Chapter 274: The Fishing Enthusiasts
Spring Lake City lay a thousand li away from the devastated Spring God City. Unlike the former's once prosperous streets, Spring Lake City was quieter and more subdued. The lake after which the city was named spanned hundreds of li, its shimmering waters reflecting the sunlight. Occasionally, large waves rose, revealing glimpses of aquatic magical beasts beneath the surface.
Nestled on the lake's shore was the modest city itself, far smaller than Spring God City. Its streets were sparsely populated, the air thick with unease. The destruction of Spring God City had sent ripples of fear throughout the region, and many of Spring Lake City's residents had fled, fearing they might be next.
Still, something baffling caught the eyes of Xiao Yan's group as they approached the city along the lakeshore, several figures were seated calmly, fishing rods in hand.
Why So Relaxed?
These fishermen sat in tranquility, their faces serene, as if the looming threat of annihilation had no bearing on their lives.
The students following Xiao Yan exchanged puzzled glances. "The city might be destroyed at any moment, and they're fishing?" one of them muttered, incredulous.
Xiao Yan chuckled, a faint smile on his lips. "You misunderstand the nature of true fishing enthusiasts. To them, even if the sky were to fall, they'd cast their lines at least a few more times."
As he spoke, one of the fishermen's rods suddenly jerked violently, almost yanked out of his hands.
The man's face twisted in a mix of anger and desperation. Without hesitation, he dove into the lake after his rod, swimming furiously toward it.
Before he could reach it, the lake surface exploded into a towering wave. A massive head emerged a magical beast, its jaws snapping shut around the hapless fisherman, swallowing him whole.
The students froze, staring wide eyed at the monstrous creature that had devoured the man.
"What… just happened?" one whispered, his voice trembling.
Xiao Yan glanced at the scene, his expression calm. "Let's move along," he said lightly. "For a true fishing enthusiast, such occurrences aren't uncommon."
Entering the City
Spring Lake City was a far cry from its former bustling self. Along its streets, fishing gear shops lined every corner, a testament to its reputation as Black Corner Region's premier fishing hub.
The city's fame drew fishermen from across the region, hoping to snag legendary catches some weighing a thousand jin or more. Stories even told of a few lucky individuals who had reeled in fifth rank magical beasts.
Of course, those who hooked such creatures often met unfortunate ends, devoured by the very beasts they sought to catch. Some rumors spoke of an even more fearsome creature dwelling within the lake a sixth rank flood dragon. Those who dared to fish for it never returned to tell the tale.
The events at Spring God City had driven many of the city's visitors and residents to flee. Yet, for those who stayed, abandoning their livelihoods or treasures wasn't an option. Though the city's population had thinned, a semblance of life remained, offering a stark contrast to the desolation of Spring God City.
After a simple meal, Xiao Yan and his group secured rooms at a relatively quiet inn.
"What's with the Look?"
As the group settled in, Lin Yan couldn't help but notice the innkeeper's strange gaze.
"Why are you looking at us like that?" Lin Yan asked, annoyed.
The innkeeper quickly plastered on a smile. "No, no! I'm delighted to have guests, of course!"
With that, he showed them to their rooms. Once the group was out of earshot, he sighed heavily in the empty lobby.
"Another group of fools wanting to fish…" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. Despite his words, he made no effort to warn them. After all, if they left, who would pay him?
That evening, Xiao Yan gathered the students for a quick discussion. "These past few days, consider this a small vacation," he said with a rare smile. "If we manage to resolve the Gold and Silver Elders issue, there'll be extra rewards waiting for you when we return to the academy."
Cheers erupted among the students before they dispersed for the night.
An Unexpected Encounter
Once back in his room, Xiao Yan sat cross legged, closing his eyes to meditate. Yet after only a short moment, he opened them again, his figure vanishing into thin air.
He reappeared outside the city's largest fishing supply shop.
Inside, a familiar voice rang out. "Shopkeeper, give me your best fishing gear!"
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow as he recognized the speaker Lin Yan.
"Our best set can handle up to a third rank magical beast," the shopkeeper replied skeptically. "But it costs a million gold coins. Are you sure?"
Lin Yan hesitated, his face reddening. A million gold coins was an astronomical sum for him. Though he could afford it, it would drain nearly all his resources.
Before he could respond, a calm voice came from behind him. "Shopkeeper, I'll take a set as well."
Lin Yan stiffened, turning to see Xiao Yan standing there, smiling faintly.
"Looks like someone beat me here," Xiao Yan teased, clapping Lin Yan on the shoulder.
The shopkeeper opened his mouth to confirm the price, but Xiao Yan casually flicked a purple gold card onto the counter.
"Here's two million gold. Prepare the best set you've got."
The shopkeeper's eyes widened. After verifying the card, his demeanor shifted, becoming obsequious. "Right away, sir!"
Before the shopkeeper could leave, another voice came from the doorway.
"Shopkeeper, give me your " The voice cut off abruptly as Lin Xiuya stepped inside, spotting Xiao Yan and Lin Yan.
The three exchanged awkward glances, each managing a polite but strained smile.
"Fancy meeting you here."
"Indeed."
Moments later, a fourth figure entered a female student from their group. "Oh! Everyone's here?" she exclaimed, clearly amused.
As if on cue, more footsteps sounded outside. One by one, more students from Xiao Yan's team trickled into the shop.
Within a single incense stick's time, six of the ten students had arrived, all drawn by the allure of fishing.
Xiao Yan stood silently, gazing at them with a complicated expression. "So… out of ten people, six of you are fishing enthusiasts?"
Though stunned by the revelation, he couldn't help but feel relieved. At least Han Yue wasn't among them, sparing him further embarrassment.
But just as this thought crossed his mind, his expression darkened. Sweeping his soul perception across the city, he realized Han Yue wasn't at the inn or anywhere in Spring Lake City.
Expanding his search, Xiao Yan finally sensed her presence far beyond the city limits. What he discovered next made his expression turn even more serious, a faintly bemused look flashing across his face.
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