An Understated Dominance

 The group moved slowly along the edge of the beach, the pebbles underfoot crunching with each step. Li Wenxing walked at the very front, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, eyes sweeping the surrounding plants with constant vigilance. After the scare from the man-eating flowers, nobody dared relax. Even their breathing grew quieter, each man fearful of alerting whatever hidden danger lay on the island. Qian Jin stayed at Li Wenxing’s side, holding a branch and using it to push aside obstructing vines. His gaunt fingers brushed the vine surfaces as he worked, his expression wary. “Your Highness, the vegetation here is even denser than before, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. Besides the scent of plants, there’s a faint, elusive chill in the air,” Qian Jin said quietly. “Uncle Qian, what do you make of it?” Li Wenxing asked softly. “I can’t say for sure,” Qian Jin replied, shaking his head. “Only that things on this island feel abnormal. An ordinary Immor...

 “Rumble—” Black thunder churned within the leaden clouds. The  Longxiang  rocked violently in the raging waves, like a lone leaf in the wind. Water pooled on the deck, mixed with shards of ice, and was whipped into the air by fierce gusts, striking the soldiers’ armor with sharp crackling sounds. Li Wenxing  gripped the mast. His brocade robe was long since soaked through, yet he still stood tall, back straight. Ahead, the silhouette of an island gradually emerged. His furrowed brow suddenly eased, and a blazing light burst in his eyes. “Your Highness! It’s Penglai Island—we’ve arrived!” said his steward Qian Jin, his voice trembling with excitement. This usually shrewd and composed old retainer could not contain his joy. Their voyage had faced three sea monster attacks and twice lost its way, yet at last, on the brink of despair, they had found the legendary Immortal Island. Elite soldiers crowded the deck, staring at the land bathed in glowing light, and broke int...