嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 420: 420. Going out to sea

So he fished out several corpses from the river that hadn’t floated too far away, placed them on the shore, and collected some wooden planks left behind from the blasted boat.

When Qiao Jing dived into the water for the last time, he had a clear target: Cold Moon Sword.

Initially taken away by Sheng Yue when captured, it had been placed in the cabin before the explosion. The ancient sword made of black iron might still be intact, but it had fallen into the river.

But in the night, it was difficult to see the situation under the water, and although it was a narrow river, the search area was not small. Qiao Jing searched for a while, feeling slightly fatigued, and decisively gave up, returning to the shore.

Just as he stood still and was about to wring the water from his clothes, he suddenly saw a figure on the other side of the river. Qiao Jing’s expression condensed, and the person on the other shore had already flown over with light martial arts.

It was Gu Ling… Qiao Jing’s heart relaxed. He took a long breath, “Did he run away?”

Gu Ling landed beside Qiao Jing, “He used poison.”

There’s no way,” Qiao Jing sighed slightly, “He’s immune to poison, and you have to avoid it.”

“Great God” also has a mortal body. In terms of using poison, Sheng Yue has an absolute advantage. With his intelligence, he must be carrying deadly poison, which he would use when necessary. People who know him would immediately retreat, or it would be very dangerous.

Gu Ling looked at the corpses and wooden planks on the shore. Qiao Jing said, “The Cold Moon Sword should be in the river, but I didn’t find it.”

“We’ll look for it during the day,” Gu Ling said.

The two searched the corpses but found nothing useful, so they buried them in the nearby woods.

By the time they finished, the sky was nearly bright.

When Gu Ling dismantled the spiked boards he had placed in the river in advance, he found the Cold Moon Sword. It was blocked by the spiked board, the scabbard destroyed, but the sword itself was still intact.

Qiao Jing bent down, pulling Gu Ling out of the river. He looked around, the dim environment gradually becoming clearer, “Where is this?”

Gu Ling answered in two words, “Qian Country.”

Qiao Jing’s mouth twitched slightly, “I know.” Sheng Yue was planning to take him out to sea, and before that, they would of course be in the territory of Qian Country.

“Near Fang City,” Gu Ling said.

Qiao Jing was stunned. Some people, he hadn’t thought of for a long time. When he was still Che Yun, he had pretended to search for Che Xiao, Che Family’s youngest son, for many years. Later, he found him in Fang City based on the clues provided by Gu Ling and Su Liang. In a blink, the past seemed like another lifetime.

Qiao Jing spoke again, “Will Sheng Yue vent his anger on innocent commoners if he escapes?”

Gu Ling stared at the fish-white sky in the east, “No.”

“I think he’s very vengeful,” Qiao Jing said.

“Yes, but he’s very smart. Extraneous troubles aren’t good for him.” This was Gu Ling’s assessment. Back in Bei’an County, Sheng Yue once said that he didn’t want to bully children. Although it might have been hypocritical, it showed that Sheng Yue was very “clean” in his actions and didn’t want to create meaningless hatred, which would not be beneficial to him. In other words, he was a person who considered the consequences of his actions and was not impulsive.

At this moment, Sheng Yue was injured and had to hide and quickly return to Xingluo Island. Killing people recklessly would only deepen the conflict with Gu Ling and strengthen his determination to kill, and increase the risk of exposure.

“I hope so,” Qiao Jing sighed, “What should we do now? Go home or…”

Gu Ling looked at Qiao Jing, “I’ll go home, you go to Xingluo Island.”

Qiao Jing frowned immediately, “Even though I trust you, and I’m not afraid to die, don’t you think you’re being a bit too cold to me? You didn’t appear for such a long time, and what if Sheng Yue discovered my disguise earlier and wanted to kill me? When you blew up the ship last night, I had to rely on Sheng Yue’s quick reaction to survive. If he hadn’t reacted in time, my body might have only been left with its upper half. Now you want me to go to Xingluo Island alone? Gu Ling, you’re not like this to other friends. Is there any misunderstanding between us?”

“It’s not me who proposed that you pretend to be me.” Gu Ling’s expression was faint.

Qiao Jing snorted softly, “I volunteered, but I didn’t expect you to be so heartless.”

“What do you want?” Gu Ling asked in return.

Qiao Jing’s face stiffened, suddenly feeling that his previous words were exaggerated… Yes, what did he want? He had proposed the exchange of identity, which was safer, and it was proven so. He seemed to blame Gu Ling for putting him in danger, but it was his own choice. He had to replace Gu Ling and fall into Sheng Yue’s hands. Of course, there would be risks in exposure, and escaping would not be simple. He was prepared for it, but why couldn’t he help but express dissatisfaction?

After a while, Qiao Jing finally spoke with an awkward expression, “To be honest, I always feel that you’ve been treating me as an outsider. Your attitude towards me and towards Nian Jincheng and Lian Shun is different. Although you appear cold to everyone, you are coldest to me.”

Gu Ling frowned slightly, “Do you want me to be more enthusiastic towards you?”

