Cursed Mountains and Seas

Chapter 364 The Trinity of Bone, Flesh, and Soul (Combined)

Woo woo woo.
The Little Ice Age is getting more and more severe each year. It is only October, the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, and the northeast wind is already blowing across the entire East China Sea with the chilling air of the Arctic Ocean.

More than two hundred warships of various sizes sailed with the wind.

Those hard sails and soft sails, some tens of meters high, formed a black cloud, which, from a distance, looked like the mountains in mythology being driven into the sea by a mountain-driving whip, overwhelming the sea surface.

Strong northerly winds prevail over the East China Sea in winter and weak southerly winds in summer.

The spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and from September to November, are monsoon transition periods, during which wind direction is highly variable, with winds potentially coming from the east, west, south, and north.

Setting sail during this period was a huge challenge for all large Western sailing warships with full sails.

Only those hard-sailed Fujian-style ships built according to local conditions, relying on their ability to "bring winds from all directions," could move freely in the complex hydrological conditions of the East China Sea.

Of course, the most powerful sailing warships should not be overlooked.

The master craftsmen of the Eastern Sea Kingdom learned not only battleship construction techniques from the Frankish craftsmen, but also how to make figureheads.

One of the ships is also equipped with spoils captured from the last Battle of Tsushima Strait, a figurehead made from the skull of a demonized pilot whale—the Song of the North Wind.

It is far superior to the Lion-shaped wind that Wang Cheng initially obtained. As long as the wind direction is not completely opposite to the course, it can constrain and distort the wind, thereby helping the fleet to gain leverage.

Thus, clouds and waters from all directions gathered, and a long wind swept down to the South Seas!

The fleet was so well-behaved that even gods and demons avoided it, and all beasts remained silent. It did not encounter any fools who dared to block its way.

It's also possible that they're too big, and even if they run over something, they might mistake it for a speed bump.

At night.

Wang Cheng and Shen Yueye, who had put on the "Cleopatra's Golden Veil" again, climbed to the top of the ship's stern tower, to a three-story "celestial plate" modeled after an astronomical observatory.

Such facilities were already installed on Zheng He's flagship treasure ships during his first voyage to the Western Ocean.

In addition to the naval commanders and fire chiefs, there were also ten naval officers of various ranks called "Star Watchers," who took turns day and night to observe the weather and stars, forming the most advanced "navigation system" in the world at that time.

Wang Bangyan, the fifth-generation ancestor of the Caishui Wang family, was once the chief fire chief of the third rank, a living ghost god, and his skill in the "Overseas Star-Tracking Technique" was unparalleled.

Standing on the high platform, Wang Cheng gazed at the North Star in the sky, the same star his ancestors had once used for navigation, and was filled with emotion.

"History is a spiral cycle. More than a hundred years ago, Bangyan was in charge of leading the treasure ships. Now it is my turn to lead the expedition as the Xuanwei Envoy."

This is a small step for me, but a giant leap for the Wang family. This one step alone has taken five generations and 130 years!

Our fleet looks pretty good on paper.

However, the quality and quantity of the Celestial Ships and the divine officials are vastly different from the previous seven expeditions, and it's unknown how long it will take to catch up and qualify for exploration beyond the walls.

Shen Yueye knew the obsession and mission that the Wang family had carried for generations, and feeling sorry for her husband, she stepped forward and took his arm to comfort him:

"Eunuch Sanbao and Duke Bangyan also spent a full 28 years and made seven voyages to plunder countless treasures, three thousand abyssal treasures, and one hundred thousand sea delicacies along the way."

Through rigorous selection and refinement, generation after generation of talented individuals were forged, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of their strength and embarking on exploration beyond the walls.

Didn't you say that when the ancestral temple was built during the second establishment of the state, you could sense that Bangyan was still alive?
If he knew that it was you, his descendant, who initiated the eighth voyage to the Western Ocean, he would be very happy.

