135: Haihua Alliance

After consolidating his cultivation, activating the System's new features, and obtaining clues about the white dragon soft armor, Qin Feng was in high spirits. He was just about to discuss their next move with Su Yuetang and the others when Su Yuetang spoke first, her expression carrying a hint of gravity.

"By the way, Qin Feng, many things have happened in the outside world during the hundred days you were in seclusion." Su Yuetang led him toward the discussion hall, speaking as they walked. "The most important one is that my Hundred Flowers Pavilion and the Four Seas Merchant Guild have jointly formed a 'Flower Sea Alliance'."

"Flower Sea Alliance?" Qin Feng's footsteps paused slightly, somewhat surprised. He had expected the cooperation between the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and the Four Seas Merchant Guild to deepen, but the formal establishment of an Alliance held a significantly different meaning.

"Yes." Su Yuetang nodded, her tone heavy. "The reason is simple: recently, the activities of the coastal Wokou pirates have become exceptionally rampant, far exceeding the past. Not only are they plundering merchant ships, but they have even made landfall multiple times, capturing several coastal towns. The garrison forces... suffered heavy losses, nearly being wiped out entirely."

She paused and continued, "This matter has shaken the imperial court. His Majesty the New Emperor was enraged by this and specially dispatched an Imperial Commissioner to issue a decree. It calls upon all coastal forces—be they Sects, merchant guilds, or even... former sea bandits—as long as they are willing to fight the Wokou together, their past crimes will be forgiven, and they will work together to protect the borders and the people."

Hearing this, a sharp light flashed in Qin Feng's eyes. "So..."

"So," Su Yuetang took over the conversation, a complex expression appearing on her face, "'Red-Haired' Mace has brought the remnants of her Green Fish Bandits, along with some small groups of sea bandits who were also driven to a dead end by the Wokou, to seek refuge with our Flower Sea Alliance. They are familiar with the sea regions and are the maritime force we urgently need right now. Our Hundred Flowers Pavilion and the Four Seas Merchant Guild provide supplies, experts, and shore bases, while they are responsible for maritime reconnaissance, harassment, and even coordinated combat."

"Mace?" Qin Feng was truly a bit surprised, then smiled knowingly. "Heh, I really didn't expect that after fighting to the death at Black Reef Island, we would now become allies fighting side by side. The shifting tides of the times are truly remarkable."

"Indeed." Su Yuetang also sighed with emotion, then her expression turned solemn again. "However, even so, the situation remains far from optimistic. According to the information gathered by Mace and her people from various sources, the Wokou have been frequently mobilizing recently. It seems... they are brewing an unprecedented large-scale operation. Their target is very likely—West Lake City."

"Attacking West Lake City?" Qin Feng's gaze suddenly became sharp, like the unsheathed ink plum sword. "What a massive appetite! It seems that destroying their stronghold on Black Reef Island and killing Sasaki last time has completely enraged them. Or rather, it disrupted some important plan of theirs, and now they want to retaliate and use this to establish their dominance."

The corners of his mouth curled into a cold arc. "Heh, just as well. I've just come out of seclusion and was worried I'd have nowhere to test the weight of this Martial King realm. If they dare to come, then West Lake City shall be their burial ground!"

Feeling the powerful confidence and killing intent radiating from Qin Feng—who had just entered the Martial King realm and was at the peak of his vigor—Su Yuetang's heart settled. With this young Martial King who had repeatedly created miracles, plus the newly established Flower Sea Alliance, she seemed to have a bit more confidence in dealing with the impending storm.

"The Alliance has just been founded and there is much to be done, especially the maritime forces which still need integration and coordination," Su Yuetang said. "Qin Feng, since you have come out of seclusion and are a Martial King powerhouse, I'm afraid we'll have to ask you to take on the position of Vice Alliance Leader of the Flower Sea Alliance and the heavy responsibility of resisting the Wokou."

Qin Feng looked into the distance, his gaze seemingly piercing through the pavilions to see that treacherous and unpredictable sea.

"It is my duty."

The Wokou plot for West Lake City?

Then let there be war!

Just as well, before the battle begins, I'll go to the bottom of Sun Moon Lake first and retrieve that 'white dragon soft armor'!