The Treasure Ship rocked violently, letting out a deep, muffled RUMBLE.
As the ship broke through an area shrouded in rising steam, the scene before them suddenly became clear.
In the center of the devastated waters, a powerfully built old man stood hovering in mid-air.
He looked to be in his fifties or sixties, with a full head of white hair, yet he exuded a rugged and heroic aura.
The old man held a crimson Treasure Saber as wide as a door panel. The blade steamed with scorching white vapor, a clear sign it had just been through a great battle.
A vermilion wine gourd hung from his waist, and he was currently tilting his head back, drinking heartily.
It was none other than the Dean of the Li Fire Institute, Hong Yuandong!
Not far from Hong Yuandong, a red, Li Fire Institute-style fast boat floated quietly on the water. Several disciples in Li Fire Institute attire stood at its bow, led by the elite disciple Xiao Ruize.
