TRWSB – Chapter 182 A Chance Encounter with Zuo Yunfei

Qi Shaorong steered the sea ship straight ahead, and several ships quickly followed.

Frowning as he looked at the pursuing ships, Qi Shaorong said with displeasure, “What’s going on? Why are these people chasing us instead of looking for the Red Cherry Blossom?”

Zhuang Hao said irritably, “Those guys have gone mad.”

“You take the helm, I’ll hold them off,” Zhuang Hao said.

Qi Shaorong nodded in agreement. “Alright.”

Zhuang Hao waved his magic staff, casting spells one after another from the tip of his staff to block the pursuing ships.

The people on those ships didn’t back down, launching counterattacks with their own spells.

A cold light flashed in Zhuang Hao’s eyes. After a long stalemate, he finally managed to shake off some of their pursuers.

“I wonder how Qi Heng and the others are doing,” Qi Shaorong said, sounding a bit worried.

In fact, shortly after heading out to sea, they had split into two groups.

Qi Heng went with Tang Tianying to search for the Red Cherry Blossom, while Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao lured away their pursuers.

“I don’t know either, but as long as we keep these people occupied, the Fourth Prince and Qi Heng should be fine,” Zhuang Hao said.

“I think so too.”

As they were speaking, another barrage of attacks landed on their ship from behind.

“I think instead of worrying about the Fourth Prince and Qi Heng, we should worry about our own safety,” Zhuang Hao said with a bitter smile.

“Good point.”

Qi Shaorong drove the ship aimlessly, weaving through the sea. Suddenly, large bubbles the size of soccer balls began rising from the water.

“Looks like we’ve entered the territory of the Bubble Beasts,” Zhuang Hao said.

“Bubble Beasts? Never heard of them. But with a name like that, they must be cute,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Hao frowned. “Not really. They’re actually quite ugly.”

“You’re lying.” With such a cute name, how bad could they look?

A huge wave surged from the ocean, and a creature resembling a crocodile—but many times larger—emerged.

“That’s a Bubble Beast.”

Qi Shaorong widened his eyes in disbelief. “You’re kidding.”

“No. These sea beasts have bubble-like lumps on their bodies and can spit bubbles. That’s why they’re called Bubble Beasts,” Zhuang Hao explained.

Qi Shaorong: “…”

After one Bubble Beast surfaced, more and more appeared from the sea. Seeing their ferocious appearances gave Qi Shaorong goosebumps.

Zhuang Hao pointed his staff, and the Bubble Beasts turned their gaze toward him. A flash of light appeared in Zhuang Hao’s eyes. The sea beasts, momentarily confused, then charged toward the pursuing ships behind them.

Qi Shaorong looked at Zhuang Hao in shock. “You hypnotized that sea beast.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yep.”

“Your bewitching technique is getting more and more impressive,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Hao smiled. “Maybe. Let’s hurry. The farther we lure these people away, the safer Qi Heng and the Fourth Prince will be.”

Zhuang Hao’s eyes gleamed as one Bubble Beast after another fell under his spell and charged at the pursuers.

…

“Have these sea beasts gone crazy?” a ninth-level expert from Jing Kingdom said angrily from his ship.

Bubble Beasts were normally very good at sensing danger. In theory, upon detecting their strong presence, they should avoid them.

“Zhuang Hao is a beast master. He probably bewitched them.”

“Even a ninth-level beast master shouldn’t be able to bewitch so many sea beasts in such a short time.”

“Rumor has it Zhuang Hao is a rare golden-ranked beast master—his control power is dozens of times stronger than those at the same level.”

“This guy is that troublesome? If we let him go any further, who knows what will happen?”

“Enough. Let’s stop talking and go after him.”

…

Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao continued their chase and escape on the sea with several national experts, while at the same time, Qi Heng had sailed near the Lade Mountains.

“Your Highness, let’s search the mountains one by one,” Qi Heng said to Tang Tianying.

Tang Tianying nodded. “Alright.”

Qi Heng led the way, and Tang Tianying followed behind.

Whenever danger arose, Qi Heng would deal with it ahead of time, leaving Tang Tianying with nothing to worry about.

A leopard hidden in the grass leapt out, but Qi Heng swung his golden umbrella, releasing waves of metal-type magic. The leopard was pinned to the ground.

“You’re really strong, Qi Heng,” Tang Tianying praised.

Qi Shaorong’s companions Yi Fan, Mu Tingxuan, and Bi Liuyun were all fairly well known, but Qi Heng remained relatively obscure.

In truth, Qi Heng’s strength was nothing to scoff at. Perhaps it was because Qi Shaorong shone too brightly, or maybe Qi Heng was just too low-key—but someone on par with the capital’s Seven Young Elites remained unknown.

Looking at Qi Heng, Tang Tianying’s admiration for Qi Shaorong grew even deeper. Qi Shaorong seemed to possess a unique charisma that could inspire someone as capable as Qi Heng to go through fire and water for him.

“I’m still far from matching my young master,” Qi Heng said calmly.

Tang Tianying thought to himself: That kind of monster like Qi Shaorong—no normal person could compare!

Qi Heng suddenly frowned as he looked at the ground. “There are footprints here—fresh ones. Someone’s already been through this area.”

“Qi Heng, over there…” Tang Tianying said, looking toward a figure standing halfway up the mountain, and his heart sank.

Zuo Yunfei stood on the mountainside, looking down at Qi Heng.