Enthusiasm didn’t match Gu Ling at all… Qiao Jing shook his head, “No, it’s just… never mind. I’ve just had some wild thoughts recently; it’s nothing. Let’s go. It’s fine for you to send me to Xingluo Island. Since we’re already in the south, there’s nothing wrong with going straight home.”

Gu Ling shook his head, “I was joking when I said I’d send you to Xingluo Island.”

Qiao Jing paused, his words just now seemed even more ridiculous…

“I don’t dislike you. Don’t think too much,” Gu Ling said before crossing the river to the other side.

Qiao Jing stood in place, reacting for a while, and couldn’t help but laugh. Yes, perhaps what he wanted was this sentence. Although it still sounded cold, it was indeed the subconscious question and anxiety in his heart: because of the past, he always felt that Gu Ling disliked him. This time, when the two went out alone to do things, it amplified his feelings.

Qiao Jing crossed the river and caught up with Gu Ling, “Can you really predict the future?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “No.”

“Then can you read minds?” Qiao Jing asked.

Gu Ling shook his head again, “No.”

Qiao Jing asked, “I’ve wanted to ask for a long time, why does Su Liang call you ‘Great God’? You must have some special abilities.”

Gu Ling nodded, “Because I am exceptionally good-looking.”

Qiao Jing: …

“Are you sure I don’t need to go to Xingluo Island?”

“If you want to go, I won’t stop you.”

“Well… I don’t really want to go. Where are we going now?”

“Jiaye City.”

At this time, the borders of the Three Kingdoms had been broken, and the world was officially unified. Duanmu Chen ascended the throne once again a few days ago, becoming the sole emperor.

Although people were still used to saying that a certain area was Qian Country or Yin Country, it became just a name. Jiaye City was no longer a border city. However, in order to prevent unrest in the former Yin Country, there were still troops stationed in Jiaye City.

When Gu Ling and Qiao Jing arrived in Jiaye City, Lian Shun was not there. He and Nian Jincheng had gone to the former Yin Country before to take over the army and stabilize the situation. Nian Jincheng was also accompanied by Yang Yu.

Not long after discovering that Yang Yu was pregnant, Nian Jincheng brought her back, just returning to Jiaye City yesterday, and planning to embark for the capital the next day.

Seeing Gu Ling’s sudden arrival, Nian Jincheng was surprised, “Aling, how did you come here?”

Qiao Jing silently called out “Aling” in his heart, feeling a little strange.

Gu Ling briefly explained the situation to Nian Jincheng, who then asked about his plan and whether he would go to Starfall Island.

“I’ll send Yang Yu home, and you go with Qiao Jing to Starfall Island,” Gu Ling said.

Nian Jincheng remained calm, “That’s not funny.”

Qiao Jing: …Indeed. Gu Ling doesn’t have to joke if he doesn’t know how to.

In fact, Gu Ling came to Jiaye City to see if there was any news about Elder Mu and Cen Man. They had been on Starfall Island for quite some time, and if there was any news, it would first be reported to Jiaye City.

“No,” Nian Jincheng shook his head, “People in both Jiaye City and Nanshan City were assigned to assist Elder Mu and Senior Cen, but there’s been no news since they set sail.”

Seeing Gu Ling silent, Qiao Jing asked, “If you go, won’t it be just what they want? They want to capture you.”

As of now, apart from Elder Bai and Ying Ying who were initially captured, Elder Mu and Cen Man could also have possibly been controlled by Starfall Island. Rescuing people is the most important task at the moment.

Furthermore, Gu Ling and Su Liang have been trying to figure out the purpose behind the people on Starfall Island wanting to catch a transmigrator alive. If they could find out, perhaps the situation would become much simpler.

Both Qiao Jing and Nian Jincheng disapproved of Gu Ling taking the initiative to go to Starfall Island, thinking he should stay home and defend. Since Starfall Island’s target was him, they would definitely try to find him again.

“Let me go, disguised as you. As long as I’m not discovered, I should be able to understand their intentions,” Qiao Jing said seriously.

Nian Jincheng shook his head, “I don’t think it’s appropriate. Once you’re on Starfall Island, don’t even think about leaving. Even if you learn important information, you can’t get the message out to us, and it would be a loss. Moreover, I think it would be difficult not to be discovered as a fake. I think it’s the same for Aling if he goes. Unless he can investigate without being discovered, once his identity is revealed, they will absolutely not give you any chance to escape once they catch you. Starfall Island is their territory, and all their members are top-tier masters. Aling, even if you have great martial arts, it may be meaningless once you are on the island. If you are caught, we will be very passive.”

Qiao Jing immediately nodded, “That’s right. Gu Ling must not fall into the hands of the enemy.”

After a brief silence, Gu Ling looked at Qiao Jing and said, “You should go.”

Qiao Jing was taken aback, “Disguised as you? Didn’t we say that’s not possible?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “No. Lead troops and launch a strong attack.”

Both Qiao Jing and Nian Jincheng looked serious, and Gu Ling continued, “There are woods surrounding Starfall Island, so bring enough explosives and oil to start a fire.”

