As the alliance’s martial arts masters headed toward the Dongting Fortress, the Dongting Fortress confirmed the news that the people who went out to get rid of the Great Ximen Family’s warriors were wiped out.

“What do you mean by that? We sent four chiefs and a hundred thieves, so how could they be wiped out? Do you think that makes sense?” Sim Cheon asked, sounding baffled.

“Erm, according to reports, Absolute Realm masters are aboard the Great Ximen Family’s ship.”

“Absolute Realm masters?”

“It seems that the Nine Prominent Sects and Seven Great Families’ representatives for the Wuchang meeting are accompanying the Great Ximen Family’s martial artists.”

“Have they figured out our plans?”

“That seems to be the case, yes.” Ga Jin-Ok nodded.

“Their next course of action would be to attack this place, then.”

“That’s certainly the most probable scenario.”

“If so, then this might actually be a good thing.”

“Do you say that with the scale of their forces in mind?” Ga Jin-Ok dumbfoundedly replied to Sim Cheon.

“Naturally. We’re at the Dongting Lake. We certainly aren’t a match for them on land, but we have a good chance of winning in naval warfare.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“We will destroy their ships using the Fire Dragon Burst Ship, which my fortress has developed.”

“The Fire Dragon Burst Ship?”

“Yes. It was specifically created to deal with the martial arts masters of murim. The Fire Dragon Burst Ship has oil-slathered iron stakes embedded in the ship’s prow, allowing it to pierce through enemy ships.”

“I see. It’s designed...