Chapter 328 - 164: Sudden Development

Chen Cheng quickly finished reading the letter, his expression growing solemn.

No wonder Wang Peng had been in such a hurry to deliver the message.

And had delivered it personally.

The letter’s contents were divided into two parts.

The first part was about Yun Shuanglin.

She was unable to get away and couldn’t come to Zhao City, but her promise to recommend Chen Cheng for the Mountain and Sea Sect in the Northern Lands still stood.

All Chen Cheng had to do was bring a specific token, and he would be granted direct entry into the sect.

And that token was the very same Small Gilded Bronze Bottle she had given him before, the one containing a Small Returning Pill.

Reading this, Chen Cheng felt a surge of joy and relief.

To be able to join simply by presenting a token—such certainty was a rare thing indeed.

It was nothing like the opportunity Pang Shixun had mentioned, which required waiting another month only to then be at the mercy of a Nine Altars Sect Elder to see if he’d be accepted. That path was fraught with uncertainty; no one could guarantee the final outcome.

However, Chen Cheng couldn’t make an immediate decision just yet.

After all, the Mountain and Sea Sect was in the war-torn Northern Lands. The region was too unstable, and the overall environment was certainly not as good as that of the Nine Altars Sect, which was situated in a relatively safe rear area.

For this reason, Chen Cheng wanted to weigh his options further. If the opportunity arose, he would definitely prioritize a safer or better path.

Regardless, Yun Shuanglin’s letter had given Chen Cheng a safety net.

If he found himself with no better options, this guarantee was a crucial fallback.

Furthermore, the second part of the letter was even more important.

Bai’s Fishing Village was acting as an intermediary, connecting the Black Cloud Water Stronghold with the rebel army of the Immortal Bone Sect.

These three factions were secretly plotting a large-scale rebellion against Zhao City, though the specifics were still unknown.

But Yun Shuanglin’s advice was for Chen Cheng to send his family to the Prefecture City for temporary safety.

The end of the letter specifically noted that this matter was top secret, not to be shared with anyone, and to be burned after reading!

"Manor Master Wang..."

Chen Cheng and Wang Peng exchanged a look. Then, Chen Cheng released his Transforming Force, instantly shredding the letter into a cloud of fine confetti.

"Everything was normal on my way here. Perhaps this business about a rebellion won’t come to pass..."

Wang Peng said in a low voice,

"That’s what I think. For the news to travel to the Northern Lands, get to Miss Yun, and then for her message to get back to Zhao City... at least a month has passed. If things were going to fall into chaos, it would have happened already. Why would they wait until now?"

"Could it be that the rebel army is waiting for something?"

Chen Cheng asked.

The moment the question left his lips, Chen Cheng’s eyes widened.

’Over a month ago, four Water Bandit leaders from the Black Cloud Water Stronghold infiltrated the Inner City...’

’Perhaps...’

’Ruan Jinzhong’s hidden residence contains something essential for the rebellion!’

’They didn’t get it, so of course the rebellion had to be postponed.’

At this thought, Chen Cheng’s heart sank.

He still had the key to the hidden residence stashed away somewhere, but he never knew its actual location, so he had no way of investigating.

The biggest problem now was that the rebel army couldn’t have been idle for over a month.

They were either secretly searching for the hidden residence or finding a substitute for whatever was inside.

As long as their plan was still in motion, it was bound to blow up sooner or later.

"Manor Master Wang, I think it’s better to be cautious..."

Chen Cheng said.

"I may take my family to the Prefecture City soon to seek shelter."

"...That’s for the best."

Wang Peng said,

"If you go to the Prefecture City, head straight for Du’s Trading Company. Chuang and Old Du are both there; they’ll take care of you."

Chen Cheng cupped his fist in thanks.

Wang Peng then departed in a hurry, needing to get back to Jiuan Hunting Manor before nightfall.

When Chen Cheng came out, Shen Mi and Wu Ziyu were talking in low tones, their expressions grave.

"What are you two talking about?"

Chen Cheng walked over.

Wu Ziyu said in a low voice, "Lately, the Black Cloud Water Stronghold has demanded that all the Fishing Villages double their tribute of grain, oil, meat, herbs, and Treasure Fish!"

"If any village doesn’t comply, or doesn’t provide enough, the large, black-flagged ships sail right over, surround the Fishing Village, and take what they want by force..."

Wu Ziyu sighed and said,

"Zhou’s Fishing Village was hit hard not long ago. Zhou Yonglu was badly injured; he still can’t even get out of bed."

"The Zhou Clan Members who had moved to the Fishing Village for safety also suffered greatly. Two of Zhou Yonglu’s younger female cousins, along with several other young women, were abducted..."

Wu Ziyu looked at Chen Cheng and added,

"This is actually part of the reason I couldn’t bring you any Treasure Fish this time... And it might be hard for me to provide you with a steady supply from now on..."

"I understand."

Chen Cheng nodded and said calmly,

"I still have plenty of Iron Bone Crocodile Eel Dried Meat, so I’m not short on resources like Treasure Fish for the time being. Just focus on keeping your Fishing Village afloat."

He said this, but internally, Chen Cheng knew he had to start making other plans.

Resources were finite; every bit he used was a bit he no longer had.

It’s like trying to scoop water from a stagnant pond; without a steady inflow, he would eventually drain his reserves dry.

And given the current situation, it was clear that neither the Wu Family nor the Zhou Family could provide a steady supply of Treasure Fish as they had before.

If the Black Cloud Water Stronghold truly launched a rebellion and seized all the Fishing Villages, he feared he wouldn’t be able to get his hands on even a single Treasure Fish in the future.

Once he ran out of the dried meat he had, his cultivation efficiency would plummet.

Afterwards, the three of them chatted for a while longer.

Chen Cheng didn’t mention anything about the rebellion.

For one, it was top secret. For another, nothing was certain yet, so speaking of it now would be pointless and only cause panic.

If he truly decided to leave the city for safety, he would certainly tell them beforehand.

"Chen Cheng."

Just then, a voice interrupted their conversation.

"Elder Cao?"

Chen Cheng turned to see Cao Miao standing outside his courtyard and immediately went to greet him.

"What brings you here in person? Please, come inside. We can sit and talk."