Ascending to Godhood: I Can Foresee All Futures

A little over ten breaths later, a low horn blast sounded.

A towering flagship led dozens of warships of all sizes. They formed a tripod formation, slicing through the waves as they sailed with mighty purpose into the depths of the Yunze Waters.

...

The Yunze Waters were a vast expanse of misty waves, spanning hundreds of miles.

The deeper they ventured, the more treacherous the waterways became. Jagged peaks and grotesque rock formations began to jut from the surface, adorned with ancient trees and gnarled, clinging vines.

Conducting a dragnet search across such a vast and complex expanse of water was by no means an easy task.

The better part of the day slipped by as the fleet cautiously advanced.

The fleet maintained its tight formation, pushing ever deeper into the waters.

Chen Sheng lounged in a large wooden chair set beside the flagship’s command platform, admiring the surrounding scenery with a leisurely air and great interest.

Setting aside the lurking dangers, the region—with its winding waters ringed by mountains, its drifting mists and clouds, and its lush, verdant scenery—was truly a rare and beautiful natural vista.

"Sir, Fulong Creek is just ahead."

Wan Chong Peak drew a few steps closer and reported in a low voice:

"Based on my prior investigations, I speculate that the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance headquarters is likely hidden somewhere beyond this creek."

"Oh? And why haven’t you reported this in detail before?"

Chen Sheng popped a piece of malt candy into his mouth and asked casually.

"Well... it was only speculation, Sir. I wasn’t entirely certain. I feared I might mislead you and send you on a wild goose chase, which would be a grave offense," Wan Chong Peak explained hurriedly, giving a sheepish smile.

"I hear you have a history with Vice Envoy Li?"

Chen Sheng changed the subject abruptly, his tone deceptively casual.

The "Vice Envoy Li" he mentioned was none other than Li Jizhou, the Jingwu Bureau’s third Vice Governor—a man with a notably low profile.

Because he often wore a silver half-mask, people also called him the "Silver-faced Rakshasa."

In his nearly one year with the Jingwu Bureau, Chen Sheng had only ever met the man on two occasions: last night, and the day he had crashed the wedding at Luoyun Manor.

"Sir, the rumors are greatly exaggerated. Vice Envoy Li and I are not actually that close."

Wan Chong Peak’s reply was cautious.

"I see."

A knowing smile touched Chen Sheng’s lips, but he didn’t press the matter. Instead, he called out:

"Deputy Captain Zhan."

"Sir!" Zhan Fusheng, who had been standing at attention nearby, immediately stepped forward.

"That man... has he talked?"

"Sir, the man is tight-lipped. He even tried to bite off his own tongue to kill himself, but I managed to stop him in time."

Then, Zhan Fusheng asked tentatively:

"I... I was thinking we could threaten his family. That might loosen his tongue. But doing so would violate one of the Bureau’s unwritten rules... I wasn’t sure of your thoughts on the matter, Sir?"

Using a comrade’s family as leverage was a major taboo in the Jingwu Bureau. If the prisoner hadn’t been so impossibly stubborn, he would never have dared to suggest it.

"You don’t need to ask me,"

Chen Sheng gave Zhan Fusheng a meaningful look. "That’s for you to decide."

Zhan Fusheng shuddered slightly. Then, gritting his teeth, he clasped his fist.

"Yes, I... understand. I’ll handle it!"

"Sir, we’ve reached Fulong Creek!"

Wan Chong Peak called out.

Hearing this, Chen Sheng rose to his feet and leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance.

He saw the waterway ahead narrow abruptly, flanked on both sides by towering, craggy cliffs. Grotesque rocks jutted out, trailing vines hung down, and the light grew dim. It was, indeed, a treacherous pass.

"Fulong Creek... Fulong Creek..."

Chen Sheng murmured the name, then suddenly smiled and spoke to the men beside him:

"Look around you. Tall cliffs, a narrow channel... treacherous terrain. Wouldn’t this be the perfect place for an ambush? Send a detachment to hide underwater beforehand, block the passage in front and behind... and whoever sails in will be trapped like a fish in a barrel, with no hope of escape."

"You speak truly, Sir..." Wan Chong Peak began, ready to offer a flattering comment.

A low, resonant, and chilling laugh suddenly echoed from the cliffs on either side, shattering everyone’s train of thought.

"On guard!"

The color drained from Wan Chong Peak’s face as he roared.

Instantly, every Jingwu Guard on deck drew their blade and leveled their crossbow, warily scanning their surroundings.

Through the mist ahead, an imposing figure in a cyan cloak appeared. He descended slowly from mid-air as if walking down an invisible staircase, finally coming to a steady rest upon the surface of the water.

The cyan-robed figure’s gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the fleet before locking onto Chen Sheng on the flagship’s deck. His voice carried the natural authority of one long accustomed to command.

"Chen Sheng. Do you know who I am?"

"Zhou Kuohai, Alliance Leader of the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance."

Chen Sheng met the man’s gaze, his response clear and deliberate, enunciating every word.

"Since you know who I am, why haven’t you surrendered?"

Zhou Kuohai’s voice was somber. "Rest assured. So long as you cooperate, not only will the men you brought with you be spared, but I can also guarantee your own safety."

Chen Sheng’s smile never wavered.

"What a coincidence. I was just about to say the same thing to you."

"Still talking tough, even with death at your doorstep."

A cold glint grew in Zhou Kuohai’s eyes.

"I can’t tell if you’re a complete fool or just unnaturally brave. Did you really think hiding Sun Yuzhi away would be enough to keep you safe? Let me tell you something: I saw that move coming a long time ago!"

"If you saw it coming, why are you still here wasting your breath? Are you planning a sneak attack?"

Chen Sheng scoffed. His voice suddenly sharpened as he commanded:

"Enemies in the water! Fire!"

A command flag waved on the flagship. The Jingwu Guards across the dozens of warships reacted instantly. With practiced discipline, they pivoted their Strong Crossbows, aimed them at the water beneath the hulls, and pulled the triggers.

"TCH-TCH-TCH—!"

Hundreds of specially-made, water-piercing Crossbow Arrows shot into the river, and the calm surface was instantly roiled by blossoming clouds of blood.

However, at that very same moment, muffled THUDS and the sound of splintering wood echoed from beneath the ships’ hulls.

Dozens of dark, phantom-like figures erupted from the water. Wielding sharp blades and boarding axes, they instantly vaulted onto the decks of several of the smaller, nearby warships.