Chapter 150: Nameless-He Became the Devoted Second Male Lead in a Female-Centric Cultivation Novel(Tubilalu)

The boatman stood at the bow, holding what appeared to be an ordinary bamboo pole, and gently broke the surface of the water.

Fine, intricate ripples spread out across the pitch-black water.

The small boat glided at a steady, unhurried rhythm, while the other shore still seemed veiled behind the endless night, looking utterly out of reach.

Jiang Yan lay flat on his back in the boat, his eyes fixed on the vast and boundless river of stars.

"Well now, brother, your job is quite leisurely. Accompanied by the starry river night after night, aren't you having a wonderful time?"

Breaking the silence of the night, Jiang Yan initiated a conversation with the boatman.

The boatman merely nodded slightly, his voice as indifferent as the wind, yet carrying an indescribable charm:

"The starry river is beautiful, but it cannot compare to the human heart."

Seeing that the boatman was disinclined to talk further, Jiang Yan closed his eyes to rest and collect his thoughts.

The surrounding silence acted as an invisible barrier, with only the sound of the bamboo pole lightly parting the water echoing softly in the tranquil night.

Jiang Yan's mind and body gradually relaxed. Just as he was about to drift off into dreamland, suddenly, from beneath the calm water surface, pairs of pale arms broke through the water like death-seeking fiends, attempting to climb aboard the boat.

"Let me on the boat!"

"Let me up!"

...

The owners of those arms seemed to be wandering souls yearning to escape the depths of the water, their voices filled with despair and longing.

"The boat is fully loaded, do not disturb further."

The boatman's voice was as cold as ice. With a gentle wave of the bamboo pole in his hand, like a dancing wind, he struck down the grasping, greedy ghost hands one by one.

Jiang Yan could not help opening his eyes in admiration: "My, what a remarkable technique!"

The ghosts recoiled, retreating back into the depths of the water like a receding tide. Their eyes were filled with lingering resentment, yet they could only wait for the next opportunity.

The small boat once again drifted peacefully upon the calm water.

Breaking the silence, Jiang Yan spoke up, "By the way, brother, why are those ghosts in the water? Are they not allowed to board?"

"They once took this boat, but disembarked halfway."

"Once you leave the boat before reaching the other shore, you are forever denied the chance to board again."

"Therefore, no matter what sounds you hear, or what sights you see, do not look back."

"Once you look back, your resolve will be bewitched, and you will be reduced to an eternal water ghost."

Speaking as he rowed, the boatman cut through the dark water like a sharp sword, gliding into the unknown depths.

"So that's how it is."

The sense of familiarity Jiang Yan felt toward the boatman grew stronger.

Why would the boatman suddenly offer such a lengthy explanation? Could there be some deep connection between them?

Unable to restrain his curiosity, Jiang Yan asked, "Brother, have we met before?"

The boatman's reply was brief and direct: "Never."

Persistent, Jiang Yan continued, "Then what is your name? Shall we get acquainted?"

"Nameless," replied the boatman, his tone still detached.

"Hey, you're not being very sporting!" Jiang Yan laughed. "If you won't tell me, then I'll tell you—my name is Jiang Yan."

However, the only response he received was the gentle lapping of the water and the boatman's silent back.

That so-called other shore still seemed impossibly distant, and there was no telling when they would finally arrive.

...

Down at the bottom of the cliff, two full days had already passed.

Jiang Yan's corpse still hung alone, nailed firmly to the hard, sharp rock like a frozen frame in a painting.

Yet, at this very moment, a bizarre transformation occurred.

A surge of life force suddenly erupted from Jiang Yan's back, and several thick, black roots burst through his skin like the arms of a demon.

Slowly yet with unyielding determination, these roots lifted his body away from the jagged rock until he was completely freed from his bonds.

Witnessing this scene, the surrounding crows that had been watching covetously were struck dumb with astonishment.

Their eyes were filled with terror and incomprehension.

Could this corpse have been possessed by some evil entity?

However, an even more horrifying spectacle unfolded immediately afterward.

Like living creatures, those roots wrapped tightly around Jiang Yan, forming an impenetrable protective shield.

An overly curious crow flew closer to investigate, only for the roots to strike in the blink of an eye, piercing straight through its body.

Fresh red blood trickled slowly along the roots and then mysteriously vanished.

Caw, caw, caw, caw...

The miserable screeches of the crow echoed through the empty ravine, terrifying the surrounding flock and sending them scattering in all directions.

They dared not approach the place where Jiang Yan lay ever again.

Of course, Jiang Yan remained entirely oblivious to all of this.

...

Meanwhile, Long Kui and his companions had arrived at Dragon City, located in the central region of the Land of Evil Ancestors.

Though called a city, it appeared primitive in reality, with the clansmen dwelling in well-arranged stone caves.

Threatened by Yunyun and the Moxie Sword, Long Kui dared not slacken in the least. Upon entering the city, he immediately led them to the residence of the Grand Elder, who was also his foster father.

The stone cave inhabited by the Grand Elder was exceptionally spacious, its interior furnished like a palace without a hint of crudeness.

"Grand Elder, Young Master Long Kui has returned," a maid reported.

"Hmph, so he still remembers to come back!"

Snorting coldly, the Grand Elder flicked his sleeve and strode out with long strides.

Seeing this, Long Kui immediately executed the dragon clan's exclusive salute of respect: "Greetings, Grand Elder."

"Lift your head."

There was not a trace of warmth in the Grand Elder's voice.

*Slap—*

The moment Long Kui raised his head, a burning sensation stung his cheek as the Grand Elder's palm struck, leaving five distinct finger marks gradually fading into view on his face.

"Gr... Grand Elder?"

Stunned by the blow, Long Kui wondered how, after such a long time apart, the Grand Elder's temper had grown so fierce.

Taking a seat as if the action just performed had nothing to do with him, the Grand Elder asked in an aloof tone:

"Have you brought back the dragon horn upon your return?"

"I did find it, but... it's gone again..." Long Kui replied cautiously, his heart filled with helplessness.

"What is that supposed to mean?" The Grand Elder knitted his brows tightly.

"That dragon horn was swallowed by a little dragon. Oh, it's right there. The dragon horn is inside its belly."