Chapter 7: White-Browed Eagle and Shattered Void
February 9, 2013 Author: Gu Zhenren
The weather was clear, and seabirds soared freely in the sky. The sea breeze rustled the densely packed flags, making them flap noisily.
This was a massive fleet. Three treasure ships, dozens of ordinary warships, and countless smaller assault vessels like speedboats and attack ships accompanied them. A colossal “Fang” character adorned the white sails of the flagship.
This was the Fang family’s fleet.
Among the fourteen forces that had jointly surrounded Shu Family Island, the Fang family was a first-rate power, second only to the Tie family, stronger than the Ma family, and on par with the Hua family.
Leading this fleet were the three sons of the Fang family’s patriarch. They were renowned for their exceptional bravery and were collectively known as the Three Heroes of the Fang family. What was even more commendable was their deep brotherly bond, making them the hope of the Fang family.
“Wei Qie, a disciple of the Wei family, has arrived with a personal letter from my lord, seeking desperate aid!” Wei Qie stated his purpose and was soon led onto the deck of the flagship.
The sky was vast, and white clouds drifted leisurely. On the vermillion deck, three youths sat, engaged in a drinking contest, their laughter and conversation echoing with unrestrained passion and carefree bravado.
Wei Qie’s body trembled instantly.
These three men were each majestic and powerful, possessing unique appearances. They were truly outstanding individuals, young heroes.
The one seated on the right wore golden scale armor. His temples were golden, his nose was straight, and his eyes were as sharp as a spear. An aura of fierce aggression emanated from him. Perched on his elevated shoulder armor was a white-browed eagle.
The eagle, armor, and man seemed to form a single entity, making him appear like a soaring eagle or the scorching sun at noon, blindingly intense.
Upon seeing Wei Qie, he raised his sword-like eyebrows and spoke first, “I heard yesterday that your Wei Family Island was successfully attacked by a mere child, suffering heavy losses, and even your island lord lost his right arm. Is this true?”
His tone was impolite, exuding a strong sense of aggression.
Wei Qie did not show any displeasure. He knew this man’s status; he was a rank above Wei Qie and had once been a scholar at Tiange Academy. He immediately cupped his hands and said, “Disciple Wei Qie of the Wei family greets the Third Young Master Fang. Young Chu Yun was fortunate enough to succeed last night. My lord’s letter is precisely for me to request aid from you all.”
Fang Suikong, the third young master of the Fang family, grunted, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
“Hahaha,” the other two burst into laughter. The one seated on the left said to Fang Suikong, “Could the military report be wrong? Third Brother, you’ve lost this bet!”
This young man had short green hair and blood-red eyes. His muscular, dragon-like chest was bare, and he wore a white trench coat. Even as he spoke casually, a ruthless and chilling killing intent emanated from him.
Wei Qie’s gaze inadvertently fell upon his waist. His heart skipped a beat.
Hanging from this young man’s waist were three dagger sheaths, revealing three demonic sabers, each of Great Demon rank. Judging by their hilts alone, they were no ordinary weapons.
This was Fang Tianshang, the second young master of the Fang family. Since his debut, he had been known for his brutal killings, his saber techniques were at the master level, and his methods were vicious.
“Wasn’t the Wei family’s main island always known for its formidable defenses? How could it be so incompetent, causing me to lose a jar of Jade Saliva Dragon Marrow Wine!” Third Young Master Fang Suikong was clearly displeased, slamming his wine cup heavily onto the deck.
Wei Qie felt a pang of annoyance. The news of Wei Family Island being attacked had become a topic of conversation and a bet for the three opposite them, making him uncomfortable.
“Disguised as a retreating army, they launched a surprise attack on Wei Family Island. Incited the Great Demon Beast riot at the Earth Altar and captured Wei Family City. This Chu Yun has quite the audacity! Wei Family Island, relying on its strong defenses, became complacent. It seems this ‘Young Tiger’ has made a name for himself. Third Brother, you must honor your bet and not renege.”
The young man seated in the center smiled gently and patted Fang Suikong’s shoulder.
He wore a white robe with sleeves extending to his knees, embroidered with a bamboo forest. He sat upright on the deck, his posture perfect and straight.
When he was silent, he didn’t seem remarkable. However, once he spoke, he immediately became an undeniable presence. An aura of mature composure emanated from him, suppressing the brilliance of his two companions and making him the sole focus.
This was Fang Zhu, the eldest young master of the Fang family and the next patriarch. He was steady, cautious, and always considered the bigger picture. Only he could control his two rebellious brothers.
Fang Zhu, Fang Tianshang, and Fang Suikong were indeed the Three Tigers of the Fang family, recognized throughout the Archipelago.
Wei Qie presented the letter. After Fang Zhu read it, he passed it to the other two to peruse.
“Chu Yun fled towards the southeast?” Fang Suikong sneered, tossing the letter aside. “He made me lose a jar of good wine, and I’m in a foul mood. You’re unlucky today. Eldest Brother, Second Brother, let’s have Third Brother go immediately and return with Chu Yun’s head as a drink offering for you two brothers!”
Fang Tianshang raised an eyebrow but remained silent, looking to his elder brother, Fang Zhu.
Fang Zhu smiled, indifferently saying, “Since Third Brother has such leisure, go then. Make it quick and return early.”
Fang Suikong was overjoyed. He stood up immediately and leaped gracefully, clearing a hundred feet to land on his treasure ship.
“Activate the Eagle Soaring Dao Method! Men, follow me to slay the enemy!” he roared, decisive and efficient. True to his word, he led a fleet, separating from the main force, and pursued southeast.
