The Regressor of Mount Hua-Chapter 301. Dragon Kings of the Four Seas (1)

As enemies, the Hainan Sword Sect and the Returning Deer Gate had been at war for a long time. Their current war had begun ten years ago.

If one were to count all the years filled with repeated ceasefires, temporary truces, and resumed conflicts, the history between them would stretch well beyond a decade.

However, their long-standing conflict had been brought to an end by the appearance of a Sect. The South Sea Dragon Gate.

"Because of greed, you have stained the island's peace with blood and angered the sea. We have come to punish you for that sin."

With aqua-colored hair, reminiscent of the sea, the South Sea Dragon Gate, led by Dragon's Claw, had suddenly appeared.

"I'm not very familiar with the sects of Hainan Island," Zhou Xuchuan said. "What kind of sect is the South Sea Dragon Gate?”

"It's a sect based on indigenous beliefs. It's a legendary sect that's been around for hundreds of years, or maybe even thousands of years. Have you heard of the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas?"

"A little? You mean the Dragon Kings who are said to rule over the Four Seas?"[1]

In ancient times, the Central Plains were believed to be surrounded by seas to the east, west, south, and north. Those seas were called the Four Seas.

It was said that a Dragon King ruled over wind and rain, living with his subordinates in a palace of dragons called the Crystal Palace. With his domain over the water, he sent his four sons to govern each of the four seas.[2]

"Then, could it be that the South Sea Dragon Gate is..."

"Exactly. The South Sea Dragon Gate is the rumored dragon palace of the Southern Red Dragon King Guangli Ao Qin."[3]

"So that's why you called them mermen."

At first, when the Hainan Sword Sect and the Returning Deer Gate heard the name South Sea Dragon Gate, they laughed.

No matter how superstitious the people of the sea still were, how could they possibly believe it when told that the warriors standing before them had been sent by the Dragon King of the South Sea?

To draw a proper comparison with the Central Plains, it would be like someone claiming to be a divine messenger of the Jade Emperor.

Of course, there were ancient records of the South Sea Dragon Gate’s existence, but they were so old that even their authenticity was uncertain.

"At first, we thought it was a joke, or at the very least some deluded religious cult. However..."

"However?"

"We began to consider that maybe it was real when their spears were pointed at our throats."

The power of the South Sea Dragon Gate was anything but ordinary.

They were so powerful that they were called the demons from the sea.

Still, the Hainan Sword Sect and the Returning Deer Gate had mocked them at first, even as they raised their guard.

After all, from the Hainan Sword Sect's perspective, no matter how much their strength had been diminished by years of war, they were still the Hainan Sword Sect.

However, they weren't able to laugh further once their prestigious sect, which was considered second only to the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Ancient Families, began to be pushed back.

Even the Returning Deer Gate, which had been fighting the Hainan Sword Sect for a long time, could not withstand the might of the South Sea Dragon Gate.

Not only did the South Sea Dragon Gate deal with both forces that divided Hainan Island at the same time, they also inflicted massive damage.

"What's even more absurd is that the South Sea Dragon Gate really came from the sea and even returned to it."

"Pardon?"

"It may sound like a joke, but it's not a joke at all."

The sea was the territory of the South Sea Dragon Gate. While one could enter the waters, one wouldn't be able to leave freely.

Even if there seemed to be no problem, one couldn't go out for fear that the South Sea Dragon Gate might attack.

"They... really might be mermen."

The old legends had returned.

Rumors spread like wildfire across Hainan Island.

The sailors were afraid of the sea's anger and didn't go out, blaming the Hainan Sword Sect and the Returning Deer Gate.

"There are many religions on Hainan Island. Among them, the most influential ones are the ones worshipping the God of the Sea and the Dragon King of the South Sea, also known as the South Sea's Guardian Dragon. Since those who claim to be messengers of the gods have appeared and criticized us, we couldn't help but lose the people's trust."

Tian Shuiguo sighed, his eyes filled with sorrow.

"Amidst all that, I heard there was a hideout of the South Sea Dragon Gate on the island. So I prepared to strike. And then—well, you saw what happened. I made a hasty, foolish decision, and so..."

"Don't blame yourself too much."

"Thank you."

Tian Shuiguo smiled bitterly and looked at Zhou Xuchuan.

"By the way, if it's not that you want our help in the Great War of Good and Demonic or the Great War of Good and Evil, what brings you all the way to Hainan Island? Oh! Don’t tell me you need our strength to fight that Dark Heavens Association or whatever they’re called?"

