Chapter 72: An Occasional Gain

With a roar, the fierce crocodile surged against the waves, true energy weaving a net, embodying a spirit of striking without regret. Ignoring the binding threads, Lu Chenzhou still thrust his spear at Jiang Chen. Yet, compared to the beginning, the force behind his attack had diminished by more than half.

“To overcome force with gentleness is one strategy; to oppose violence with violence is another.”

As the savage crocodile lunged toward him, myriad realizations intertwined within Jiang Chen’s heart. This clash with Lu Chenzhou was little more than a test, but the insights it brought surpassed even the life-and-death struggle with the Corpse Daoist. Ultimately, the Corpse Daoist’s skill in magical combat was too meager to inspire new understanding.

“Mysterious Killing Finger!”

Suddenly inspired, Jiang Chen fixed his gaze on Lu Chenzhou and pointed his finger. In that instant, true energy surged, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth responded. A colossal, illusory finger formed above, its bones forged of murderous intent, its tendons from martial vigor, and its flesh and blood from true energy, drawing on the world’s spiritual power as it descended upon the crocodile that was Lu Chenzhou.

Assailed by the killing intent, Lu Chenzhou’s spirit wavered.

“This isn’t good!”

Sensing the danger, his crocodile form faltered. Forced to abandon his assault on Jiang Chen, Lu Chenzhou shifted his spear’s momentum, rising like a dragon from the water to meet the falling Mysterious Killing Finger head-on.

A low hum resounded as two martial techniques fused with magical arts collided. Spiritual energy went wild, waves of force swept out, and the clouds and rain above were instantly scattered.

Noticing this dramatic change, both the officials of the River Inspectorate and the bandits of the River Marauders cast their gazes toward the center of the storm.

“So this is what true strength looks like?”

“What terrifying power—just approaching it feels like we’d be torn apart.”

Hearts trembled with awe and longing; some were inspired, others fearful. Many were anxious as Lu Chenzhou’s strength waned. His spear’s momentum had weakened several times over, losing its former sharpness.

A roar of rage and unwillingness echoed through the air as the Mysterious Killing Finger fell. Overwhelming murderous intent poured down, and the crocodile form of Lu Chenzhou completely disintegrated, bursting into a massive splash that fell back into the river.

“Has he left?”

From his vantage above, Jiang Chen watched the rippling waves and knew Lu Chenzhou had fled.

Indeed, before long, the sound of horns rang out, and the River Inspectorate’s fleet began to withdraw from the Misty Soul Bay. Following Jiang Chen’s command, the River Marauders refrained from further pursuit.

“I’ve gained something, but the outcome differs from my original plan. Still, the result isn’t too bad.”

Watching the fleet recede into the distance, Jiang Chen’s mind flickered with thoughts. Fighting was but a means, not an end. He never truly intended to capture Lu Chenzhou.

Yet he could not lose this battle, for the defeated have no voice. Neither victory nor defeat, or perhaps gaining a slight edge, was the best result.

“The fight is over; now it’s time to negotiate.”

With that thought, Jiang Chen waved the Mist-Driving Banner once more, letting the fog reclaim Misty Soul Bay.

His tasks complete, Jiang Chen returned to Muyu Island. As he strode away on the wind, the eyes of the River Marauders brimmed with reverence and fervor. In that moment, their unity subtly deepened.

“The finger of an immortal, suppressing demons—young master’s powers are truly unfathomable,” Hongyu murmured in awe as Jiang Chen returned.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen only shook his head. Immortal? Divine arts? He was far from that. His technique, though impressive in appearance, was rough and rudimentary, achieved only by forcibly merging several powers with his formidable soul. Anyone else—even a master of Qi cultivation—could not have done it. Yet, perfecting this move would require much hard work. Still, every beginning is difficult; now that the path was opened, he only needed to continue forward with resolve.

“Young master, the bath is ready. The temperature is just right. Let me serve you.”

Hongyu’s eyes glistened as she gazed at Jiang Chen.

Their eyes met. Seeing Hongyu like this, Jiang Chen nodded.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Lu Chenzhou stood at the prow of his ship, watching Misty Soul Bay disappear beneath the returning fog, his expression as dark as water.

He had indeed lost a round to Jiang Chen, but he had not suffered any serious harm. If he wished, he could have continued the fight, and victory wasn’t impossible. His decision to retreat was twofold: first, the fog had returned far quicker than anticipated, endangering the fleet if they tarried; he was not one to sacrifice his men’s lives needlessly. Second, Jiang Chen’s performance was simply too astonishing. Though Jiang Chen’s finger was powerful, Lu Chenzhou had sensed its crudeness—clearly an unfinished technique, perhaps even newly created, and its inspiration came from him.

“Who are you really…”

Gazing into Misty Soul Bay, Lu Chenzhou seemed intent on piercing the layers of mist to discern the truth within. He prided himself on his martial prowess, but this time he truly tasted defeat. He could accept losing, but not that the opponent had learned his methods mid-battle and then turned them against him.

“His cultivation in the Dao of Immortals is on par with mine, but in martial arts, he surpasses me—he is a grandmaster, while I am but first-class…”

Recalling every detail of their battle, Lu Chenzhou fell into deep thought. Standing at the prow, his entire presence radiated a chilling aura that kept everyone at bay.

Though the deputy generals were all curious about the details of his duel with Jiang Chen, none dared ask.

“To think even Lu Chenzhou came up short—there are true talents among the River Marauders. It’s a good thing I didn’t go. Still, it seems they have no desire for a full conflict with the Inspectorate,” mused the old Daoist Fang Wen, gazing toward Misty Soul Bay.

With the battle’s end, the situation settled into a stalemate. Without the right timing, the River Inspectorate had no means to disperse the bay’s mist, making the annihilation of the hidden River Marauders a mere fantasy.

Yet they did not withdraw completely, instead laying siege as though waiting for more favorable conditions.

During this period, while there were no major clashes between the River Marauders and the Inspectorate, minor skirmishes broke out frequently. The Inspectorate’s failure in its first assault shocked many, especially the local powers of Qinghe County.

They had expected the Inspectorate to sweep through and uproot the River Marauders without effort, never imagining such an outcome. Many now lay awake at night in fear.

After all, if the River Marauders survived, retaliation would surely follow, and these locals would be the easiest targets—precisely because they were so vulnerable.