https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-679-Jin-Banhua-Are-You-the-Bat-Island-Master-/12811596/
Chapter 678: All Aboard
Chapter 678: All Aboard
When Jin Banhua saw them, they, of course, saw Jin Banhua as well.
Ying Wanli's face couldn't help but stiffen.
Earlier, Jin Banhua had asked him about the case, and out of caution, he hadn't told Jin Banhua anything. He never expected to run into Jin Banhua here.
Jin Banhua had seen his and Bai Lie's masks!
At that moment, although his face was partially hidden by a wide-brimmed hat, Bai Lie's face was clearly exposed. Ying Wanli was afraid that Jin Banhua would immediately expose their identities.
However, Jin Banhua didn't call them out. Instead, he stood to the side, smiling with a hint of malice and amusement.
Seeing Miss Jin Lingzhi's temper flare up, and her demanding a high price of six thousand taels, Ying Wanli no longer had the heart to continue the act with her. He raised his voice and said, "Miss, there's no need to be angry with me. I have a specific use for Zhang San."
"Specific use?" Miss Jin Lingzhi asked.
"Zhang San is not only an excellent swimmer but also a master shipbuilder and navigator. I need his skills for a particular purpose," Ying Wanli explained.
As he spoke, he had Bai Lie lift a chest from the ship's cabin and open it, revealing a chest brimming with gold ingots, "No matter what price you offer, I will not yield."
Seeing the gleaming gold, Miss Jin Lingzhi was taken aback.
Ding Feng, hearing Ying Wanli's words and seeing the chest of gold ingots, his eyes flickered. He asked cautiously, "The sea is a perilous place, far more dangerous than any river or lake. If you don't have a pressing matter, it's best to stay away."
Ying_wanli glanced at Gou Zizhang, then gave Ding Feng a deep look, "Thank you for your concern, but I must go this time."
Before Ding Feng could respond, Ying Wanli continued, "I've heard of a place called the Golden Grotto on the sea. Have you heard of it?"
"What Golden Grotto?" Ding Feng countered, unable to resist clenching his fists, wondering how everyone seemed to know about this place.
Ying Wanli replied, "The Golden Grotto lies in the southeastern waters, a place of mystery and wonder. It is said to be filled with exotic flowers, rare fruits, pearls, and beautiful women, as well as endless views, fine wine, and countless secrets and treasures!"
Jin Banhua couldn't help but facepalm.
He had seen many skilled warriors, and while Ying Wanli was known as the White-Clothed Divine Ear, his martial arts were relatively weak. Speaking across the river, his internal energy was already strained.
But Ding Feng's face broke into a smile.
The Bat Island wasn't known for following rules, and this man, though clearly not a martial arts master, was carrying a fortune in gold. It was as good as a gift to them.
Hu Tiefeng chimed in, "If there's endless fine wine on that island, I'd like to see it."
Ying Wanli shook his head, "While the place exists in the mortal world, finding it is incredibly difficult. It's not marked on any maps, and without a guide, you could search for ten years and still not find it."
Hu Tiefeng blinked, looking at Jin Banhua and then at Ding Feng, and chuckled, "Who could guide us, then?"
"Only the followers of the Golden Grotto's master know the way," Ying Wanli said, "Unfortunately, the master of the Golden Grotto is even more mysterious than the grotto itself. No one has ever seen what he looks like."
Despite his words about the grotto's mystery, Ying Wanli was quite detailed in his description, even mentioning the need for an invitation.
Ding Feng took a deep breath and interrupted, "If you wish to go, I might have a way."
Ying Wanli's eyes sparkled, and he clasped his hands together. "If that's the case, could you please show me the way? I would be eternally grateful."
Ding Feng glanced around. He had already revealed his intentions at the tavern due to the issue with the Golden Companion Flower, so there was no need to keep up the pretense any longer. He spoke frankly.
"There's no need for formalities. We have someone on our ship who was planning to go there anyway. If you don't mind, why don't you join us on the journey?" Ding Feng replied with a bow.
Ying Wanli pretended to think it over, playing a game of give and take.
Ding Feng's eyes flickered, but he wasn't in a hurry.
However, Hai Kuotian, as a subordinate of Bat Island, couldn't stand the suspense and chimed in, "Since this friend has such a large sum of money, it's only natural that he wouldn't feel comfortable boarding a stranger's ship so easily."
Xiang Tianfei and Hai Kuotian were in perfect sync. "Besides, it's not just any stranger's ship; it's a pirate ship."
Ying Wanli couldn't help but laugh. "To be honest, I have no qualms about joining you. I'm more concerned that you might not trust me."
"How could that be?" Ding Feng also laughed. "A person with such wealth would be more focused on protecting themselves rather than plotting against others."
Ying Wanli nodded. "In that case, I'll gladly accept your offer."
Hu Tiefang glanced at Ying Wanli, then at Ding Feng and Jin Lingzhi, and let out a cold laugh, about to speak.
However, Chu Liuxiang stopped him and smiled, turning to Ding Feng. "I wonder if we have the honor of joining you as well?"
Ding Feng laughed. "You're joking. With your reputations, you would be esteemed guests wherever you go."
Jin Lingzhi also looked at Hu Tiefang. "You promised to have a drinking contest with me. You can't leave now!"
Zhang San was taken aback, then sighed deeply. "You all have places to go, but I'm left here like a wandering ghost. Just a moment ago, everyone was vying to buy me, and now no one wants me."
Hu Tiefang, of course, wouldn't let Zhang San off the hook. "How about I buy you then?"
Jin Lingzhi sneered and pulled out a stack of silver notes, waving them in the air. "Six thousand taels! I always keep my word!"
Zhang San leaped from the small boat, snatched all the silver notes, and then landed gracefully on the deck of the large ship. "Thank you, miss!"
Hu Tiefang glared. "You really sold yourself?"
Zhang San smiled. "If my friends die, at least I'll have the money to give them a proper burial."
Hu Tiefang was genuinely angry.
He was a straightforward person, and while he could joke around, he found it unacceptable that Zhang San had taken Jin Lingzhi's money and become her servant. This was a binding transaction to him.
Hu Tiefang let out a cold laugh. "I've had all sorts of friends, but a friend who becomes a servant is a first for me."
But Zhang San didn't care. "You just don't understand. It's better to have a wealthy servant than a poor friend. At least he won't come to you for free meals all the time."
Meanwhile, as Zhang San joined the others on the deck, Ying Wanli's small boat also drew close to the large ship.
Bai Lie swung a long rope, connecting the two ships.
Ying Wanli crossed the rope and barely managed to board the large ship. He didn't put on a show; his martial arts were genuinely weak.
However, while Ying Wanli's skills were lacking, Bai Lie demonstrated his prowess. He walked the rope with a leisurely pace, showcasing his exceptional lightness skills, and then used his immense strength to silence the foul-mouthed Xiang Tianfei.
Then, Ying Wanli introduced his and Bai Lie's aliases: Gongsun Jieyu and Bai Zhuzhu.
(End of Chapter)
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