Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Han Shuisheng was the strongest pirate in the sea region. He commanded two ships and had three hundred loyal subordinates. He was a very strong pirate, but his days were not well-lived. He only dared to rob poor folks on surrounding islands. Occasionally, he would attack small ships. 

As for large merchant ships…it wasn’t that he did not dare to, but he truly did not have the capabilities to do so. With his strength, not to mention defeating the merchant ships, he would only be able to serve them if he managed to get on board their ships. It would be no different from stabbing a knife into his throat.

Therefore, even as a Ruler, he lived an empty life. He did not even dare to indulge himself in women and he often sighed to himself. He was regretting his decision to enter the seas and be a pirate. As expected, the rashness of his teens needed many years of his middle-aged life to make up for it. It was simply too…pitiful! 

The two ships were rather large in size but they needed a ton of repairs in certain areas. From afar, they looked rather magnificent, but when one went nearer, he would see the rotting ships that had taken the toll of many years at sea. Lying on the deck of the ship, Han Shuisheng’s eyes flung open and he cried, “Danger!”

In fact, the Ruler was right. Very soon, a large ship appeared in the distance. A black-colored flag hung from the sea and a round pearl was its symbol. It reflected the sunlight brilliantly. 

“Pearl Signal!” Han Shuisheng’s expression relaxed and he smiled, “It is my friend. Prepare wine and dishes to welcome Pearl Signal. I need to have a good drink with my friend

The crew on the boat chuckled gleefully, each of their faces burning up in passion as they ran away. It was simple – there were a few hundred ships in this sea region but there were not many women. Yet everyone on Pearl Signal, even their lowliest worker, was female. 

They were a ship that pirates wished to encounter on this vast sea. Each time, they would willingly prepare a scrumptious meal and wine. Hopefully they would be able to sleep with the ‘friends’ on Pearl Signal.

The three ships slowly grew closer on the sea. The assistant in charge of looking out ran over, “General, something is amiss. There are men on Pearl Signal!” Gritting his teeth, his face was filled with anger, as though he met the murderer of his father. 

“What?” Han Shuisheng’s expression fell and he took the observation device. It was a device that could see through the fog on the sea and allow the observer to keep a lookout. It was a treasure that he had gotten from looting a small merchant boat not too long ago. As expected, he saw a man on the deck of Pearl Signal…most importantly, he was very young and handsome! 

“My god!” Han Shuisheng scoffed, “Black Pearl, that stinky brat. What did she tell me in the past? She said that only women are allowed on her ship and men are not permitted. What is this now? Hehe! Let them get closer. Since that man can go onboard, we can too. I want to see just what those women have to say!” 

Very soon, the two boats met. 

Han Shuisheng wore a warm smile, as though he was meeting up with an old friend, “Black Pearl, we have not seen each other in so many years. You are still so beautiful!” 

Black Pearl, standing on the edge of the deck, was a tall beauty. Although there was a light scar on her left cheek, it did not ruin her beauty and it made her feel more chic and cool. Unknowingly, men’s hearts would start to beat when they stared at her. 

Upon hearing Han Shuisheng’s words, Black Pearl shot him a glance but she did not reply to him. The pirates on the ship instantly felt ashamed and they started to shout and clamor, raising their weapons in the process. 

Han Shuisheng’s face darkened but he did not act rashly. He stared at the young man seated on the chair and slowly said, “Black Pearl, it seems that the weather today is not good. Since it is not convenient for us to sit and have a drink, let’s bid our farewells. The sea is vast and we will meet again.” 

The man on the chair stood up. Seabreeze lifted his long robe gently and he stared at Han Shuisheng calmly, “From today onwards, all of you are my underlings. You can choose to resist, but this shall be your end.” 

He threw a punch forward. 

Boom –

The surface of the sea exploded and a sweeping force burst apart, setting off large waves that crashed over the three ships. They rocked like vulnerable leaves in the wind despite the activation of the stabilization array of the ship. Han Shuisheng instantly paled. 

A casual punch had caused so much devastation. If that man had directed the punch at them, they would have all died! 

‘Thump’, Han Shuisheng dropped to his knees and cried, “Greetings to Great General!” Pirates on the sea often called themselves generals and only truly powerful ones would be called great general. This was the customs of pirates. 

Qin Yu nonchalantly nodded, not surprised at how smoothly things went today. It was normal that pirates were not overly bold. As long as they were still sane, they would know what to choose. 

