Section 63: Treasure Ship Displays Might, Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony
Reported by Gu Zhenren on 2013-02-09.
The only impact from the report was that Chu Yun stopped acting. He directly surrendered to Jin Bihan in the arena.
When the news spread, many scholars wept.
“Chu Yun is too ruthless, not even fighting, just surrendering directly.”
“I thought he had been surpassed. So that’s how it is. I want to earn points too!”
There was envy, there was jealousy, but there were fewer who were eager to try. Many people tucked their heads in, secretly assessing the strength Chu Yun had displayed.
The result was astonishing.
Not to mention Chu Yun’s mastery of swordsmanship, which made him unbeatable in close combat. Even in terms of long-range attacks, he was no match for Chu Yun’s rudimentary archery skill.
Chu Yun was almost invincible, far and near, undoubtedly overpowering all the scholars of Tiange Academy of his generation.
Some raised objections, saying that Hua Ying, shamed but motivated, had diligently practiced archery after his defeat to Chu Yun. In terms of archery alone, his skill was already comparable to what Chu Yun had displayed, and his current strength was estimated to have surpassed Chu Yun.
However, no one could confirm this. When Hua Ying was asked, he simply smiled and did not give a direct answer.
Therefore, this small wave of dissent was quickly drowned out by the cheers of Chu Yun’s “return to the throne of the number one person.”
If they knew that Chu Yun still possessed a Demonic Beast, a Sky Fox with Supreme grade potential, what would they think?
Chu Yun paid no attention to the outside world’s clamor. He dismissed the talk of “returning to the throne of the number one person” with a smile, calm and composed.
Good news continued to pour in from Shu Family Island.
First, Master Yu Ya personally took charge, leading craftsmen to build the first treasure ship, which had finally been launched.
A treasure ship is a type of ship, ranking alongside the Da Fu, Lou, Ju Jian, and Gui Jia ships as the five major large ship types.
Shu Tianhao had originally intended to build a more powerful Da Fu or Lou ship. However, after Chu Yun’s persuasion, the plan was changed to a treasure ship.
The treasure ship, with a pointed bottom and a wide top, had the strongest maneuverability among the five major large ship types. It was suitable for ocean voyages and had the strongest adaptability to various sea conditions.
Once built, this type of ship could serve as a warship and also handle some cargo transport. It was precisely what Shu Family Island needed at this time as it opened sea salt trade routes and required warships for escort.
Therefore, the treasure ship offered excellent value for money.
After the first treasure ship was launched, Shu Tianhao did something significant. Using the treasure ship as his flagship, he led more than a dozen Ge ships and wiped out the pirates who had recently been active in the waters around Shu Family Island. Countless were killed and many captured, instantly clearing the turbulent waters.
Talk of Shu Family Island’s rise gradually spread throughout the Archipelago.
“The Fierce Tiger of Many Stars’ past glory remains undiminished, Shu Tianhao defeats the pirates!”
“Many factions are now focusing their attention on this once barren and wild island.”
“It is rumored that Shu Family Island has a mysterious Weapon Forging Master. Many believe that this treasure ship is just the beginning.”
“The Shu Family Navy – the birth of another maritime overlord!”
Many similar news items appeared on the rumor mill. The rise of Shu Family Island became the most widely discussed current event at that time.
Chu Yun’s prestige grew day by day.
The strength of Shu Family Island, the future young island master, the true genius, and the number one person of Tiange Academy – these were all linked together, making Chu Yun’s influence unshakable. Unlike before, when a tremor could cause it to waver and show signs of collapse.
“The true foundation lies with Shu Family Island,” Chu Yun mused inwardly.
Growth required an environment. Having a powerful force backing you was a very comforting thing.
In his past life, he had seen such things many times.
Disciples of powerful sects, when traveling the world, often began by introducing their background. More often than not, they could scare off opponents without even lifting a finger, saving a lot of trouble.
In Yan Que’s words, this was “momentum.” Sometimes one had to create momentum, sometimes borrow momentum, and sometimes ride on momentum. The power of Shu Family Island was a rising momentum. Even if Chu Yun did nothing, his own influence would increase because of it.
Besides warships, the Bronze Bell Elite Troops were also being formed. Chu Yun looked forward to this, wondering what kind of shock this elite troop type would cause in the world if it debuted early.
Some rejoiced while others grieved.
After being treated by Alchemist Bai Mei, Wei Que’s injuries, including fractured bones and internal bleeding, were mostly healed three days later.
However, the wounds to his heart could only be healed by the passage of time.
All his main Demonic Beasts were annihilated in a single battle. Upon waking, he was no longer a top figure among the disciples of prominent families. Three years of meticulous training, the investment of vast amounts of academic points, and the results of almost all his efforts had gone down the drain.
Wei Que felt both heartache and horror.
He was not the heir of Wei Family Island, but hailed from a collateral branch of the Wei Family. He was chosen and sent to Tiange Academy because of his talent and a fortunate encounter.
Now, his fortunate encounter was gone, and his efforts were wasted. He had already studied at the Academy for nearly three years, and in a few months, he would leave the Academy and return to Wei Family Island.
