The sound of waves lapping gently at the shore filled the air. The ships, though large, bobbed lightly on the surface, as the relentless surge brushed against them. The coastal wind blew softly, whispering secrets, as though carried by the heavens themselves. Jin Tianwang stepped into the shallows, his feet sinking into the cool, salty water as he walked toward the shore. The Green Dragon Secret Isle was a fertile land, bustling with youth. Lines of young women had formed on the island to welcome their lovers returning with the fleets.

  Sun Daming hurried back to Jin Tianwang, eager to inform him and A Luo, celebrating their role in saving the fleet from the Ouyang pirate clan. Jin Tianwang felt his contribution to the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood was trifling, yet he could not refuse the gesture. Eventually, he followed the procession to a spacious square in the center of the village where the banquet had been prepared.

  The square was vast, estimated to hold no fewer than a thousand people. Most of the area was arranged with tables and chairs ready for the feast. Young men and women were dressed in beautiful attire for the occasion. Jin Tianwang and A Luo were accorded special honor, with seats specifically reserved for them. Nearby, various grilled foods were cooking, sending forth a tantalizing aroma. The feast was perfectly prepared; all that remained was to await the presiding figure of the ceremony.

  At last, the White Jade Dragon, Fan Baojian, arrived. This White Jade Dragon possessed a tall, imposing stature. Though perhaps fifty or sixty years of age, his back remained unbent, his stomach flat, his shoulders broad, and his hands and feet large. His beard extended to his chest, and his unbound hair flowed in the wind. When he spoke or laughed, his voice resonated with power and authority. He wore white garments that were exquisitely tailored.

  Fan Baojian greeted the many attendees with a cheerful and familiar demeanor before walking straight to Jin Tianwang and A Luo, who were seated and waiting.

  "These two little brothers are the heroes who extended a hand to save our fleet from the Ouyang pirates. On behalf of the people of Green Dragon Isle, I thank you," Fan Baojian declared with a powerful voice.

  Jin Tianwang and A Luo merely smiled in response.

  "Bring wine! I shall drink with these two heroes." At Fan Baojian’s command, a young woman immediately brought wine. The old dragon grasped the wine jars with both hands, his expression a mixture of warmth and pride as he offered them to the young men. He then turned, grabbed another jar, and lifted it to drink immediately.

  A Luo lifted his and drank boldly.

  However, Jin Tianwang only offered a smile in return, leaving the jar in his hand untouched.

  Fan Baojian’s smile wavered, his eyes narrowing as Jin Tianwang’s smile remained unwavering, but his glass untouched. The air thickened with unspoken tension, as the old dragon’s gaze flicked from Jin Tianwang to the jar in his hand, then back again.

  A Luo suddenly laughed loudly. "Why wouldn't he enjoy wine? The more one drinks, the more friends one has." A Luo then took another large gulp from the jar.

  "'The more one drinks, the more friends one has'—excellent!" Fan Baojian finished speaking and took another large draught of wine.

  Jin Tianwang smiled, his teeth flashing white, but his eyes held a quiet defiance as he refused to lift the wine jar.

  By now, not only was Fan Baojian feeling irritated, but even A Luo felt that A Ke was betraying their friendship.

  "If he refuses to drink, let me drink in his stead." A woman's voice rang out, slicing through the murmurs of the crowd. Fan Qingqing appeared, her silhouette framed by moonlight, her white dress shimmering like a vision from another world. With each step she took, her presence seemed to glow, a quiet force drawing all eyes. Jin Tianwang, momentarily stunned by her beauty, found his smile falter as his gaze quickly shifted away.

  Seeing Jin Tianwang's reaction, Fan Qingqing felt pleased. Her face was full of smiles, her beauty shining clearly.

  Fan Baojian, seeing his daughter—who usually carried herself like a man—now looking so beautiful, was overjoyed. He laughed with a resonant voice, "How has this daughter of mine transformed into such a celestial maiden?"

  Hearing her father's praise, Fan Qingqing felt shy, blushing to her ears, and twisted her body towards her father in a bashful manner.

  Fan Baojian was an open-minded island lord regarding the romance of young people. He suddenly grabbed Jin Tianwang's wrist and said, "I fear I must entrust this daughter of mine to you, little brother."

  When his wrist was seized, Jin Tianwang met Fan Baojian's eyes. Upon hearing the island lord's words, he started. "How could I be worthy?"

