BXBX NOVEL Chapter 399: Set the Sail!
Chapter 399: Set the Sail!
Some flames would feel colder as you grow closer to it.
"Don't be afraid..." Chu Liang said, forcing a smile. Although he was scared as well, he tried to reassure the others. "We still need to rely on it to get out of here."
The Dragon Soul of Baxia within the Inferno Dragon was like that of an innocent infant, one that had never seen the outside world since birth. The murderous and bloodthirsty nature instilled by the Lord of the Python Belly City had turned it into a vicious beast.
But It had calmed down through Chu Liang's constant soothing.
To put it simply, it was not very intelligent.
It had been filled with rage from being imprisoned for so long. When it was finally released, it wanted to destroy everything around it, much like an angry child throwing a tantrum.
The terrifying part was that it truly had the power to destroy everything.
Fortunately, Chu Liang had temporarily stabilized the Inferno Dragon with the aura of the Blue Dragon's Orb. But this was only a temporary solution; there was no telling when the dragon might suddenly be overwhelmed by negative emotions again.
It could be in a very good mood, wag its tail at you, and then, as a sign of affection, spit out a small ball of flames in your direction.
Anything was possible.
"Can we really rely on it?" Lin Bei whispered as he leaned closer. "Isn't Chief Xu also a seventh-realm expert?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a hurtful hiss echoed from the side.
"Owh—" Xu Bashan groaned as he tore a blood-stained silver scale from his body.
This was the third one.
The silver scale seal placed on him by the Lord of Python Belly City had caused unbearable pain, and each scale was became even more difficult to remove than the last.
"Seems like we can't count on him..." Lin Bei muttered.
Upon hearing this, Xu Bashan immediately opened his eyes and said, "Give me some time, and I will remove all these silver scales and restore my cultivation power to its peak. Once that happens, breaking out of this hidden realm will be a piece of cake."
"Jiang Shenting's inauguration ceremony should be starting soon by now," Chu Liang said as he gazed into the distance.
"Let's ride the dragon," Xu Bashan said as he suddenly stood up. "It seems quite docile."
"The chaos in this hidden realm has not been quelled, so I request that the members of the Blazing Fire Gang stay here. If Chief Xu and we manage to make it out, we will surely subdue the Heaven-Devouring Python and then take everyone in Python Belly City out," said Chu Liang.
It was unrealistic to expect everyone in Python Belly City to ride the Inferno Dragon out together. The dragon wouldn't be able to shuttle back and forth, carrying people out, and there was no guarantee it would even be willing to transport them. Given this uncertainty, Chu Liang decided that he, Lin Bei, and Xu Bashan should leave first.
By then, whether it be subduing the Heaven-Devouring Python or asking for support from the Mount Shu Sect and the Four Seas Whale Gang, they would be more prepared.
As for those in Python Belly City, they would have to wait slightly longer.
The leader of the Blazing Fire Gang, Hua Zhengshan, had yet to regain consciousness due to the severe injuries he sustained. The building had collapsed on him, and he was badly burned while trapped inside. The members of the Blazing Fire Gang, wanting to stay and care for him, agreed to the plan.
After all, they had been in the hidden realm for many years and weren’t in a rush to leave.
Ji Lingfeng was tempted to join the first group, but considering the dangers the Inferno Dragon might face while breaking through the hidden realm, he decided to wait a bit longer.
After all, Chu Liang and Xu Bashan were the ones in a hurry to return home. Why would he be rushing to go home?[1]
After the plan was decided, Chu Liang, Lin Bei, and Xu Bashan climbed onto the back of the Inferno Dragon.
At first, Chu Liang felt a bit nervous as he mounted the dragon, but seeing how obediently it behaved, he finally relaxed.
Then, Chu Liang leaned down on its head and commanded, "Take off."
Boom—
As the Inferno Dragon soared into the sky, its Divine Dragon Fire surged.
"Owh... Tell it to put out the fire, it's burning hot!" Lin Bei cried out in distress, but the Inferno Dragon paid no heed as it suddenly charged toward the dim halo in the sky.
