, the Wei family head’s anger intensified.
“C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-
