Chapter Thirteen: "God"

The single character “God” inscribed upon the painting undoubtedly stirred countless speculations within the island master’s mind.

After the initial pang of grief for his beloved artwork subsided, the island master’s inherent suspicion gradually surfaced.

In truth, from the very beginning, he harbored vague doubts about this sudden appearance of the character “God.” Had that not been the case, he would not have summoned Mu Yaoguang to his chamber late at night.

Though the highest authority on the island resided in the Fighting Hall, in the island master’s heart, Mu Yaoguang—the overseer of the Jade Pavilion—was the true intellect.

Because of Mu Yaoguang’s cleverness, the island master assigned him to manage the Jade Pavilion, the place where distinguished guests were entertained. Yet, precisely due to Mu Yaoguang’s intelligence, the crucial Fighting Hall was not entrusted to him, lest he become too powerful and rebel.

The Fighting Hall was governed by Cong Ying, a suspicious, snarling mad dog, and so the island master felt secure leaving it in his hands.

This arrangement was deemed suitable by all; none could find fault, nor threaten the island master’s position.

Such was the delicate balance of power.

As for Mu Yaoguang, placing him in charge of the Jade Pavilion might be a slight underutilization of his talents, but the island master prided himself on never neglecting or slighting him. Though Mu Yaoguang’s status might be slightly inferior to Cong Ying’s, his personal treatment was always made up for accordingly.

Everyone on the island knew that the island master regarded this yellow-haired youth, still wet behind the ears, with special favor, bestowing upon him greater courtesies and warm trust.

The more so, Mu Yaoguang found that the only path before him was to become the island master’s confidant.

Hence, the island master trusted Mu Yaoguang implicitly. For sudden events like this night’s, he summoned only Mu Yaoguang for counsel.

Mu Yaoguang pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.

“Please forgive my frankness, island master. Your bedchamber is a place of utmost importance on the island. If this person could so easily inscribe a character on your treasured painting, I fear they could reach anywhere on the island.”

At this, he cast a subtle glance at the island master. “Surely, even if this person wished to take my head, it would be as effortless as reaching into a pouch.”

The island master’s face darkened instantly, struck by this unsettling truth.

If this person had such skill, why target a nobody like Mu Yaoguang? Clearly, their aim was the island master himself.

As a trace of restless frustration flickered between his brows, Mu Yaoguang conveniently added a line.

“But precisely because of this, I believe this person harbors no ill intent—perhaps they lack true capability.”

Whether this was true or not, it was exactly what the island master wished to hear.

His worry turned to joy at once. “How so? Yaoguang, why say this?”

Mu Yaoguang pointed to the central character “God” on the scroll, smiling gently while fanning himself. “Observe this character calmly, and you will discern the truth.”

The island master fixed his gaze upon the large character, turning it over in his mind repeatedly, almost chewing over every stroke before slowly saying, “...Nothing special.”

“Exactly. The handwriting has form but lacks spirit. Not to mention your treasured calligraphy, even I could not match it.” Mu Yaoguang snapped his fan open, covering half his face, smiling subtly and meaningfully. “Judging by the character, this person must have lived in comfort, constantly flattered and praised, thus—”

Thus arrogant and somewhat clueless.

“Judging by the handwriting, I doubt they possess great skill; perhaps they are merely a peculiar card user.” Closing his fan, Mu Yaoguang concluded.

Seeing a flicker of understanding dawn in the island master’s eyes, Mu Yaoguang knew he had convinced him and gracefully withdrew.

“You are truly the expert here, island master. I am but a novice meddling in your affairs.”

“No, no, you spoke well,” the island master suddenly awakened, hesitating briefly before addressing Mu Yaoguang. “Yaoguang, do you think this visitor could be...”

He did not voice the words “special envoy,” merely mouthing them faintly.

Mu Yaoguang smiled knowingly, feeling this fool had finally arrived at the right conclusion after all his efforts.

Yet outwardly, he feigned surprise and respectfully asked, “I do not understand, how could this be those esteemed gentlemen?”

“Alas, Yaoguang, you do not understand. Each of them was born extraordinary, prideful, accustomed to adulation in the sect, so it is inevitable...” The island master trailed off, sensing impropriety, and fell silent.

He turned back to examine the character “God.” Previously, seeing his beloved painting defaced, he felt only heartache. Now, beyond sorrow, a chill of fear gripped him.

If the visitor was indeed a special envoy, this act was surely a warning. Among all possible characters, why choose “God”? Surely a double entendre...