Besides, we're already standing on the shoulders of giants; our growth rate will definitely be faster than theirs was back then.

As he spoke, he unfolded a "Star-Traveling Chart" in his hand.

In the center is a three-masted treasure ship with its bow pointing southeast. Above the ship are the Big Dipper and Polaris, and below is the Southern Cross, also known as the Lantern Bone Star.

A dotted line connects Yuegang and Manila, passing through Penghu and the Bashi Channel. At these four waypoints, the celestial altitude parameters for each observation point are clearly marked for celestial navigation.

In fact, they not only possessed the secret Taoist text "Shunfeng Xiangsong Zhinan Zhengfa" left by Wang Bangyan, but also seized more than two-thirds of Zheng He's treasure map from Guishan Bookstore.

In addition to the methods for crafting more than twenty celestial treasure ships, the "Star-Traveling Maps" for journeys to various parts of the East are also included, all of which were personally drawn by Wang Bangyan, the ship's master craftsman.

It covers the coast of Dazhao to the South China Sea, Southeast Asia, the Borneo Sea, and all the way to the eastern coast of the Black Continent.

This picture is one of them.

Currently, all the "Star-Traveling Maps" in the possession of countries along the Daisho-e Railway are simplified rubbings with many hidden details removed, and they were spread by the remnants of the treasure ships who settled in various places.

Furthermore, in the assessment of [Rare Goods], once this set of blueprints is fully unlocked, it is very likely to be fused with other key items for ocean exploration to form an extremely powerful talisman.

In the night breeze, Shen Yueye's crimson pomegranate-red dress, sprinkled with gold, fluttered like a celestial being. The girl, with a melodious voice possessing a touch of allure, recited the markings and navigation instructions on the map:

"Set sail from Yuegang, with the North Star at thirteen fingers and the Lantern Bone at five fingers. Use the Xun-Si needle (southeast direction) and sail through the fourth watch."

See Penghu Island, North Star twelve fingers, turn to Chen Xun needle (southeast-east direction).

In the middle of the ocean, the North Star and the Lantern Bone Star are aligned, indicating the Bashi Channel. Turn to the Bingwu needle (southwest direction).

Upon seeing the shape of the Luzon mountains, with the North Star seven and a half fingers high and the Lantern Bone formation ten and a half fingers high, we entered Manila Bay and anchored.

Although 【Bodhisattva's Charm】 and 【Star Chaser】 have merged into 【Flying Apsara】, the abilities of the old positions have not been lost, but have been greatly enhanced.

The flight route was planned in an instant:
Starting from Yuegang, the route first heads southeast, bypassing the southern tip of Yizhou Island, the territory of the Red Flag Gang, and enters the Bashi Channel. Then it turns southwest and heads straight for Manila Bay.

By selecting four representative waypoints along the route to measure star altitudes, navigation can be easily established on clear nights.

Both of them practiced the "Overseas Star Gazing Technique" and possessed an unparalleled skill in "star observation." Their eyes themselves were the most accurate "star gazing boards."

They casually glanced up at the sky and unanimously issued navigation commands to the entire fleet:

"Moon Harbor is set sail, with the North Star at 13 fingers (approximately 24.7°) and the Lantern Bone Star at 5 fingers (approximately 9.5°)."

From the starting point, the ship heads southeast; the North Star is gradually descending, and the Lantern Star is gradually rising; two watches of the night have already passed.

This ensures that crew members on night duty can calibrate their course in the dark, and also allows crew members from different departments to estimate their journeys and coordinate their work.

After giving the instructions, they looked at each other and smiled.

You could search every fleet and sailor in the sea and you probably wouldn't find a captain and crew leader with such perfect teamwork as them.

It is particularly worth mentioning that after this period of diligent practice of "The Golden Chamber Techniques of the Bedchamber" and "The Dragon and Tiger Yin-Yang Elixir Method", Shen Yueye has already opened all six orifices and is only one ritual away from the fourth rank.