Whoosh—
In the blink of an eye, it crashed into the halo and passed through. The next moment, they caught sight of the faint glow of an enchanted formation behind the halo.
"Break through it! We're getting out!" Chu Liang shouted.
Roar—
The Inferno Dragon let out a powerful roar and slammed forcefully into the gate!
Bang!
Fierce flames erupted from the impact, bursting through the crack.
...
The heavy doors to the great hall creaked open, revealing a spacious hall flanked by numerous tables—this was the Ocean Tempest Hall of the Whale Gang!
The members of the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten, who had come to witness the inauguration ceremony, were seated inside the hall in their designated spots.
Outside the great hall, a wide set of stone steps descended to an expansive public square, where esteemed heroes from various factions had gathered.
Today marked the inauguration of the new chief of the Whale Gang, and anyone with connections had naturally come to offer their congratulations. Over ten thousand people were gathered inside and outside the hall, eager to witness the event.
Jiang Shenting slowly ascended the stone steps, pausing at the top to take in the vast sky and clouds. With his back to the Ocean Tempest Hall, he felt a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.
"Everyone!" he called out loudly, his voice carried by the wind to every corner of the square.
"My cultivation level may be modest, and my experience limited, but today I stand on this high platform because Chief Xu is missing, and the Whale Gang cannot be left leaderless. Secondly, because my brothers in the gang trust me and believe in my character. Today, I promise you all that I, Jiang Shenting, will lead the Whale Gang forward and not disappoint any of my brothers' expectations..."
There was some truth in his words; if not for his ambition, he wouldn’t have fought for the position of chief.
The fact was that the Eastern Whale Division in recent years had achieved remarkable success through Jiang Shenting's leadership. On the other hand, the other three divisions had remained stagnant and were left far behind.
Therefore, Jiang Shenting had the support not only of the Eastern Whale Division but also of the younger factions within the other three divisions. Without the backing of these reformists, he wouldn’t have risen to power, even in Xu Bashan’s absence.
As Jiang Shenting ascended to the platform, his mind was set on taking the Whale Gang to new heights. From his point of view, the methods he had used along the way were simply necessary steps to remove obstacles and achieve greatness.
If he failed this time, it could be another ten years before he had another chance. But who knew what the world would look like by then?
Time waits for no one.
His ambitions would be set in motion from today!
Jiang Shenting shared some practical ideas, and his straightforward speech earned the approval of those both inside and outside the Ocean Tempest Hall.
After all, the Whale Gang was a major faction with hundreds of thousands of members. As long as he could bring benefits to everyone, most wouldn’t care how Xu Bashan had disappeared.
After his speech, a Whale Gang elder shouted, "Set the sail!"
The symbol of the Whale Gang's chief was a large sail, tattered and stained with golden blood, a testament to the countless near-death voyages of the first chief.
The sail was mounted on a wooden pole, resembling a grand banner.
Once Jiang Shenting raised this sail, it would signify his inauguration as the Chief of the Whale Gang, and his name would echo across the four seas!
After each chief raised the sail, it would be returned to the Ocean Tempest Hall for safekeeping, which is why it hadn’t been lost along with Xu Bashan.
Jiang Shenting grasped the wooden pole of the sail with both hands and gently unfurled it.
Whoosh——
Suddenly, a gust of wind and thunder erupted from the ground!
Ripples appeared beneath his feet, and layer upon layer of whirlwinds, like towering waves, instantly enveloped him!
What's happening?
Jiang Shenting was startled, immediately sensing a faint spiritual energy emanating from the sail, as if it were some kind of trigger.
He quickly realized that it was an enchanted formation!
It had lain dormant until now, but the trigger was on the sail, and it activated the moment he unfurled it.
Immediately, a clear shout sounded from behind him.
"Jiang Shenting, I will kill you to avenge my father today!"
1. Ji Lingfeng is competing with his sister on who's going to be the last one to be caught and sent home. ☜