The ship that the Seventeenth Master sent to investigate the White Lotus Sect's grain storage island has been at sea for three days, but there has been no news. They are starting to get impatient.
The Thirteenth Prince and the Seventeenth Prince were restless at their encampment and sent men to guard the port day and night.
Seventeenth Master paced restlessly in the room, occasionally peering out the door, his anxiety palpable.
"Thirteenth Brother, do you think the ships we sent out might have been discovered?"
The Seventeenth Prince's heart tightened, and his brows furrowed in worry.
Thirteenth Master remained calm, sitting with his eyes closed as he said, "No! If we were discovered, the White Lotus Sect would definitely find a way to retreat. Right now, the sea is calm and there's no sign of anything amiss, so let's wait patiently..."
Seventeenth Master calculated the time, plopped down in a chair, scratched his head, and said, "Why am I so worried... Thirteenth Brother, will our ship really be able to find the island?"
Thirteenth Master opened his eyes, let out a long breath, and said with a faint smile, "Things have come to this point, there's no use in being anxious anymore. I wanted to go with you back then, but you wouldn't allow it. Now you're getting impatient..."
The Seventeenth Prince stood up, his face flushed with anxiety, and said, "Forget it, Thirteenth Brother, if you go, I'm afraid I'll be even more worried. I might even send troops to rescue you right now..."
Thirteenth Brother laughed heartily, pulled Seventeenth Master to sit down and set up the chessboard. Seventeenth Master glanced at him sideways, then turned his head away and ignored him.
The Thirteenth Prince laughed and said, "Since we're waiting anyway, why don't we play chess... to pass the time..."
Seventeenth Master said urgently, "I have no intention of doing that. I need to go to the port to take a look..."
Thirteenth Master grabbed Seventeenth Master, pointed to the chessboard, and said calmly, "Take a look at this game first..."
Seventeenth Master turned around and took a closer look. His eyes lit up with joy, and he sat down, saying, "This chess game is just like our current predicament... The white pieces represent the evil sorceress's strategy, while the black pieces represent our encirclement strategy..."
Thirteenth Master nodded, picked up a chess piece from the black chess box, and hesitated.
Seventeenth Master pondered for a long time, then pointed to a spot and said, "Here! Thirteenth Brother, if we can confirm that these islands belong to them, then as long as we guard this place... we can cut off their escape route..." Thirteenth Master smiled with satisfaction and looked up, saying, "It seems you've learned quite a bit..."
Two more days passed, and the ships sent out to scout had been at sea for five days. Finally, on this morning, they could vaguely see the ships sailing towards the port through the thick fog. The soldiers on guard had sharp eyes, jumped up, and spurred their horses back to their camp to report.
Within fifteen minutes, the naval commander and the Seventeenth Prince's men returned, looking travel-worn. The Thirteenth and Seventeenth Princes received them in the main hall. It was clear that the soldiers had endured a harsh life at sea these past few days; their skin was tanned dark, and the sea breeze had peeled off their skin, revealing traces of red blood.
"We are late, Your Highnesses, please forgive us!" The men knelt down to pay their respects. The Thirteenth Prince looked at them with relief and quickly helped them up: "You've worked hard, it's good that you're back..."
The Seventeenth Prince couldn't contain himself any longer and came downstairs to ask, "How was it? Did you find anything?"
The naval commander clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying happily, "Your Highness, one of the islands you marked out is indeed the cult's grain storage island..."
The Seventeenth Prince was overjoyed and clapped his hands in excitement.
"What about the White Lotus Sect's stronghold?" Thirteenth Master asked calmly.
"Reporting to the Thirteenth Prince, there is a mysterious island not far from Cangliang Island. We have observed the area for several days and it should be the island where they are hiding. However, just as Your Highness guessed, the island is surrounded by hidden reefs and is often shrouded in sea fog, making it difficult for ordinary people to spot. We dare not approach it easily and can only return to report first..." the commander said.
Thirteenth Master nodded secretly and said, "Very good! You did the right thing! Now, remember not to alert them and let them escape..."
Seventeenth Master glanced at Thirteenth Master and laughed, "Thirteenth Brother, it seems our game is coming to an end!"
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