“Black Pearl, you can handle this. I am going to rest…don’t disturb me if there is nothing!” 

“Yes.” Black Pearl bowed respectfully, although there was some resentment in her eyes. The lord’s cultivation was deep and mysterious and he appeared perfect in every aspect. The only bad thing was that he was too cold and he did not show any emotions at all. 

Back then, she had even climbed into his bed but she was pushed away and thrown out of the door. If she had not experienced this herself, she would be in denial that she was a flower in this sea! 

Han Shuisheng crawled up, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. He slumped onto the ship weakly and said, “Pearl, Great General is…” 

“Get away from me!” Black Pearl glared at him and scoffed coldly, “What great general? Our lord is the Sea King! Very soon, everyone in the sea region will submit to him and become his subordinates!” 

Han Shuisheng’s eyes widened, “Sea King!” There was fear hidden in his scream, and he stared at Black Pearl as though she was a lunatic. 

Staring in the direction that Qin Yu had left in, he lowered his voice and asked, “Brat, have you gone mad? There is already someone who has occupied the position of the Sea King. Are you challenging the Sea King? That is seeking death!” 

There were many large and small scale islands in this sea region. People lived a hard life in villages in scattered parts of the islands. However, there were exceptions to everything. For instance, Sea King Island that was nearest the deep sea region was a grand island whose beauty could not be compared to. Furthermore, it had a lot of luxurious produce and it was a pearl in this terrifying sea region. 

The Sea King was the master of that island…more accurately, any pirate who could gain control over this island would become the Sea King. The current Sea King had succeeded three thousand years ago and he was publicly acknowledged as the strongest person in the entire Sea Region. 

True King realm! 

That’s right, a pirate had actually broken through to the King realm. Furthermore, he had not been enticed to join the East Sea Nation and he chose to remain in the sea. It was unbelievable. From then on, pirates in the sea region had fought and challenged each other, but no one dared to challenge the Sea King. 

Black Pearl’s eyes darkened, “Han Shuisheng, I will give you one reminder. From today onwards, you are the subordinate of our Sea King. If you say such things again, you will be a traitor to our lord and your crimes will not be forgiven!” She scoffed coldly, “I wouldn’t mind executing the punishment personally and beheading you. Are you clear on this?” 

Han Shuisheng’s eyes narrowed. They were both people who lived in the sea and they had many exchanges over the years. He was clear on how vicious Black Pearl was. Since she said this, she would do it. 

He forced out a smile, “I lost my mind momentarily and spoke the wrong words. Black Pearl, don’t report me! I know the rules of the sea well. Since I have submitted to the new Sea King, I will stick to my words and I will be loyal to our lord, the Sea King, till death!” 

Black Pearl scanned his face, “That is good. As a last reminder, don’t seek death for yourself. Lord Sea King is unimaginably strong.” She turned to leave, ordering the rest of her crew to lead the two ships of Han Shuisheng. These two ships would follow after her ship. 

When Han Shuisheng returned to his ship, his expression was as dark as water and there was anger in his eyes. 

That crazy lady! 

She had definitely gone mad. Although Qin Yu’s punch had shown exceptional strength, Han Shuisheng felt that there was no chance of success when confronting the current Sea King. He was seeking death! 

True King, he was a True King, a peak existence of this world. 

No, I cannot go mad along with them. I have to find a way to escape and secure a way out for myself. 

The only thing that allowed Han Shuisheng to feel relieved was that there were only three ships now and there was still a long way to go before challenging the Sea King. Qin Yu would definitely continue his journey in the sea and amass more power. This would give Han Shuisheng opportunities to run. 

He was very good in the sea and he had cultivated a powerful water-based Divine Way. As long as he had a chance to slip into the deep sea, no one would be able to find him. As for his two ships and his men…they could only pray to the heavens! 

Oh…perhaps he could inform Sea King Island of this matter. If the Sea King looked highly upon him and summoned him to Sea King Island, he would be blessed! 

However, Han Shuisheng quickly realized something that made his entire body shudder and a chill run down his spine. The three ships were headed directly to the deep sea, in the direction of Sea King Island! 

Crazy! Truly crazy! 

They wanted to attack Sea King Island directly with three ships. The number of pirates had not even hit one thousand and it was truly a move of throwing an egg against a rock. 

Han Shuisheng frantically sought out Black Pearl. He said in an indirect manner that they would be seeking their own deaths by attacking Sea King Island with their current strength. 