Wei Qie was startled. By the time he reacted, Fang Suikong was already far away.
He hastily urged, “The Young Tiger is fierce and is on the Talented Person Ranking. For the Third General to go like this…”
Fang Tianshang let out a cold snort, dismissively saying, “Chu Yun? What is he? Can he compare to my Third Brother?”
“Hehehe,” Fang Zhu waved his hand, placating Wei Qie, “My Third Brother has three Great Demon Spirits under him. He even fought my uncle, Fang Hong, to a draw recently. Chu Yun is only 14 years old and has been at the Academy for less than a year. He only has two Demon Soldiers. He’s still too young. Wei Qie, you don’t need to worry.”
“Fang Hong, the ‘Heaven-Shaking Hammer’ Fang Hong, ranked eleventh on the Talented Person Ranking?” Wei Qie’s expression shifted to one of confusion, then shock.
“The Third General could fight ‘Heaven-Shaking Hammer’ to a draw? Such strength!” he exclaimed, though a hint of doubt lingered in his heart, “But the sea is vast; he might not be able to catch up to Chu Yun.”
“That’s even less of a problem. Third Brother’s treasure ship is of Lesser Demon class and possesses acceleration Dao Methods. Furthermore, he has the Great Demon White-Browed Eagle for aerial reconnaissance. As long as there’s a general direction, he’ll find Chu Yun’s trace and catch up,” Fang Zhu explained elegantly.
“Third Brother has always wanted to make a name for himself on the Teng List. Let him achieve some fame this time,” Fang Tianshang chimed in.
“I see,” Wei Qie finally stopped worrying. His unsettled heart finally found peace.
…
“There will be pursuers this time!” Chu Yun stated with certainty, standing on the treasure ship.
Beside him, Yan Que and Jin Bihan looked back towards the stern. Where the sky met the sea in the distance, there was not a soul in sight.
“Well, we left promptly. I doubt even the Wei family lord can catch up,” Jin Bihan said with a smile.
Chu Yun shook his head, a divine light flickering in his eyes. “The Wei family lord is an old fox. Although he’d love to skin us alive and drink our blood, he only has one fleet at his disposal now, and the situation is unstable. He won’t make a move. He’ll only guard Wei Family Island and await reinforcements.”
That was the mark of an island lord, one not swayed by emotions.
Yan Que frowned, consulting his sea chart. “Reinforcements… According to information from the captured soldiers, the closest force to Wei Family Island is the joint fleet of the three Fang brothers. However, considering the time for seeking aid and pursuing us, by the time we reach Shu Family Island, they likely won’t have caught up.”
“No, someone will be chasing us,” Chu Yun recalled his past life’s memories, a figure appearing in his mind.
It was Fang Suikong. A year after his previous life, he would ascend the Talented Person Ranking. His ranking would then steadily climb, eventually settling on the Talented Person Ranking. He excelled in pursuit and guerrilla warfare, his fleet was formidable, and he gradually grew into a Great Demon, possessing the renowned “Eagle Soaring” Dao Method, making him the most mobile entity in the Archipelago.
Fang Suikong, known as the “Sea Eagle,” often patrolled the sea with a fleet. When an enemy showed weakness, he would lead his fleet, like an eagle preying on a rabbit, descending from above for a fatal strike, then disappearing.
“The three Fang brothers are all exceptional individuals. I fear not Fang Zhu, nor Fang Tianshang, but I am wary of Fang Suikong. He is the eagle in the sky, and we share many similarities. If anyone pursues us, it will undoubtedly be him!” Chu Yun said slowly.
Yan Que and Jin Bihan exchanged glances, surprised by Chu Yun’s profound knowledge of the three Fang sons.
Yan Que detected a subtle implication. “By allowing the fleet to proceed slowly, did Master intend to lure Fang Suikong into a pursuit?”
“Precisely. Not only that, but last night I also sent a letter for my godfather to lead troops to rendezvous with us. Fang Suikong will be venturing deep alone, ensuring he has no return.” Chu Yun sneered.
Currently, among the three Fang brothers, Fang Suikong had the weakest combat power. However, in the future, Fang Suikong would be the one to surge ahead and achieve the most outstanding accomplishments. Since they were enemies, it was necessary to be ruthless and crush their development while they were still in their infancy.
“Hahaha, so I caught up. Chu Yun, do not flee! Fang Suikong is here to take your head.” Indeed, a moment later, a voice descended from high above.
Then, with a fierce gust of wind, a white-browed eagle the size of a carriage descended from the sky. A saddle was affixed to the great eagle, and a young general with a sharp nose and eyes, clad in golden scale armor, wielding a Flying Wing Spear, sat on the saddle. He swooped towards Chu Yun.
Jin Bihan and Yan Que’s faces changed, feeling the sharp pressure of the wind.
Fang Suikong attacked with swift and brutal force, descending from the heavens. The tip of his spear shot out blinding flashes of golden qi. Combined with the eagle’s sharp talons and iron-like beak, they formed a terrifying and fierce assault, instilling a sense of dread.
If this attack landed, any ship would be pierced through.
“Now that Fang Suikong has arrived, his treasure ship, the ‘Eagle Soaring,’ will surely follow. You two retreat slowly to Twin Peaks Gorge. I will hold him off for a while, and then I will catch up.” Facing such a ferocious attack, Chu Yun’s expression remained unchanged as he instructed in a low voice.
“This Chu Yun is nothing special. He’s scared stiff by me. What ‘Young Tiger’? Just a false reputation!” Fang Suikong, descending on his eagle, looked down and saw Chu Yun about to perish under his spear. The corners of his mouth curled into a contemptuous sneer.
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