Especially at the beginning of the year, the activities of demons in Tongtian Prefecture became more and more frequent. During that time, there were even two significant murder cases, and this place once became completely desolate, turning into a forbidden zone for humans. Even if it was necessary to cross the river, people would choose to take a detour to the south, even if the distance was dozens of times longer, as it was better than losing their lives.
It wasn't until April that the Hou Clan reached cooperation with Tongtian Prefecture, and the east and west banks were no longer blocked. The ferry began to operate again, but since Hedong was in a wartime state and only Hou Clan's boats were allowed to pass, there were still not many people coming and going.
The restoration of the ferry was not as optimistic as one might have hoped.
For instance, at this moment, there were only three boats at the entire ferry, and they were only around ten zhang long, estimated to hold no more than three to five hundred people when fully loaded. The boats bore the two-colored lotus flags of the Hou Clan, and there were only a handful of people at the ferry, most of them dressed as Martial Artists of the Hou Clan.
Suddenly, more than a dozen men on horseback dashed from the west side of the ferry. The people who were busy turned their heads to see the newcomers and quickly put down their work to bow deeply to the square-faced man leading the group, respectfully saying, "Greetings, Vice Commander Wang!"
Wang Gong had an urgent expression on his face. In response to everyone's bows, he just uttered a slight hum and rode his horse directly through the crowd, stopping only at the edge of the ferry's bulk ship. He then took out a golden seal from his bosom and, after examining it for a moment, channeled his Dantian True Qi into it. Seeing the seal glowing brightly, he tossed it into the water.
As soon as the seal touched the water's surface, the entire river emitted a light ripple sound. The sound seemed large and small, both far and near. Although there were no visible movements on the water's surface, it resonated clearly within Wang Gong's heart.
Now, Wang Gong was also a Second Realm Grandmaster with Divine Skills, holding a high position within the Hou Clan and being well-experienced, but the current situation still elicited a look of surprise on his face.
In just over ten breaths' time, a hand suddenly extended from the water, gently grasping the golden seal, followed by an old man with a thin face, a kind expression, and a tuft of goatee emerging slowly from the riverbed.
"Wang Gong pays respects to Lord Cui!"
Seeing the old man, Wang Gong immediately dismounted and bowed deeply.
He recognized Cui Pan. When the Fifth Young Master married in June, Cui Pan was the one from Tongtian Prefecture who brought the congratulatory gifts. The Family Head had mentioned that Cui Pan was as powerful as a Fifth-Rank demon equivalent to the Yin Yang Holy Realm martial artist. Facing such a formidable being, despite knowing that Tongtian Prefecture had a good relationship with the clan, Wang Gong couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
"What do you need from me?"
"The Family Head specially asked me to inquire with Lord Cui about recent unusual activities in the river. Besides our Hou Clan, have there been any other forces' ships sailing by?"
Cui Pan's brow furrowed slightly, and he shook his head, "Tongtian Prefecture has a decree, foreign ships are not allowed to enter Tongtian River without permission. Who would dare to trespass and seek death? Why would the Master of Hou Family ask about this?"
Wang Gong's expression hesitated, as if he had something difficult to say. When Cui Pan's gaze bore into him, he bowed and said, "Then perhaps the Family Head has received some false information. No one should dare to violate the decree of Tongtian Prefecture."
Having said this, he intended to turn and leave immediately, but at that moment, Cui Pan's eyebrows knit together, and he gestured to keep him there.
"Speak plainly, there's no need for such pretense!"
Wang Gong, upon being called out, could only force a smile before speaking seriously, "The Family Head has received credible news that Leiyin Temple's warships are now less than a thousand li from Longxiang Ferry. He thought that Leiyin Temple had obtained Lord River's permission to enter Tongtian River territory. He intentionally sent me to ask, but since Lord Cui is unaware, it looks like the Family Head might have received false..."
Cui Pan's face quickly darkened, and before Wang Gong could finish, he vanished from the water's surface, leaving only a hurried sentence behind.
"I'll go back and inform the Prefecture Chief. Thank you for the report from the Master of Hou Family!"