“Black Pearl, you must persuade Lord Sea King. A grand plan is not executed overnight. Only through hiding, preparing, and amassing strength can it blossom! We cannot go to Sea King Island now!” 

His face was contorted in pain! 

Black Pearl smirked, “Han Shuisheng, we had already confirmed our route before you came.” 

Han Shuisheng stood rooted to the spot and only regained his composure after a while. Pearl Signal was already headed for Sea King Island. He was the unlucky one who had sought them out directly. As soon as he thought of this, Han Shuisheng wanted to slap himself. You fool, was your mind invaded with ants such that you couldn’t think straight? You blindly stepped forward to become a slave! 

Taking a deep breath, he gritted his teeth, “Black Pearl, don’t blame me for not giving you a reminder. The Sea King is a True King and even the East Sea Nation does not dare to provoke him. They can only acknowledge him as an elite in this sea region. If you go to Sea King Island, you are sending yourself to your grave! 

There was a mild flash of fear in her eyes but when she thought of her own Sea King’s power, she quickly turned calm again. Her eyes had a resolute look, “I believe in our Sea King. He will definitely be the final victor!” 

Damn it, what drug did she drink? Could she be blinded by that man? No way, I have to run. If they want to kill themselves, they can go ahead to do so. I am not going to die with them! 

His face darkened and he returned to his own ship. He instructed his subordinates to make preparations to revolt against Pearl Signal, but there was a fearful look on their faces. They had truly been frightened by Qin Yu’s punch then. 

A quick look at will leave you more fulfilled.

“Hmph! Let me tell you. The men on Pearl Signal are going to Sea King Island to challenge the Sea King! I don’t have to remind you of the Sea King’s might, right? Think carefully on whether we should run now or seek our own deaths with Pearl Signal!” 

Han Shuisheng shouted. 

Surprise flooded the crew of the ship. 

Challenge the Sea King…suicidal! 

“General, we will revolt with you!” 

“Dying now is better than landing in the hands of the Sea King and being refined to become an undying puppet.” 

“Why don’t we flee now?” 

“That’s right. Everyone jump into the sea, whoever lives shall live.” 

The crowd started to shout. 

Right at that moment, the dimly lit candles in the ship suddenly came to a standstill and a calm voice rang through their ears, “Although I truly did not want to hear your conversation, you are all too loud.” 

Qin Yu pressed his hand forward and the door of the ship was smashed into dust. He walked in and scanned the crowd that had gathered here. 

“Want to leave? Sure, I will give you a chance to choose. Whoever wants to leave should stand up now.” 

There was utter silence as everyone stared at him wide-eyed. They were at a loss for words and they looked extra pitiful. No one dared to mess around. 

“Very good. It seems like you all thought this through. Don’t do something like this again or I will really kill someone.” 

Qin Yu turned to leave with a smile plastered on his face. 

Shoosh –

Everyone’s eyes were still shaking in fear as they recovered from their shock. There was a common thought that pervaded their minds – what? 

How can this be? 

Han Shuisheng’s face was ashen and there was despair in his eyes. He looked blankly at the crowd and cried, “Everyone, we are doomed!” 

Escape? No way! From Qin Yu’s moves just now, he had shown that he could easily kill everyone here. 

He could sense their every move and there was a massive difference in their strength. How could they run? On this day, every crew member on the ship was pale. Fear had driven out the color from their faces. 

The ships were sailing ahead at full speed and they would reach Sea King Island in two days. The three ships had not notified a bigger ship as they approached and the larger ship issued a warning. 

Shoosh –

Shoosh –

There were air splitting sounds as two men in black robes landed on Pearl Signal’s deck. 

“How dare you? You infiltrated Sea King Island’s territory. You must admit your crimes to the Sea King!” 

One of the men looked at Black Pearl with a passionate look, “This woman looks good. Be my wife and you may be pardoned!”

Right at this moment, space shifted. Like a large mouth, it gobbled up the two people. Light red color leaked out from the gap in space and the two bodies vanished. 

Qin Yu walked onto the deck and stared at the massive Sea King Island in the distance, “Continue forward.” 

Behind him on the deck, Han Shuisheng dropped to the ground with a ‘plop’. He was drenched in sweat. 

It was over! 

It was completely over! 

All of them would die on Sea King Island…no, they would end up in a state far worse than death!