If she only had the official title of "Star Watcher," her experience as the chief fire officer of the eighth voyage to the Western Ocean would have been enough to easily get her promoted.

Shinto is rooted in humanity, and these opportunities to change the course of human history are the core resources for Shinto practice!
One voyage to the West would undoubtedly create countless elites in the water class.

Shen Yueye's eyes were like water as she secretly moved closer to Wang Cheng's side. Her alluring voice, slightly husky like a cat's, made Wang Cheng's heart itch.
“Husband, you only got the Crimson Book and Golden Talisman by going through Sister A-Xiao’s back door.”

Now, taking advantage of your position, you've arranged such a wonderful job for me. How can I, your elder sister, ever repay you?"

As she spoke, she extended a slender, delicate finger and tickled his palm.

Wang Cheng had no idea what his senior sister had learned from that alluring and captivating master these past two days, and he thought to himself, "This is going to kill me."

Fortunately, Sister Fox always wore the "Cleopatra's Golden Veil," so others couldn't remember her appearance or features. They only knew that she existed and that she was a technical expert invited by Wang Cheng.

Otherwise, others might discover that the Queen Consort of the Eastern Sea Kingdom and the Commander of the Zhenhai Guard and the Chief Envoy of Xuanwei of the Great Zhao Kingdom were working through the night on the script—no, on "The Star-Crossing Map."

That would be great fun.

However, Wang Cheng remembered that he had important business to attend to that evening, so he righteously and firmly refused her workplace bribe:
"Chief Shen, when you're at work, please address me by my title. Call me Your Excellency, the Chief Envoy!"

Sister Fox stuck out her tongue cutely, knowing that she did have important business to attend to tonight, and let him off the hook for the time being.

The entire fleet made slight adjustments to its course and sailed for a while longer before night fell. Crew members not on duty had all returned to their cabins to rest.

Wang Cheng looked down at the luxurious cabin with the "Five Peaks Flag" on the bow of the ship, and the murderous aura on his face rose again:
“There is a road to heaven but you don’t take it, there is no door to hell but you break in.

"Xiaoqi, what's Jiang Jichun doing now?"

Dressed in a white dress, Wang Xiaoqi, with an ethereal and aloof beauty, instantly appeared beside them, giving them a sweet smile:
"Brother, Second Sister-in-law."

With a wave of his hand, he used mirage energy to weave a scene inside the cabin, showing every detail with exquisite precision.

[Rain Water] When Jiang Jichun took office, there was only one person, but now there are quite a few more temple soldiers who are obviously made of yin objects.

Holding swords and knives, with an indigo face and an aura of coldness and murderous intent, he guarded his official cabin with utmost security.

The doors, windows, and walls were covered with talismans, and a basin of water was placed in the center, its surface reflecting the outside scene.
"Wang Fugui and the ship's flank commander are working through the night to study the navigation problem, and there is absolutely nothing unusual."

Wang Chengming had clearly arranged a special ship for his deputy envoy, but he insisted on taking over and moved into their "Five Peaks Flag" ship.

Little did he know, the entire ship was a fake. Every plank and every nail was formed from mirage energy, and every inch of space was naturally filled with the eyes and ears of the ship spirit, Wang Xiaoqi. What Jiang Jichun saw with his naked eye or with his supernatural abilities was actually what Wang Xiaoqi made him see.

After all, the status and size of the Heavenly Crafted Treasure Ship are above those of ordinary living ghosts and gods.

Under the suppression of his position, he was completely unaware of the ship's abnormality, and even less aware that his every move was being monitored by the ship spirit.

Shen Yueye looked at the rain in the picture, her brows furrowing slightly in confusion:
"Fugui, do you think this person has something wrong with his brain?"

Even if he is arrogant and thinks he can take us for granted and wipe us out easily.