  "Little brother surnamed Jin, this daughter of mine has spent her days learning boxing and swordplay since she was small. Now, after meeting you for only a short time, she is willing to paint her face and lips. I am an open person who admires those with martial skills. Little brother Jin is a young expert with no equal. If you are not worthy, who is?"

  Jin Tianwang did not answer. The people around them suddenly fell silent. Everyone seemed to be waiting for his response. Yet, no words came from Jin Tianwang's lips. There was only wine passing down his throat. He lifted a jar of wine and drank it. In a single breath, the jar was drained. Once the wine was finished, Jin Tianwang collapsed onto the spot, still as the dead.

  Fan Baojian ordered his men to carry the unconscious Jin Tianwang to the guest quarters to rest. The feast continued without him. With Jin Tianwang absent, Fan Qingqing had no desire to remain, and she left the feast as well.

  That night, Jin Tianwang regained consciousness to find himself in an unfamiliar place. In front of him was a large window. Even in the darkness, he knew this window faced the vast ocean; the sound of the wind and waves told him so.

  Even in the dark, Jin Tianwang felt as if he could see the curling waves clearly. Wave after wave hit the beach, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Jin Tianwang suddenly thought of a certain person—wondering what it would be like if they could watch these waves together right now. His eyes gazed at the waves, but his mind had traveled to a distant land long ago. Suddenly, the sound of the waves hitting the shore changed. Something was obstructing the path of the wind. Jin Tianwang sensed the presence of an unexpected person.

  This person seemed to glow in the dark. His white clothes appeared to illuminate the night. Besides wearing white, his hair and beard were also a sparkling white. His eyes, deep beyond measure, locked gazes with Jin Tianwang from a distance of nearly ten wa. Despite the distance, Jin Tianwang felt as if the man were close. His mind was being pierced by those eyes.

  Jin Tianwang suddenly smiled at him.

  The old man smiled back.

  Jin Tianwang leaped out to converse with the old man.

  Before Jin Tianwang could speak, the old man raised his right hand, holding a large fish. White teeth appeared in the old man's smile before he asked, "Can my young nephew build a fire?"

  Jin Tianwang wasted no time. With practiced hands, he swiftly gathered dry wood and arranged it into a pile. Within moments, flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow against the darkness. The grilled fish was handled expertly by the two of them. They ate without saying much. Inside, Jin Tianwang felt deeply fulfilled.

  After the entire fish was consumed, the old man suddenly stood up. "The ocean is vast, yet we humans are foolish. Eating and drinking enough to fill the stomach—why do we desire endlessly?"

  Jin Tianwang listened to the elder’s words and pondered his own past. The life he used to live in the forest—though lonely, his heart had been peaceful. Lately, he had been entangled in the affairs of the martial world; though not lonely, his heart was in great pain. Thinking of this, he intended to ask the elder something, but the old man had vanished like a spirit in the night.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Jin Tianwang knew this elder was a supreme expert whom few could match. Judging by his lightness skill and the aura radiating from his body, Jin Tianwang guessed the elder must be one of the Three Martial Deities.

  The Three Martial Deities were figures of long-standing renown. Han Xiaozhi, known as The Sage of the Eight Corners, was one of them. The other two were The Six Decrees, Pei Chengyue, and Like the Demon Lord, Gao Qingxin.

  The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi, was the father of Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming. His reputation for internal energy had reached a transcendental realm, capable of killing from a distance of ten wa. The Divine Sleeve Qi Skill was ranked as a top-tier art in the martial world. He formerly held a position as an official but grew tired of power struggles, leaving to enter the martial world. He founded the Association of Virtue to restore righteousness and was hailed as the number one hero.

  The Six Decrees, Pei Chengyue, was an unorthodox expert, neither righteous nor evil. He lived as he pleased without opposition. He established six decrees: one for national peace, two for the suffering, three for the oppressed, four for unrequited love, five for shaken morality, and six for defeat never encountered. In the past, he fought the Demonic Doctor, Di Jiao, and won. Currently, he had two disciples: The Frostflower Maiden, Han Yuexin, and The Absolute Jade, Di Yuning.

