In fact, Su Mu’s swimming ability is not bad.
Now, the Profound Demon Five Transformations has completed two of its transformations, namely the Fire Sparrow Transformation, based on the unknown grade Fire Sparrow Blood, and the Cold Ape Transformation, formed by the Seventh Grade Cold Ape blood essence.
After performing the Cold Ape Transformation, it grants corresponding water abilities, enough to enable Su Mu, a person who has long dwelled on land, to possess decent swimming abilities.
But all of this is unnecessary; there is no need to chase down a desperate foe.
Moreover, the Donglai River area is extensive with intricate networks of rivers and lakes, and river bandits frequent this place; it’s their home ground, so rashly pursuing them is by no means a wise choice.
Besides, although he offended that woman in red, after tonight’s black market, who can ascertain Su Mu’s true identity?
"Indeed, it’s much more troublesome than ordinary Martial Artists... Martial Artists from the Jiao Blood sect, huh."
Su Mu secretly remembered, and he vaguely guessed about the forces behind the Black Whale.
"Thank you for your righteous action!"
A burly man wearing a Red Demon Mask on the second floor of the ship appeared and expressed his gratitude. At this moment, his eyes under the mask were fixed on Su Mu.
Although the Red Demon man is not one of the two Whale Masters of the Black Whale, he is one of its usual managers. He has managed the Black Whale for more than twenty years, meeting people from all major forces in Donglai County.
Just now, Su Mu displayed a Martial Arts technique, and he could only identify one fist technique. The fist technique Su Mu used seemed to be a martial arts used by the Qingzhou army, but as for the exquisite Lightweight Skill, and the vast martial art akin to the dragon-elephant, these he had never heard of before.
"The body of a Martial Artist from the Profound Demon sect is strong, difficult to match by martial artists of the same realm. That red-clothed demon woman has infused Yang Sha energy into her power, yet the person before me can knock back a Fifth Grade Martial Artist with a single punch... This person is extraordinary; surely they are not from Donglai County!"
The Red Demon man’s thoughts spun rapidly, just about to speak when a melodious ancient zither sound emerged from the third level of the ship.
The third layer of the Black Whale ship’s building serves as the residence of the two Whale Masters, while the other two levels are for black market transactions.
The sound of the zither touched the heart, the melody like a spring breeze brushing one’s face, seemingly possessing a wondrous power that soothes the soul. After the tune, everyone’s expressions eased, and the chaos and panic caused by the red-clothed woman’s attack dissipated significantly.
"Tonight’s incident is our Black Whale’s fault, this melody serves as a gift to calm everyone’s nerves. Red Demon, refund double the entrance fee for tonight’s esteemed guests as a token of apology."
With the end of the tune, one clear voice rang out alongside the fading resonance of the zither.
"I follow the order of the Main Order!"
Upon hearing the voice, the Red Demon man clasped his fists and bowed in agreement, his tone exceptionally respectful. He immediately ordered the guards to refund double the entrance fees.
"Wonderful, wonderful, it’s rumored that among the two Whale Masters of the Black Whale, the Vice Whale Master excels in music, could it be that this tune was played by that Vice Whale Master?"
"No mistake, aside from the mysterious Vice Whale Master of the Black Whale, only Qingfeng Pavilion’s Qing Lan could play such a beautiful melody."
"Qing Lan? Isn’t she one of the three jewels of Donglai County!"
The people at the bow of the ship, now feeling tranquil, displayed joy on their faces, marveling that tonight’s venture was worthwhile. Listening to the tune left them feeling refreshed, and some even sensed a slight relaxation in their realm’s bottleneck, expressing gratitude and leaving thereafter.
"Vice Whale Master... Interesting."
Su Mu quietly listened to the tune, his eyes flashing with a unique light, suspecting that the one who guided the night-light fishes with music earlier was likely this Vice Whale Master.
"This Vice Whale Master’s musical accomplishments are extraordinary... even integrating the Confucian Family’s Vast Qi into the music!"
Su Mu could sense the invisible Vast Qi within the music. It was precisely this integration of Vast Qi that made the melody more moving and left listeners feeling rejuvenated afterwards.
"Let’s see the earnings."
Withdrawing his gaze, Su Mu calmly extended his hand amid the dazed gazes of the crowd, freely traversing the bodies on the deck. His hands seemed like twin dragons, making the crowd swallow their surprise with a shiver, their eyes filled with strangeness and a touch of fear.
Judging by Su Mu’s actions in looting the bodies, it’s clear that his skills at this are highly practiced; surely he has committed robbery and murder in the past.
After witnessing Su Mu’s terrifying abilities earlier, even the Black Whale’s Red Demon man remained silent, thinking, who dares comment?
"Thank you for your help earlier, I will be leaving now."
Many soon withdrew their gaze, and after receiving the refunded entrance fees, they cupped their hands to thank Su Mu before quickly departing, not daring to linger, extremely wary of Su Mu.
"Not bad, totaling over thirteen thousand taels, along with some small items."
The entrance fee to the black market is thirty taels, and those who came to the Black Whale tonight are quite wealthy; the wealth and the trade items they possessed tonight now belong to Su Mu.
However, after looting the bodies of the non-Black Whale guards, Su Mu stopped looting, refraining from touching those of the Black Whale guards.
Seeing this, the Red Demon man nodded subtly, then spoke up.
"Vice Whale Master would like to invite you upstairs for a chat, would you oblige?"
"Since the Vice Whale Master invites me, please lead the way."
Since he was already there, Su Mu calmly agreed. Amidst many envious gazes, the Red Demon man led Su Mu to the third level of the ship.
Ascending the stairs, sandalwood scented the way.
Upon stepping on the final step, the intricately carved door of the third floor slowly opened, releasing a clear, orchid-like fragrance.
Ascending the stairs, the door of the third level opened, letting out a waft of orchid-like fragrance.
In the antique room, a tall ancient sandalwood screen stood in the center, intricately carved with fish frolicking and rivers flowing.