"But if he wanted to harm you, why would he show hostility right from the start? Doesn't he realize he's already isolated by the entire fleet?"

"Hehe, this just shows that he has big ambitions."

It wasn't Wang Cheng who spoke, but Cassandra who quietly came to their side.

This seasoned "Bodhisattva Barbarian," who had traveled far and wide and killed countless people solely with her beauty, had witnessed all sorts of human depravity and clearly saw things more clearly than Shen Yueye:

"In history, truly effective conspiracies and open schemes are actually not complicated, especially the art of assassination. No one understands this better than me."

Let's put ourselves in this person's shoes and guess what he wants to do.

First of all, someone who can pass the imperial examination is definitely not a fool; every action he takes must have a deeper meaning. Secondly, he is a hidden member of the Guishan faction, and he is definitely up to no good.

So, this person's decision to openly display his attitude in front of everyone right from the start was clearly intentional, meant for the benefit of everyone in the fleet.

What are the benefits of doing this?
Since the deputy envoy is openly at odds with the chief envoy, he can oppose any decision for the sake of opposing it.

If wealth goes wrong, or even if a wrong decision is made, the losses can be severe, or even cost one's life.

This fleet will immediately fall into the hands of his deputy, who, having been isolated, successfully absolved himself of responsibility but ultimately made the 'correct decision'!

Even if the message is transmitted to the central cabinet, that Grand Secretary Xu will definitely give him his full support.

By then, the fleet was already far away, and the emperor had no one to rely on, so he had no choice but to reluctantly accept it.

That's why I said he had grand ambitions.

Whether this strategy is brilliant or foolish depends entirely on whether Fugui's decision-making will cause huge losses when the two sides disagree, proving that he, the opponent, is more suitable to lead the fleet.

Shen Yueye was incredibly clever and immediately grasped the key point:

"Mother, are you saying that the 'Rain Water' of Guishan Bookstore might not kill people personally, but instead use others to do the killing?"

Did they even contact the Frankish people long ago?

Not only does he want to eliminate Fugui, the enemy of Guishan Bookstore, but he also wants to use the blood of Fugui and many soldiers of the Great Zhao Dynasty to pave the way for himself and gain control of the fleet?

Cassandra nodded slightly:

"This is the most likely possibility."

If his only goal was to kill Fugui and sabotage the voyage, he should have done as you suggested and cultivated a good relationship with Fugui to clear himself of suspicion of secretly killing him.

His current unusual behavior proves that he doesn't just want to kill people.

I have seen many believers who have committed one of the seven deadly sins, 'pride'. They habitually believe that they can control everything, and their plans always aim to maximize their own interests rather than their chances of success.

I have tried quite a few criminals like this.

Upon hearing this, Wang Cheng and Shen Yueye suddenly remembered that this mistress/mother was a "Judgment Knight" protected by Saint Helena, the patron saint of the Byzantine Dynasty, and also a "Judicial Judge" equivalent to the Chief Justice of the Court of Judgment.

At the same time, [Rain] Jiang Jichun is also a devout Nestorian Christian, thus immersing himself in the assassin's professional field.

Wang Cheng's eyes lit up:
"Master's wife, then wouldn't your promotion ceremony be..."

Cassandra smiled sweetly:
"Yes, the moment he violated religious law was when I was at my strongest and he was at his weakest."

The True Cross is for such sinners.

In that case, this traitor Guishan deserves to die even more.

The most remarkable thing is that, by this time, the fleet had arrived in international waters after a day and the first half of the night's voyage.

The distance between the Great Zhao homeland and any of its vassal states that might be affected by the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" is over a hundred miles.

In these lawless zones, even if he were forcibly killed, the official aura of the Great Zhao would not react in any way.

Of course, there is another prerequisite: the country to which the ship belongs cannot be the Great Zhao Dynasty, otherwise it will trigger territorial jurisdiction.