  Like the Demon Lord, Gao Qingxin, was a hero from sixty years ago. He represented the martial world in battle against experts from five tribes and two overseas islands, winning twelve consecutive rounds. He was acknowledged as invincible. Originally nicknamed “The Magician From the Sky,” he changed it to “Like the Demon Lord” for unknown reasons. He was once close friends with The Stone Fiend, Shi Wusha. Despite their age difference, they were like brothers. In the battle at the Mocking Heaven Sect, Gao Qingxin did not participate, likely due to his old bond with Shi Wusha. Many believed this deity was the one who persuaded the Lightning Swordsman, Xiang Xiubai, to retire and seek the ultimate martial path in solitude.

  Although Jin Tianwang had never seen the Three Martial Deities, he felt certain that the elder he met was Like the Demon Lord, Gao Qingxin.

  Jin Tianwang returned to his quarters and slept until morning. The morning sea mist woke him. Looking out the large window, he saw seabirds soaring over the water and fishing boats floating on the sea. Jin Tianwang felt refreshed, energy coursing through his body. Meeting the elder the previous night had unexpectedly granted him a bizarre power. And the unexpected events did not end there.

  Suddenly, there was a knock on his door, followed by a voice addressing him as “Young Master Jin.”

  Jin Tianwang was a destitute man, often without a single coin. A person like him was rarely called “Young Master.” However, one group always addressed him as such. Jin Tianwang was particularly familiar with this group. Though human, they liked to be called cats. There were nine of them, collectively known as the Nine Cats. If everyone must have kin, the Nine Cats could be considered Jin Tianwang’s kin.

  The visitor was a tall, thin man with a long face and narrow shoulders. He was the sixth cat, known as the Six-Eared Cat, Lei Ye. He was someone Jin Tianwang knew well, having acted as a liaison between Jin Tianwang and a certain benefactor for a long time.

  “Reporting to Young Master Jin, I have urgent matters to report.”

  “Little Lei, whatever it is, speak quickly.”

  “Great trouble has arisen in the Central Plains. To protect your reputation, Elder Zhao has declared himself an enemy of the Association of Virtue. Consequently, The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi, has returned to the martial world determined to deal with Elder Zhao. Three months ago, your close friend, the Drunken Scholar Ou Xiatian, mysteriously vanished. The benefactor searched for you. Now, even the Elder has disappeared.”

  “Uncle Wang is of such high status, how could he be in danger? Do you nine know any clues?”

  Lei Ye hesitated, his face twitching slightly, before saying, “We cannot yet guess whose handiwork this is.”

  From Lei Ye’s expression, Jin Tianwang could guess that the prime suspect was The Frostflower Maiden, Han Yuexin. Lei Ye simply avoided mentioning her name to spare Jin Tianwang’s feelings. He could only sigh once before saying, “In that case, let us hurry back to the mainland.”

  “Understood. Before noon today, there is a ship returning to the mainland.”

  “That is excellent. Let us hurry. I hope it is not too late.”

  After eating and buying supplies for the journey, Jin Tianwang and Lei Ye headed to the port, intending to board the ship back to the mainland urgently. Just as the sails were hoisted, the raised anchor was dropped back into the water. Passengers were hurriedly herded off the ship. Jin Tianwang tried to follow the passengers off to find another boat, only to discover the ship had no issues—it was White Jade Dragon Fan Baojian who would not let him leave. Lei Ye was separated among the other passengers. Fan Baojian’s group marched toward the ship.

  “Friend surnamed Jin, why the rush to leave? Is the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood unable to host you properly?” Fan Baojian, the sturdy middle-aged man, spoke with a voice projecting immense power. Behind him, the Poison Beggar Sun Daming followed.

  “I must apologize for thinking of leaving without saying goodbye. But I have urgent matters in the mainland that I must return to settle,” Jin Tianwang clasped his hands and bowed his head, showing remorse.

  “We are all family. If you have urgent matters, why not tell me? Not only will I help send you back, but I will also lend a hand in your tasks.”

  “I, Jin Tianwang, am a destitute man. How could I be worthy of Senior Fan’s help?”

  “Stop deflecting. Give me just one hour. After bowing to heaven and earth, from now on, we share the same family name.” Fan Baojian’s words implied taking Jin Tianwang as a son-in-law. For things to turn out like this was beyond everyone’s expectations.

  “I am not worthy...”

  “Damn it! What is this? Is it that you are not worthy of Qingqing, or is my daughter not worthy of you?” Fan Baojian spoke with rage, his voice echoing across the sky and ocean.

