“What is the relationship between Fang Muyun and the island lord? Why would he visit him on his birthday?” Ye Qing asked curiously.

For the past few days, he had been looking into the powerful and influential figures and forces inside and around the Four Seas, so he was aware of such a person.

The island lord of Poison Dragon Island was named Jiang Shiyi. He was a powerful Half-Step Sage who enjoyed raising poisonous serpents and sea dragons. He called himself the “Poison Dragon Trueman”, and he resided in Poison Dragon Island. He was the master of thirty six islands and factions surrounding Poison Dragon Island, and he was one of the most famous elites in the Eastern Sea.

Despite his strength, Jiang Shiyi rarely left Poison Dragon Island. His area of activity was limited to the Eastern Sea only. He was curious how two people from completely different corners of the world managed to forge a relationship with each other.

“Fang Muyun most likely does not share a relationship with the island lord. It is his father, Grand Mentor Fang, who is affiliated with him.”

Fugong answered, “According to my knowledge, Grand Mentor Fang once ventured to Qi and the Eastern Sea when he was young. He had probably made the island lord’s acquaintance during that time.”

“That makes sense.” Ye Qing nodded before asking, “Did Fang Muyun tell you how many people he’s bringing with him?”

“He did not,” Fugong shook his head, “but he did instruct me to keep a low profile and speak to no one about this. If I have to guess, Fang Muyun does not want too many people to find out about this visitation, meaning that he doesn’t plan to bring too many people with him. It is very possible that he’ll be bringing me, Lugong and Shougong on this trip only.”

“Is that so? This does seem like an excellent opportunity.”

The corners of Ye Qing’s lips curled up. “Alright, let’s do it this way. Continue to spy on Fang Muyun and try to find out the exact size of your party, your departure time, your method of travel and so on.”

“As you command, young master,” Fugong responded with a salute.

“That said, your safety comes first. If an action looks doable, then you may give it a go. If not, then abandon that line of thought immediately. The last thing I want is for you to alert Fang Muyun that something is amiss and place yourself in grave danger, understand?” Ye Qing continued.

“Thank you for your concern, young master. I will,” Fugong replied.

“Oh right, I almost forgot. Come closer,” Ye Qing said suddenly.

Fugong did not understand why Ye Qing was giving the order, but he obeyed and walked up to Ye Qing. As soon as he came to a stop, Ye Qing reached out and grabbed Fugong’s head.

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Fugong was surprised, but he did not resist. He just waited for something to happen.

A few breaths later, Ye Qing withdrew his palm and smiled at Fugong. “Aren’t you afraid that I would kill you?”

“Why would I? This slave’s life is yours, young master. If you want to kill me, then this slave will happily pass onto the afterlife,” Fugong answered.

“Don’t worry. I won’t kill you so long as you are loyal to me.” Ye Qing smiled. “Not only that, I will grant you a boon.”

“This slave is absolutely loyal to you, young master! Please see the truth!” Fugong hurriedly dropped to his knees and kowtowed to Ye Qing.

“I know you are. Otherwise, you would already be dead.”

Ye Qing explained, “I left an imprint inside your mind just now. From now on, you no longer need to visit me in person and risk exposure. If you wish to report anything, just chant my name mentally, and I will sense it.”

“Besides that, that imprint is greatly beneficial for your cultivation. I’m sure you’ll notice it in due time. Also, if you run into danger, simply call out to me in the same way, and I will protect you.”

“Thank you, young master!” Fugong thanked him profusely.

Ye Qing then summoned a pill and handed it to Fugong. “This is for you. It will aid you in breaking through to the Trueman stage.”

“Thank you, young master!” Fugong exclaimed with clear excitement.

“As I said, I will grant you a boon if you are loyal,” Ye Qing replied.

Just now, he had executed the “Paranirmita Boundless Heavenly Demon Dependent” and converted Fugong into a Heavenly Demon Dependent directly. Although the Mara Buddha had altered his memories and temperament, and Fugong was still absolutely loyal to him, Fugong would grow stronger eventually, and the Mara Buddha’s influence would weaken over time. Therefore, the safest method to guarantee his loyalty was to convert him into a Heavenly Demon Dependent.

As his Heavenly Demon Dependent, Fugong would never betray him. They could also communicate with each other at any time. Thirdly, assuming that Fugong was in danger, he could lend him his strength and protect him from harm, just like he could borrow strength from all his Heavenly Demon Dependents during a time of crisis.

And finally, becoming a Heavenly Demon Dependent automatically improves one’s cultivation talent to a certain extent. Moreover, the higher Ye Qing’s cultivation level was, the greater his influence on his Heavenly Demon Dependents in all ways including cultivation.

That was why he wasn’t lying to Fugong about granting him a boon.

“Don’t worry, young master. This slave will not betray you for as long as I live, or may this slave experience true death,” Fugong replied solemnly.

“Very well. You may rise.” Ye Qing waved. “If there is nothing else, then you may return. No reason to arouse Fang Muyun’s suspicion.”

“Understood. This slave will take his leave now.” Fugong bowed and soundlessly withdrew from the room.

“The heavens are on my side, it seems.”

After Fugong was gone, Ye Qing got to his feet and walked over to the window. He had just been wondering if he should start something and lure Fang Muyun or Chu Wangsun away from the Four Seas, but to think that the opportunity would land on his lap without him having to do anything.

Moonlight splashed across Ye Qing’s face, gentle and dreamlike.

……

“White Fish Island? Why so sudden?”

Feng Qingyou and Ye Qing were strolling along a street when Ye Qing told her about his decision.

“I just received word that Fang Muyun would be heading to Poison Dragon Island and paying the island lord, Jiang Shiyi a visit during his birthday ceremony,” Ye Qing said smilingly.

“Oh? Are you sure your intel is trustworthy?” Feng Qingyou looked quite surprised.

“Of course,” Ye Qing answered.

“Was it the one who visited you last night?” A smile spread across Feng Qingyou’s lips. “Was it Fugong, Lugong, or Shougong?”

“How do you know it’s one of the three?” Ye Qing asked curiously. He wasn’t surprised that Feng Qingyou had detected Fugong’s visit last night. After all, the woman was living in the next room. It would be more surprising if Feng Qingyou failed to detect someone of Fugong’s level.

However, how on earth did she figure out that it was one of the three?

“I guessed.” Feng Qingyou explained smilingly, “First, there is no word that Fang Muyun is visiting the Poison Dragon Island’s island lord in the

jianghu

at all, meaning that the decision was made in secrecy. However, the person last night was able to find out about it immediately. This could only be possible if they were one of his aides. Second, I sense the presence of an ancient heavenly court art from them, and as far as I’m aware, Fugong, Lugong and Shougong are the only ones among his aides who practice an incomplete heavenly court martial art. That is why I guessed that it was one of the three.”

“Impressive,” Ye Qing paid her a compliment before answering, “It is Fugong.”

“I see.” Feng Qingyou teased him, “You hide your cards deep, don’t you Joyless?”

Ye Qing waved her off. “It’s nothing.”

I’m just the world number three is all. Nothing to be impressed about.

Feng Qingyou shook her head in amusement before asking, “So, are you planning to lure Fang Muyun to White Fish Island and kill him there?”