To be honest, the Dark Heavens Association didn’t seem all that threatening.

Even after being approached by three of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, Tian Shuiguo only half-believed what he heard.

It was much the same reaction the murim of the Central Plains had given.

"Something like that."

"Something like that?"

"We didn’t need the help of the Hainan Sword Sect, but a blacksmith."

Zhou Xuchuan winked at Li Yicai.

"Ahem!"

Li Yicai cleared his throat and gathered everyone's attention.

"By chance, is there a blacksmith with the surname Gan on this island?"

"Gan? Hmm. I feel like I’ve heard that name before, but I’m not sure. However, Master, or rather, the Sect Master, might know."

"You're referring to elder Wei Yihai."

Zhuge Xiuluan provided the detailed explanation in Li Yicai's stead.

"Is it possible for us to meet with the Sect Master?"

"Of course."

Meanwhile, Zhou Xuchuan was thinking about the South Sea Dragon Gate.

South Sea Dragon Gate...

It was a sect that he had never heard of in his past life, or even in this one. Even on Hainan Island, it was regarded as little more than a myth.

He wondered just how and why such a sect had suddenly appeared, and why it hadn't been made famous during the Era of War and Chaos.

Are they related to the Dark Heavens Association?

Zhou Xuchuan didn't know everything about the Dark Heavens Association.

It was only natural that there would be things he wasn't aware of.

Considering how remote Hainan Island was, it was entirely possible he had never heard of such a sect, just like the forces of the murim of the Frontier.

For instance, Zhou Xuchuan only had general knowledge about the Western Highlands, the North Sea, and the Southern Jungles, but he wasn't knowledgeable about the details.

For now, let's just wait and see.

***

Since the Hainan Sword Sect was located on Limu Peak, a mountain right in the middle of Hainan Island, Zhou Xuchuan's party had to leave their ship at the docks. While they were worried that they might be plundered by pirates, thankfully, the Hainan Sword Sect disciples showed them a safe place to hide it.

The party, consisting of only martial artists, headed for Limu Peak.

Of course, Li Yicai and Zhuge Shengji, who had relatively weak physical strength, weren’t a burden since they could be carried if needed.

Granted, Li Yicai had a lot of... flesh, so he had to be carried in a palanquin, something that would certainly be carried by the warriors of the Gold Will Sword Sect.

While it wasn't that far to Limu Peak, it took them some time to arrive as they still had the injured among the Hainan Sword Sect disciples.

Normally, with lightness techniques, the trip would have taken only half a day. But with the wounded, it ended up taking nearly two days.

"Welcome. I am Wei Yihai, the Sect Master of Hainan Sword Sect. My title within the murim is the South Sea's First Sword."

Wei Yihai was also one of the One Hundred Experts Under Heaven, ranked among the top. Despite being old, he had a sharp sword-like aura.

"I’ve already heard the full story from my disciples. I sincerely thank you for your help."

While Wei Yihai thanked the party, he kept glancing at Zhou Xuchuan with disbelief in his eyes.

Ha, I really can't read his realm.

Wei Yihai had heard rumors about the hero of the Great War of Good and Blood. Considering such news had spread even to Hainan Island, the young man's skills were true.

However, when he heard the titles 'Seven Empyrean Overlords' and the 'Sword God,' he doubted his ears.

Regardless of how early he had reached the Harmony Realm, common sense still applied.

No, he couldn't believe it.

When it came to the Coruscant Realm—wasn't it the pinnacle of martial arts and the highest realm? It was a level that only a very few people were able to reach in an era.

Even Wei Yihai, who had been called a genius since childhood, had not been able to overcome the barrier and reach the famed Coruscant Realm for decades.

However, when he heard that this young man, young enough to be his son—no, his grandson, had achieved it, it was only natural for him not to believe it.

When he received the second letter, he thought it might have been some kind of code.

Or perhaps Tian Shuiguo had gone mad with guilt due to his wrong judgment.

However, seeing it in person like this changed his mind a little.

A master could recognize a master, and a lower realm could not recognize a higher realm.

Just as the saying went, Wei Yihai couldn't see Zhou Xuchuan's realm. It was as if the young man hadn't ever practiced martial arts.

However, it was impossible for a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect and a hero of the Righteous Faction not to know martial arts, and there were many witnesses who had seen his exploits.

Although he was still half-suspicious, he had no choice but to admit that the young man was at least an expert on his level.