Wang Cheng's face was shrouded in the shadow of the sails, only his lips parted in a wide grin, revealing his white teeth that gleamed coldly.

"Isn't that a coincidence?"
What my ship is anchored to is actually the heavenly rules and earthly laws of the East China Sea Kingdom.

"Even princes are subject to the same laws as commoners, but I, the king, will not be guilty of murder!"

Then he nodded to Shen Yueye.

The latter flipped his hand and took out a pure white bone shrine, its surface covered with dense golden mantras.

There is no Buddha enshrined inside, but rather a small finger bone.

It is the core component of the White Bone Tower ship, the "White Bone Buddha Shrine," and its accompanying national treasure.

Click click
As soon as it was taken out, its joints trembled violently, as if trying to draw bone from all directions to fill its body and transform into a white bone treasure ship.

At the same time, the Mirage Cloud Dragon Ship beneath their feet, and the [Blood Pagoda] serving as the anode within the Yin-Yang Thunderfire Core hidden deep within the ship, also resonated together.

The three seem to be a perfect match.

Amidst the resonant hum of the treasure ship, a flush of excitement rose on Wang Xiaoqi's small face.

"Brother, this is the feeling. I feel like I can become even stronger."

One plus one plus one equals far more than three! The three Heavenly Crafted Treasure Ships combined into one possess power far exceeding that of ordinary treasure ships, achieving a qualitative leap.

The Mirage Cloud Dragon Ship is crafted from the King's Ship and the souls of nine dragons, and equipped with the [Cute Dragon Pearl]; the White Bone Tower Ship is crafted from the White Bone Buddha Shrine and countless white bones, and equipped with the [Buddha's Relic]; and the Blood River Pagoda Ship is crafted from the Blood Pagoda and countless pieces of flesh and blood, and equipped with the [Paper Talk] skill.

These three elements each represent bone, flesh, and soul, forming a trinity of life elements, which aligns with the principle of cultivating both body and soul.

Give them a big surprise.

Wang Cheng patted Wang Xiaoqi's head to calm her down:

"Our main objective on this voyage is not to find the elixir of immortality for the emperor."

Hidden within the Earthly Official's Realm is a circumnavigation fleet, lacking only one warship; the Five Temples Gods' Hidden Flowers are the guaranteed option for completing the mission.

If we can find new immortal slag and create three Yin-Yang Thunderfire Hubs, we can replace the [Blood Pagoda], which serves as the Yang pole, and free up this key treasure to build the Blood River Pagoda ship and the White Bone Tower ship.

I'll give you two more younger sisters.

I think the bones, flesh and soul of this living ghost Jiang Jichun are very suitable for shipbuilding materials.

The title "Rain Water" suits me perfectly; my final destiny is just right for helping my master's wife advance in rank—not a single bit will be wasted.

The methods are all prepared; now there is one last question:
"Should we strike first and call Lao Wu over to kill this thief together?"

Or should we maximize the value of [Rain], waiting for him to contact the Frankish and provide false information, thus violating religious law on the spot, before having our master's wife assassinate him independently, achieving a perfect promotion?

Although he discussed it with others, Wang Cheng himself clearly preferred the latter option.

He felt that even if he hadn't committed the seventh deadly sin of pride, he still wanted to maximize his own interests.

Cassandra and Shen Yueye felt that their side had taken the initiative and had a high success rate, so they also supported the latter option.

The group waited a while longer and found that Rainwater was preparing to rest. It was clear that he would not risk contacting the Franks on the first night of their voyage.

Wang Cheng wasn't disappointed. To be a hunter, one needed plenty of patience. He turned to the two and said:
"Master's wife, Senior Sister, shall we go rest first? Huh?"

Suddenly looking up, I saw a thin mist gradually rising from the sea ahead, and two dazzling red lights, like large red lanterns, suddenly lit up in the mist.

My nose was immediately filled with a foul stench like rotten fish and shrimp.

(End of this chapter)