Chapter 598: Section 385: Dragon-man Youth Revival
Moments later.
Snowbird Port City Lord Manor.
Zong Ge and Zi Di were led into the study of the City Lord of Snowbird Port.
“Dragon Lion squad leader, Yao Ma Mage, I am truly sorry for urgently inviting you both here,” the City Lord gestured for them to be seated.
His brow furrowed in concern, yet he maintained a faint smile, not forgetting the etiquette of nobility.
He subtly observed Zi Di, assessing in his mind: “Yao Ma Mage is a Silver Level backing for Dragon Lion, her being here this time signifies her status within the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.”
However, the truth was another matter altogether.
To cover up the fact that the Dragon-man youth had left Snowbird Port, Zong Ge had no choice but to play his part.
But Zi Di was still not at ease, hence she accompanied him this time.
Zi Di did not speak rashly.
Negotiations were just beginning, and she could not respond first. It was natural for the “Dragon Lion” to respond, as this would show respect.
Otherwise, if the City Lord of Snowbird Port took the initiative to apologize and “Dragon Lion” did not speak, but Yao Ma responded instead, that would be too arrogant!
Zong Ge nodded, “City Lord of Snowbird Port, thank you for your invitation, may I know the reason for it?”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port was slightly taken aback.
He keenly sensed that “Dragon Lion’s” tone had changed from before.
Previously, during interactions, the Dragon-man youth had addressed him as “You,” which was a form of respect. But now, it was just “you.”
“It seems the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps has suffered significant losses, and Dragon Lion has a strong desire for retaliation,” the City Lord of Snowbird Port would not have guessed that this was purely Zong Ge’s forceful military style.
The City Lord’s smile deepened, “Since Dragon Lion squad leader is so straightforward, I will skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point.”
“Please take a look at this Magic Image first.”
The City Lord tapped the desk.
A three-dimensional Magic Image immediately rose from the center of the desk.
The image continually played, showing scenes of the Saber Gang leader breaking out and causing a melee at the docks.
Zi Di had experienced it herself, but Zong Ge had not.
The Magic Image immediately caught the Half-Beast’s attention.
His gaze was first drawn to the Rocket Assault Boat, his heart suddenly stirred, assessing internally: “This kind of Silver Level demon energy boat is very special, its speed is too fast, although it is a consumable, if used properly, it can play a significant role on the battlefield.”
“Oh? It can even transfer to one another!”
“This is the best ship for the transport assault team.”
“Is that the Divine Wind? A Gold Level demon energy boat, even faster than the Deep Sea Monster Fish…”
The Magic Image suddenly paused, and the City Lord of Snowbird Port pointed his finger at a specific person in the Magic Image.
“Both of you are clear about this person’s identity, right?” the City Lord of Snowbird Port’s gaze was profound.
Zong Ge and Zi Di’s hearts sank.
Because the person the City Lord was pointing at was Lan Zao!
It was quite normal for Lan Zao to be discovered.
The Mage Tower at the docks of Snowbird Port possessed a strong ability to record magic.
The Mage Tower monitored nearly the entire Snowbird Port, especially around the docks. Initially, when the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps suffered from the Saber Gang’s tactics, and were searched by the Patrol Team, the patrol members brazenly threatened the Water Pigman of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps using the portable recorders.
The City Lord of Snowbird Port deliberately let the Saber Gang leaders escape, watching as they broke out and caused a small melee at the docks. Of course, the Mage Tower had been ready and had thoroughly recorded the entire incident.
After the battle, the City Lord of Snowbird Port would naturally receive a summary report. His subordinates, the intelligence officers, soon discovered an anomaly with Lan Zao.
Lan Zao on the Rocket Assault Boat had close contact with Ice Eagle and others, and ultimately followed them onto the Divine Wind.
Ice Eagle was already a key target of attention, and consequently, Lan Zao was also noticed.
The battlefield was chaotic, and due to some coincidences, Ice Eagle misunderstood Lan Zao. But the subordinates of the City Lord of Snowbird Port were clear observers; they could replay the Magic Image, pause the image for partial enlargement, and further analyze it.
Thus, they quickly unraveled the truth—Lan Zao intended harm to Ice Eagle, but due to slipping, poor condition, and other reasons, he inadvertently supported Ice Eagle.
Normally, such a fool would be ridiculed and despised, but now, the City Lord of Snowbird Port saw potential uses in Lan Zao.
Thus, he had urgently invited “Dragon Lion” over.
“Dragon Lion” said nothing.
Zi Di finally got the opportunity to respond, “City Lord, you truly have a discerning eye.”
“You have uncovered the scandal of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.”
“Yes, this person is a mole planted by the Saber Gang, but during the previous melee, he acted to save Ice Eagle, revealing his identity.”
“We too have just found out.”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port laughed heartily, “Yao Ma Mage, there’s no need for such empty talk, other than wasting each other’s time, it serves no purpose.”
“I wouldn’t have invited you both over for a private discussion unless I had already investigated the results.”
“This Bronze Level fighter joined your mercenary group early on at Snake Rat Island. The Saber Gang trying to plant a mole couldn’t possibly have sent him to Snake Rat Island ahead of time.”
“So, he was mistakenly trusted by Ice Eagle. Now, being amidst the Divine Wind Pirates, are you able to contact him?”