People couldn’t easily accept something so unbelievable, even if they saw it with their own eyes. A master like Wei Yihai was no exception.

"I just did what was expected."

Ha, really. A hero truly is a hero.

Most people, once they reached a realm above others, would become arrogant and ignore basic courtesy. But this young man showed no such behavior.

His calm and respectful demeanor was more than fitting for someone bearing the title of a Hero of the Righteous Faction.

"The Hainan Sword Sect owes a great debt to the Mount Hua Sect’s Sword Dragon and the Zhuge Family’s Tactician Phoenix. Though we may be limited in some ways due to our current circumstances, if there is anything you require, just say the word. I’ll do whatever I can to make it happen."

Zhou Xuchuan explained the situation to Wei Yihai.

He was somewhat worried that Wei Yihai might not know anything, and if so, the real problem would be what to do next.

"The person you are looking for is most likely Gan Yezi.[4] He's been active across various sects, including the Hainan Sword Sect, Hainan Island's other forces, and even Zhoushan City's Putuo Gate, maintaining their mechanisms and producing weapons."

Fortunately, his worries were unfounded, but unfortunately, Zhou Xuchuan encountered a new problem.

"Gan Yezi is not on Hainan Island right now. No, I should say he is, but..."

Wei Yihai’s expression turned troubled.

"Can you explain what you mean?"

"The last place Gan Yezi was seen was the South Sea."

"The South Sea?"

"To be exact, the South Sea off the coast of Hainan Island. In other words, the location of the South Sea Dragon Gate."

Zhou Xuchuan's eyes widened.

"I'm saying this in advance because I'm afraid you might misunderstand, but I'm not trying to deceive you or anything."

Wei Yihai didn’t want to be suspected of lying just to gain help due to their difficult circumstances.

"At first, I thought it was just someone who looked like him, but since the person himself is missing, I think this information is reliable."

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"..."

Zhuge Xiuluan furrowed her brows. Her expression clearly showed her thoughts,

This is giving me a headache.

"Before that, is there really a place called the Dragon Palace?"

By this point, they couldn't tell if that rumored Dragon Palace was just the base of the South Sea Dragon Gate, or if it was truly the legendary Dragon Palace.

People couldn't live in the sea. If they did, they would be mermen, not people.

However, the fact that they were truly seen leaving and entering the sea was a problem.

"We wanted to confirm it for ourselves, but couldn’t. While our enemy, the Returning Deer Gate, approached them several times, they couldn't move freely within the sea. More importantly, there was a nature formation surrounding the water, and their boat capsized along the way."

They could truly sense the hardships Wei Yihai had endured.

"Although we sent a few disciples who had cultivated water immersion arts, none of them returned alive."

It was truly a case of adding insult to injury, and they were helpless.

Water immersion arts...! Ah! So the truth behind those mermen rumors was the water immersion arts!

As the name suggested, water immersion arts were techniques developed for fighting in water. Within the Central Plains, such arts were mainly cultivated by the Nine Water Gangs.

With these arts, one could survive underwater for thirty minutes, or even over an hour, without needing air.

Not only that, but one could move underwater just like they did on land, and could also fight just as fiercely.

"Unfortunately, as of now..."

"Well, by any chance, are there any disciples left in the Hainan Sword Sect who can use water immersion arts... no. Are there any pirates around here? Moreover, pirates who cultivate," Zhou Xuchuan asked.

There were mountain bandits in the mountains, and river pirates in the rivers.[5]

And, of course, there were pirates in the seas.[6]

"Pirates? While it's not like there aren't any... but why pirates?"

"I have something I need to borrow from those friends."

1. There is the Dragon King the "Dragon God", and the Dragon King the "Four Dragon Kings who hold domain over the four seas." Please note that there are a lot of imperial dragon-esque mythology with very similar titles ehehe. ☜

2. I changed this slightly from the raws as it directly contradicts what was said above and below. The original states that there was a single Dragon King who ruled over the wind and rain of the Four Seas, but we just clarified that it's the four separate dragon kings, not the one singular one. ☜

3. The raws read Ao Run. However, Ao Run is the Western White Dragon King Guangshun Ao Shun, and is, well, from the West, not the South. The actual god isn't that important to the story, so we've changed it for accuracy. ☜

4. This blacksmith's name is a combination of two famed blacksmiths, Ou Yezi and Gan Jiang. ☜

5. Literally River Bandits. ☜

6. Literally Sea Bandit. ☜