What would the Island Lord of Wei Family Island think if he saw that he had achieved nothing in three years? What would he think if he knew that he had been defeated so thoroughly in one battle?
The more Wei Que thought about it, the more frightened he became. Cold sweat broke out, and his hands and feet grew cold. He deeply hated both Chu Yun and himself for being so foolish as to be the first to challenge Chu Yun, only to become a stepping stone for others!
Besides Wei Que, there was naturally Ning Yiyi.
Chu Yun’s victory was something Ning Yiyi had psychologically prepared for. However, the sudden appearance of a Great Demon Bow still startled her.
“How many trump cards does Chu Yun have in his hand?” Ning Yiyi could not guess. She suddenly realized that the mysterious Chu Yun was far more formidable than the powerful Chu Yun, making him more intimidating. She secretly admonished herself to act more discreetly in the future.
“Shu Family Island is growing stronger daily. If this continues, I fear our plan to annex Shu Family Island will become impossible,” said the Ning Family Head with a grim expression and a heavy tone at the clan elder meeting.
All the clan elders remained silent, and the atmosphere in the room was tense and oppressive.
“The outbreak of the kelp epidemic caused the unexpected rise of Shu Family Island. We can no longer cause trouble for Shu Family Island through economic means.”
“We had always operated behind the scenes, preventing Weapon Forging Masters from joining Shu Family Island. But unexpectedly, a mysterious Master appeared out of nowhere, possessing profound skill, even more powerful than our Ning Family’s Weapon Forging Master.”
“Now that Shu Family Island has a treasure ship, they have annihilated our pirate pawns with lightning speed. What should we do?”
The clan elders sighed repeatedly, feeling helpless. The rise of Shu Family Island was irresistible.
“I have a plan that can contain Shu Family Island.” Suddenly, a person emerged from the shadows.
The Ning Family Head peered closely and saw a person with a fat, pale complexion and small eyes flashing with sharp intelligence. It was Bai Bei, the former strategist of the Remnant Wolf Pirates.
He was actually a member of the Ning Family, planted in the Remnant Wolf Pirate Gang to influence the leader’s decisions. Later, when Remnant Wolf was unexpectedly killed by Chu Yun, he was commissioned by the Ning Family Head to gather pirates and commit acts of violence, arson, and looting in the Shu Family waters. As a result, he was swiftly defeated by Shu Tianhao and fled back with severe injuries.
“What plan do you have?” the Ning Family Head asked with interest, knowing Bai Bei possessed strategic thinking.
“A plea for mercy,” Bai Bei smiled and laid out his plan.
“It’s a stratagem of self-inflicted harm!”
“This plan has too many flaws. Can it work by calculating against both the Tie Family and Shu Family?”
“Not necessarily. With Shu Family Island’s rise and the construction of its navy, it directly threatens the Tie Family’s dominant position. No reason is important; as long as it holds up, it’s fine.”
The clan elders engaged in a heated discussion, and finally, all agreed to the plan.
“If that’s the case, then you must be sacrificed. However, the act must be convincing. I will provide you with a large amount of wealth, and you will lead a brand new pirate group.” The Ning Family Head finally nodded. His eyes flashed with a sinister gleam, “If this plan succeeds, Shu Tianhao and that brat Chu Yun will surely die without a burial place!”
Conspiracies converged into a black net, silently enveloping Shu Family Island.
Tiange Academy, Miscellaneous Affairs Hall.
“Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony?” Chu Yun exclaimed in surprise, looking at the mission before him in front of the Jade Screen.
This was a team mission requiring a group of 20 people to compete in archery, with the total score determining the winner.
Sensing Chu Yun’s surprise, Yan Que smiled slightly and stood by to explain, “The Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony is a traditional ritual to commemorate the Star Saint and a large-scale event that the Academy holds every year before the end of the term.”
The Star Saint was a figure on the legendary “Holy Ranking” from ancient rumors, widely recounted and passed down through the ages. Legend had it that a long, long time ago, he used his demon bow to hunt the stars of the heavens. The stars fell into the sea, forming the current Xingzhou landscape.
The Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony is a sacrificial event held in commemoration of the Star Saint. Star Saint Great Archery Ceremonies are held in various places in Xingzhou.
When a shop opens, a Great Archery Ceremony is held. Whoever shoots the highest arrow towards the sky in front of the shop will signify soaring business performance and will receive a reward from the shop owner.
After a child is born, especially a boy, a Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony is also held. Arrows are shot in four directions—east, west, south, and north—from the entrance, signifying that the child will be able to expand their business and conquer all directions in the future.
And at Tiange Academy, each scholar has a three-year academic career. After three years, they must leave the Academy and start their own ventures. Holding the Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony is also a prayer for them to achieve their goals in the future, forging ahead like arrows and achieving great deeds.
“So, the Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony is an event organized for you seniors?” Chu Yun asked.
“Freshmen can also participate and experience the atmosphere. Most importantly, at the Star Saint Great Archery Ceremony, the Country Lords from nearby nations will personally observe and select talented individuals. This opportunity holds immense appeal for scholars born into commoner families,” Yan Que replied.
“So that’s how it is,” Chu Yun nodded, thinking of Jin Bihan, “The academic credits awarded are quite generous. Let’s participate too.”