Zi Di smiled bitterly and shook her head, “City Lord, why must you expose this little lie?”
“We are also at a loss about this result.”
“Please forgive the earlier lie. For the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, dealing with a brave young leader falling into enemy lines is difficult.”
“Rescuing him is out of the question, even the Navy are no match for the Divine Wind Pirate Group, let alone us. So, we considered this unfortunate soul ‘killed in action’.”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port nodded slightly, “To be honest, I have also planted a spy within the Divine Wind Pirate Group.”
“It was because of the spy’s precise location that the Navy was able to successfully ambush the Divine Wind Pirate Group.”
“I never thought Feng Lian would possess such combat power,” the speaker lamented. “Had it not been for this accident, all the leaders of the Saber Gang and people like Feng Lian would now be our prisoners.”
“If nothing unexpected had occurred, the spy I had planted would have succumbed to poison by now, bravely sacrificing himself.”
“After this battle, the unspoken agreement between our country and the Divine Wind Pirate Group was broken. This pirate group will surely retaliate fiercely against our coastal areas or merchant ships in the near future.”
“So, the two of you, can you covertly contact your mercenaries?”
Zong Ge and Zi Di exchanged glances quickly.
The intent of Snowbird Port’s City Lord was clear: after the sacrifice of his own spy, he was still seeking another pair of eyes.
And Lan Zao from the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was a prime candidate for development.
“No, we don’t,” Zi Di shook her head again. “Though our senior members have alchemy communication devices, this mercenary… he’s only a Bronze Level, at most a minor leader, not qualified to be equipped with such a device.”
“Really? But he is the lead sailor on your flagship,” the City Lord of Snowbird Port obviously had done thorough research.
“Really not,” Zi Di insisted, shaking her head again. “This kind of Bronze Level lead sailor could be eliminated in an accident. For our squad, a Black Iron Level lead sailor would obviously be more suitable.”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port sighed.
Zong Ge then said, “If we’re talking about clandestine methods of contact, I wonder if the secret codes unique to mercenary groups count?”
“I think, if he’s lucky enough to conceal his identity and survive within the Divine Wind Pirate Group, my squad could make contact in the future, turning him into a spy.”
“Of course, that possibility is very slim now.”
Snowbird Port’s City Lord pondered, “Even if the possibility is slim, it’s worth a try. Let’s sign a contract regarding this cooperation first.”
The City Lord brought out a Magic Contract.
He had prepared it well in advance.
The contract’s content was to develop Lan Zao into a spy to serve both parties.
After carefully checking, Zi Di confirmed the contract was safe.
Then, the City Lord of Snowbird Port and Zong Ge signed the Magic Contract on the spot.
“I will edit and revise this Magic Image, destroy the original, and send the edited version to the higher-ups for a relevant report.”
“As for those in the know, I will also ensure they sign follow-up confidentiality contracts.”
“I hope he survives, although it’s not very likely.”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port sighed.
Zong Ge immediately stood up, “Since matters have concluded, City Lord of Snowbird Port, please excuse us.”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port was slightly taken aback, “Does the squad leader of Long Fu have urgent matters?”
With effort to soften his tone, yet still rigid, Zong Ge replied, “The matter is not urgent, but indeed numerous. City Lord, as you know, we plan to head to the Royal Capital soon.”
“Then join us at tonight’s banquet. Tonight, I am hosting guests from the Lijian family,” the City Lord of Snowbird Port smiled.
Zi Di’s eyes sparkled slightly, “May I ask, is it Lord Kong Pan?”
The City Lord of Snowbird Port laughed heartily, “Correct. Given our multiple pleasant collaborations, here’s a friendly tip for you: maintaining a good relationship with the Lijian family will greatly benefit your trip to the Royal Capital and your arms dealings!”
Darkness.
A profound dark.
In this darkness, the youth’s consciousness gradually revived.
“Where?”
“Where is this?”
“Where am I?”
An endless darkness enveloped him, silent and solemn.
“So, who am I?”
“Who am I?”
“What’s… happening to me?”
No response.
The youth could only helplessly feel around in the darkness.
He did not know how much time had passed or how far he had wandered.
“Is there a sound?”
The youth seemed to hear voices, some people calling his name.
But he couldn’t hear clearly; he followed the sound and moved forward.
Gradually, a trace of light appeared in the darkness.
The light was orange.
Very weak.
Barely visible, intermittently flickering.
The youth made an effort to move toward the orange light.
The next moment, he awoke.
In front of him was the familiar ceiling, emitting the unique metallic lustre of the Deep Sea Monster Fish.
“I…” the Dragon-man youth found himself lying in bed, the confusion in his eyes quickly fading, “I emerged from the wreck, still struck by a Combat Skill powerful enough to terrify.”
“Was it the Tower Spirit who saved me?”
“Lan Zao! Damn it…”
“I must find a way to save him, hoping I haven’t been unconscious for long and the Divine Wind Pirate Group hasn’t gone far.”
The Dragon-man youth cursed softly and quickly got out of bed, opened the cabin door, and ran towards the cockpit.
He had just stepped into the corridor when the Tower Spirit’s deliberately lowered voice came, “Captain, please try to minimize noise and maintain silence. We are in a state of unknown danger and face the risk of complete destruction!”