Taking a deep breath, Tang Tianying noted that Zuo Yunfei was a rather mysterious figure, but undeniably powerful.

It was rumored that a year ago, he left the Zuo family. An enemy clan sent two ninth-level experts to kill him, yet he returned completely unscathed while the two assassins were never seen again.

“What are you doing here?” Qi Heng asked irritably.

Zuo Yunfei smiled at him. “I’m helping our prince look for the Red Cherry Blossom.”

“And where is your prince? Why are you here alone? Abandoning your duty like this isn’t a good look,” Qi Heng replied.

Zuo Yunfei looked at him and said, “I may have abandoned my duty, but you sure are committed. And your young master and Zhuang Hao? They ditched you and eloped.”

Qi Heng stared at Tang Tianying and said, “Stop slandering my young master.”

Zuo Yunfei looked at Qi Heng, a flicker of frustration passing through his heart. “You’re really devoted to Qi Shaorong, aren’t you? Loyal to the bone.”

Qi Heng narrowed his eyes. “None of your business.”

“Do you like Qi Shaorong?” Zuo Yunfei frowned, his tone laced with frustration.

“Yes, I like the young master,” Qi Heng said coldly.

Upon hearing Qi Heng’s words, Tang Tianying couldn’t help rubbing his nose. He had once liked Qi Shaorong too… but that was a story better left untold.

Tang Tianying thought to himself: It’s a good thing Zhuang Hao isn’t here. If he were, he’d probably be hopping mad. As for whether Qi Heng meant what he said, who could tell?

Zuo Yunfei sighed and said, “Is that so? What a pity. Your young master likes Zhuang Hao. You’re out of luck—it’s just unrequited love.”

Tang Tianying blinked. For some reason, he sensed a bit of jealousy in Zuo Yunfei’s mocking tone.

Qi Heng narrowed his eyes again. “Still none of your business.”

Zuo Yunfei looked at Qi Heng and said, “True, it’s none of my business. I just pity you.”

Qi Heng smiled faintly and said indifferently, “When you truly like someone, seeing them happy is enough. I don’t think there’s anything pitiful about that.”

Zuo Yunfei stared at Qi Heng with a dark expression. “Wow, your love is so noble and selfless.”

Qi Heng chuckled lightly. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

Zuo Yunfei glared and said, “You’re really devoted to Qi Shaorong, huh? Everyone else is trash to you, is that it?”

“He’s the one who pulled me out of the darkness. Of course, I put him above all else. As for everyone else—what do they have to do with me?” Qi Heng replied calmly.

Zuo Yunfei sneered, “Too bad he’s off fooling around with Zhuang Hao and has no time for you.”

Qi Heng narrowed his eyes. “Still none of your business.” He tried to walk past, but Zuo Yunfei stepped forward and blocked his way again.

“What is your problem?” Qi Heng said irritably.

“You tell me.”

Qi Heng turned to Tang Tianying and said, “Your Highness, please wait for me up ahead. This has nothing to do with you.”

Tang Tianying nodded and quickly walked away. The tension between Qi Heng and Zuo Yunfei was far too strange—he had no desire to get involved.

“You’re really not afraid to die, huh? Just one word from Qi Shaorong, and you’d risk your life for him?” Zuo Yunfei said darkly.

Qi Heng looked at Zuo Yunfei. “Young Master Zuo, are you… worried about me?”

“Why would I worry about you?”

“Good, if not, then that’s better.” Qi Heng paused, then asked, “Are you planning to kill me?”

Zuo Yunfei’s eyes suddenly narrowed. He quickly reached for Qi Heng’s neck, but Qi Heng remained calm and motionless, staring back at him.

Zuo Yunfei’s hand pressed against Qi Heng’s neck, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “You’re not even going to dodge?”

“If you really want to kill me, whether I dodge or not won’t make a difference,” Qi Heng replied.

“You really think I’m that strong?” Zuo Yunfei growled.

“I know you’re already at the ninth level,” Qi Heng said evenly.

“So you’re just giving up? That doesn’t sound like you,” Zuo Yunfei scoffed.

“If you want to kill me, do it. If not, I’m leaving now,” Qi Heng said.

Zuo Yunfei stared at him, hatred flashing through his eyes. “You’re so sure I won’t kill you?”

Qi Heng looked back and said, “Why would I be? You hate me to the bone. It wouldn’t be strange if you did.”

Zuo Yunfei gritted his teeth. “You’re surprisingly calm—have you already come to terms with death?” His grip on Qi Heng’s neck suddenly tightened, and Qi Heng instantly felt breathless.

As Qi Heng’s face contorted from the pain, Zuo Yunfei ground his teeth and abruptly let go.

Qi Heng calmly looked at Zuo Yunfei, then turned and walked away.

Zuo Yunfei clenched his fists tightly as he stared at Qi Heng’s retreating back.

Qi Heng walked up to Tang Tianying and said, “Your Highness, we can go now.”

Tang Tianying looked at Zuo Yunfei behind Qi Heng and asked, “Are you alright?” He had just seen Zuo Yunfei grab Qi Heng by the throat, and it had scared him stiff.

Qi Heng frowned slightly. “I’m fine.”

Tang Tianying stole a glance at Zuo Yunfei and thought to himself: Qi Heng was the one who got choked, yet he looks perfectly calm, while Zuo Yunfei looks like a furious demon. If I hadn’t seen the whole thing, I’d have thought Zuo Yunfei was the one who got strangled…