  “Sect Leader, please have mercy. Send me back,” Jin Tianwang bowed his head and pleaded.

  “Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit! Don’t blame me for bullying you!” Fan Baojian channeled internal energy into both palms and struck out.

  Facing Fan Baojian’s heavy palm force, Jin Tianwang had no intention of offending him. He could only twist his body to dodge, retreating three steps to escape the palm force.

  “If you have wings, then fly back!” Fan Baojian roared again before lunging at Jin Tianwang, sweeping his left palm out while thrusting his right fist at Jin Tianwang’s face.

  The wind generated by Fan Baojian’s palm and fist almost made it impossible for Jin Tianwang to open his eyes. But instinct and experience told Jin Tianwang to shuffle his feet and retreat continuously until he could retreat no further. Fan Baojian continued to press the attack. Jin Tianwang decided to stomp his foot down once. The impact cracked the deck floor, causing Fan Baojian’s right foot to fall into the groove, making him stumble.

  Jin Tianwang knew he had offended Fan Baojian. Helpless, he had to find a way to survive. Seeing an opening, he stepped forward and thrust his right fist out.

  Seeing Jin Tianwang rushing at him, Fan Baojian was certain his opponent was being careless. He performed his bizarre palm technique, transforming it into formless walls, preparing a continuous combo to defeat the young man.

  However, Jin Tianwang’s punch was different from ordinary punches. It was incredibly fast. It was incredibly heavy. The punch thrust directly into the shadow of palms forming the formless wall. The impact actually repelled Fan Baojian’s palm force. The punch continued to penetrate with increasing speed until Jin Tianwang’s fist touched Fan Baojian’s chest.

  Fan Baojian wore a shocked expression. He hadn’t expected Jin Tianwang, nicknamed the Merry Meanderer, to possess such profound boxing skills. Although the fist touched Fan Baojian’s flesh, there was no pain, nor did it kill him. It was all because Jin Tianwang was willing to show mercy. Seeing this, Fan Baojian felt humiliated. He channeled his internal energy again and struck a fist out at chest level.

  Jin Tianwang had stopped his attack to avoid hurting Fan Baojian, but seeing the opponent ignore his intent and counterattack viciously, he could only shuffle his feet to dodge the incoming twin fists.

  Fan Baojian could not believe he couldn't do anything to the boy in front of him. He called out to Sun Daming, “Daming! Join hands with me. Deal with this person!”

  Sun Daming also couldn't believe his eyes that Jin Tianwang possessed such terrifying skills. But when Fan Baojian called, he could not disobey. He took a deep breath, preparing to coordinate his attack with Fan Baojian.

  “Baojian, enough! Even if you two join hands, you are neither fast enough nor strong enough to match this wonderful child.” A voice echoed from all directions, accompanied by the appearance of a white-bearded old man in white robes.

  Fan Baojian showed great respect for this elder but replied somewhat grudgingly, “If I let him go like this, what will become of my daughter?”

  “Matters of the heart cannot be forced. Wait and see. If their destiny is aligned, no matter how many obstacles, once the red thread connects them, it cannot be otherwise. But if there is no destiny, forcing it will only invite punishment from heaven and earth.”

  “I...” Fan Baojian truly respected this elder. Originally, Fan Baojian did not possess such superb skills; it was through this elder’s guidance that he became strong. In truth, this elder was the master who passed on his skills to the White Jade Dragon. Hearing his benefactor master’s words, the stubborn dragon had to soften his tone.

  “Father, send the man surnamed Jin back to his land. I do not love him that much. Why push this daughter into the arms of such a worthless man?” Fan Qingqing had arrived as well. True to being a beauty of the island, she had a brave and open heart. She spoke with a cool voice and a dignified demeanor.

  Jin Tianwang lowered his head, not daring to meet her eyes or admire her dignified appearance. He merely mumbled, “I already have a woman I love. I am not worthy of Lady Fan in the slightest.”

  Jin Tianwang’s mumbled words miraculously echoed loudly in Fan Qingqing’s ears. She shed silent tears before speaking with a powerful voice, “Return to your land. This island welcomes you no more.” She spoke while gesturing for the ship, now full of passengers, to leave the port.

  Jin Tianwang took three quick steps before leaping over the ship’s rail, landing on the deck of the ship that had just departed to head back to the mainland. From the Green Dragon Isle, he returned once again to his homeland.