Mu Yaoguang drew closer, his faintly sweet and peculiar fragrance subtly enveloping them, like an unspoken dream in a gentle haven, causing the island master’s pupils to momentarily unfocus.

“How could it be a special envoy? The island master’s diligent efforts over the years are well known; the sect has always praised you. Where would discontent arise?”

Standing behind the island master, Mu Yaoguang’s eyes brimmed with mischief, yet his words rang sincere, emphasizing “diligent” and “discontent.”

The island master suddenly turned, as if grasping a thread in a tangle, and exclaimed repeatedly, “Yes, of course, the island must innovate...”

He looked up and met Mu Yaoguang’s understanding gaze, decision firm.

“Yaoguang, you once proposed selecting outstanding fighters from the Fighting Hall to form an elite squad...”

Mu Yaoguang quickly interrupted, “It was my oversight before, island master. Please do not mention it again.”

“No, I shall mention it—and act. It is unsuitable for Cong Ying to handle this; you are the best candidate. Tomorrow, I will grant you authority over the Fighting Hall... Yaoguang, I trust you will offer the grandest tribute to our island god.”

Mu Yaoguang bowed respectfully. “The island master’s trust shall not be betrayed.”

As he accepted the small token from the island master’s hand, his expression remained composed. Only after leaving the courtyard did a faint smile spread across his face.

With this token, he could freely recruit from the Fighting Hall.

Now, he was undoubtedly one step closer to the purpose that had brought him to the island.

As for the so-called special envoy... Mu Yaoguang suspected such an envoy might never have existed.

The island master spoke of pride and hauteur; after so long in power, he had almost forgotten the island’s pressing matters.

These newly arrived men had only recently received their spirit awakenings...

With that thought, Mu Yaoguang smiled meaningfully.

Whether or not the inscriber was a special envoy, or whether the character “God” was intentional, Mu Yaoguang was grateful for the opportunity it had delivered.

Of course, as a gesture of thanks...

At some point, Mu Yaoguang unfolded his fan again, concealing most of his face.

Within three days, those newly arrived spirit-awakened fighters underwent a covert screening without their knowledge.

A few bore card skills relating to “ink” or “characters.” These, never battle-oriented, were promptly matched against formidable opponents the next day and swiftly eliminated.

...

In the stillness of night, Ye Zhengliu suddenly stirred in her sleep, awakened from a sweet dream by a sudden sensation.

She sensed that the third skill of her Qianlong card had finally reactivated.

Only now? She had almost forgotten this skill.

Counting the days marked on the wall: one, two, three... three days. The “God” character skill had lasted an extraordinarily long time.

But where had it been before? What had its effect been?

Ye Zhengliu racked her brains but found no answer.

Then again, this was Qianlong’s card; she relaxed, going with the flow.

The skill on Qianlong’s card was probably useless anyway; better to stop experimenting.

From the corner of the wall came faint murmurs—mumbling about “meat” repeatedly. Ye Zhengliu tilted her ear, her face darkening.

Midnight, no sleep, just listening to someone craving meat—what a lonely pastime.

Thinking this, she turned over in the straw, pulled the blanket over her head, and sank back into sleep.

The next day, breakfast was delivered half an hour late.

The prison was full of robust men, all grumbling with hunger. Yet upon seeing today’s meal, their murmurs ceased.

Each had been given an egg.

On the ocean-surrounded Floating Life Island, seafood was abundant, and salt was easy to obtain. The prisoners often enjoyed salted fish to accompany their meals.

But eggs were rare delicacies.

Holding the warm boiled egg, Ye Zhengliu felt a fleeting sense of disbelief, as though in another lifetime.

But the next moment, she snapped back and felt a foreboding, immediately recalling the “headless meal.”

Could it really be that?

Coincidentally, the tall jailer she knew was the one delivering the food. Leaning against the bars, she smiled and inquired about the eggs.

The jailer, sensing no need for secrecy, told her directly.

“Apparently, the island master’s favorite item was lost and then recovered last night. He’s very pleased, so he’s added an extra portion for everyone on the island.”

He smiled with nostalgic delight. “We had vegetables and cured meat for breakfast, and tonight they say they’ll slaughter a pig.”

Oh, as long as it’s not a headless meal.

Ye Zhengliu feigned ignorance toward the jailer’s abundant menu, clutching her egg and returning to her spot.

No, she didn’t want to eat meat, she didn’t want to eat meat...

Damn! She still wanted meat after all! The murmurs about meat were exactly what she was thinking.

Cracking her egg, she silently prayed: May the island master’s favorite item get lost and found ten more times.