Qiao Jing’s eyes narrowed, “It’s feasible… However, the other party will certainly use explosives and could blow up our ship.”

Nian Jincheng pondered, “It’s not about blowing it up, but deterrence. It’s their territory, so if they’re not willing to cause mutual harm and are forced to abandon Starfall Island, they should be more afraid of our offense.”

Over the years, Mo Yan has recruited numerous masters to occupy Starfall Island, and Gu Ling speculated that there must be something special on the island that has caused them to never “go ashore”. Min Rou mentioned before that there is a mysterious forbidden area on the island.

At this point, Gu Ling felt he had no choice but to come to the sea, and returning home while constantly guarding against Starfall Island’s actions was not a long-term solution. He didn’t like being passive, and he didn’t want Su Liang to worry for an extended period.

Since there were secrets on Starfall Island, and they had been unable to uncover them, it was better to switch tactics and take the initiative, pushing the conflict into the open and forcing those on the island to no longer hide. The first step was to get them to release the captured people.

Sometimes, a strong, violent threat must be used to break the deadlock.

“Alright, I’ll lead the troops there!” Qiao Jing understood Gu Ling’s plan and felt that it was the best option, “You’re the Regent King, and you can use the military without having to report to the Emperor. You should prepare the explosives, bring a catapult, and have enough bows and arrows. Oil won’t be a problem.”

“Is there anything you need me to do?” Nian Jincheng asked Gu Ling.

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “You should take Yang Yu back to the capital as soon as possible.”

“And you…?” Nian Jincheng thought Gu Ling would go to Xingluo Island with Qiao Jing.

Gu Ling nodded, “I will conceal my identity.”

“Very well,” Nian Jincheng sighed slightly, “Then it’s settled. Whatever you need, I will arrange for people to prepare it before we leave. How many soldiers do you plan to take? I can arrange the elite forces in the city to accompany you, and there are already ships available.”

In the dead of night, five days later.

From the waters of Liuxian River, halfway between Nanshan City and Jiaye City, ten ships sailed off. Five hundred elite soldiers onshore boarded the ships and headed east. Before daybreak, they could set out to sea.

This secret mission was known to the soldiers as an operation to suppress bandits on an island. Previously, the bandits on the island had colluded with the Liang Dynasty’s royal family and attempted several assassinations on the emperor.

No one knew that Gu Ling had come to Jiaye City. From start to finish, only Qiao Jing officially appeared, and he was also the one leading the team. And beside him was a junior officer who was Qi Jun, Gu Ling’s disguised persona.

A long time ago, Qi Jun had once disguised himself as Gu Ling as they had very similar builds. Now Qi Jun was far away in Liang Country and did not know that Gu Ling was impersonating him. With such a distance between them, causing a time difference, the people in Jiaye City and Xingluo Island could not possibly know Qi Jun’s whereabouts since he was not a high-ranking officer anyway.

This was just to cover their tracks, as there might be spies from Xingluo Island in both Nanshan City and Jiaye City.

However, if the spies wanted to send a message, they would have to go by sea. Even if they discovered something wrong, there was little chance they could convey the information to Mo Yan’s ears before Qiao Jing’s fleet arrived at Xingluo Island. There was only one route, and the spies would first need to avoid being seen by Qiao Jing’s men.

If they were lucky enough, Qiao Jing still planned to take a good look at the possibility of having a “chance encounter” with Sheng Yue, who had been injured and returned home. At that time, with vast ocean around, they wouldn’t need to fear Sheng Yue’s poison anymore. With one command, each person with an arrow would shoot Sheng Yue into a sieve within minutes.

This was Qiao Jing’s first time at sea and his first time witnessing the sunrise at sea. He couldn’t help but marvel at its magnificent beauty.

Standing beside Qiao Jing, Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “I don’t want to watch it with you.”

Qiao Jing snorted lightly, “I know you’re thinking about Su Liang. Can’t you consider the feelings of those of us who are all alone?”

Gu Ling nodded, “Speaking of which, there’s something I want to remind you.”

Qiao Jing looked puzzled, “What?”

“One of the people we’re going to save on this trip is Ying Ying. Lian Shun is interested in her. If you don’t want to quarrel with Lian Shun again, keep your distance from her when the time comes,” Gu Ling’s tone remained cold.

Qiao Jing looked up at the sky, speechless, “Thanks for the reminder. There’s something I want to remind you, too.”

Gu Ling gazed into the distance without asking.

Qiao Jing looked serious, “Considering our mothers, you should also address me as your cousin.”

Gu Ling nodded, “If we’re talking about Su Liang being your grandfather’s disciple, you should call me your master. I don’t mind either.”

Qiao Jing’s expression stiffened, “Forget it, as if I ever mentioned it.” Suddenly, he missed Lian Shun; with him around, there would never be awkward silences. Unlike now, going out with Gu Ling was too “cold.”

Qiao Jing deeply believed that Su Liang could fall for Gu Ling because of his good looks. If it weren’t for his extremely beautiful face, who could stand his temperament!