Dragon Boat Secret Realm 9: Songtao Island

The person who approached Su Qing was Xie Ying, a disciple from the Talisman Sect of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

As fellow Sword Sect members, Xie Ying warmed up considerably after verifying Su Qing’s disciple token.

She explained, “Our group arrived here three months ago. By then, Biyun Island was already taken over by the Hefeng Sect and Xuangfeng Pavilion. We had no choice but to retreat to Songtao Island nearby, regroup, and figure out a way to reclaim Biyun Island.”

So, the Hefeng Sect had held Biyun Island for at least three months, and their refusal to leave suggested significant opportunities awaited there.

Asking about such opportunities outright might strain the conversation, so Su Qing decided to hold off until she settled in and built trust with the group.

“I came to Biyun Island mainly for the underwater spirit mines,” Su Qing said. “But the Hefeng Sect told me the seabed is controlled by Xuangfeng Pavilion, and mining costs two hundred spirit stones per trip. It’s outrageous.”

“Exactly,” Xie Ying fumed, especially since the secret realm technically belonged to the Sword Sect. “It’s a natural island, born of heaven and earth—how did it become their territory?”

Despite her anger, Xie Ying didn’t press Su Qing to commit immediately.

“You can rest here for now, Su Qing. If you still want the spirit mines, consider joining us—more people, more solutions. If you’d rather not waste time, you’re free to seek opportunities elsewhere.”

Xie Ying led Su Qing to their encampment. Having lived on Songtao Island for some time, they’d built simple shelters and wooden huts and dug a clear spring for daily use.

There, Su Qing spotted an unexpected familiar face.

“Su Qing?”

“Tang Yu?”

It was Tang Yu, a member of the Tang family she’d traveled with during the entrance exam.

Unlike his more reserved cousin Tang Jiu, Tang Yu was lively and impulsive but good-hearted, though he often bickered with Zhu Xing.

Seeing him now, he’d grown taller and more composed, less reckless. But his familiar tone hadn’t changed.

“You’re at Qi Refining Layer Four?” Tang Yu’s eyes lit up, then widened in shock. “How’d you cultivate so fast?”

Layer Four wasn’t hard, but for Su Qing, a former mortal who’d joined the sect recently, to match his cultivation was astonishing.

Tang Yu rubbed his nose, realizing why Tang Jiu called him lazy.

Su Qing said seriously, “Join our Body Refining Sect, and I’ll tell you. Just do a hundred sit-ups, a hundred squats, and run ten li around the main peak carrying a boulder—without spiritual energy. Keep it up for three months, and slowly, slowly…”

Tang Yu’s eyes sparkled. “Slowly, I’ll get stronger? That simple?”

Slowly, you’ll go bald.

But Su Qing had trained similarly, so she nodded. “Exactly. Not a day less.”

Xie Ying, seeing they knew each other, let her guard down further. She added, “We talisman cultivators spend our days preparing materials or drawing talismans besides sword practice. Your method sounds simple but isn’t easy.”

Su Qing sighed. “No cultivation is easy.”

Xie Ying nodded in agreement.

Su Qing settled in naturally. After half a month, she got a clear picture of Songtao Island.

There were thirty-six cultivators: twelve from the Heavenly Sword Sect, six from Medicine King Valley, three from Qingyan Sect, three from Kaishan Helm, and the rest from smaller sects or freelancers.

The reason such a diverse group lingered was simple.

Biyun Island held traces of Nine Heavens Spirit Grass, a key ingredient for Foundation Establishment Pills—not just a few plants, but a whole patch, set to mature within six months.

The temptation was immense, explaining why the Hefeng Sect had seized the island and stayed put, likely waiting to harvest the grass.

With limited numbers, they’d partnered with Xuangfeng Pavilion to secure both land and sea, planning to split the grass post-harvest.
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Since there was such an opportunity, Su Qing decided to stay. First, Biyun Island was one of the few places in the secret realm with spirit mines, relatively low-risk, and dealing with orthodox sect disciples was worth the gamble.

Second, though far from Foundation Establishment, the grass was a key pill ingredient she wanted.

The Heavenly Sword Sect, a cultivation powerhouse, grew such herbs in its fields, but they required many task points to acquire—harder than seizing them here.

With no life-threatening danger, Su Qing planned to stir the waters and seize a chance to reclaim Biyun Island and mine some ore.

Songtao Island had pleasant scenery—hills, streams, and woods—but lacked cultivation resources. Su Qing trained her swordsmanship daily, determined to make up for time lost on Pure Water Island.

By day, body refiners trained, talisman makers drew, and alchemists brewed. At night, they gathered to plan retaking Biyun Island.

According to Medicine King Valley disciples, their group had reached Biyun Island first, discovering the Nine Heavens Spirit Grass. But the Hefeng Sect forced some to stay and tend the grass, expelling the rest.

Those two, weak in strength and reliant on teamwork, didn’t dare stray far, lingering on Songtao Island, hoping the Hefeng Sect would release their companions.

But Biyun Island’s riches attracted many cultivators, and the Hefeng Sect barred entry, leading others to wait on Songtao Island, probing for chances to reclaim it.

This probing revealed the Nine Heavens Spirit Grass.

Su Qing found it odd. “Something as valuable as Nine Heavens Spirit Grass should be closely guarded by the Hefeng Sect. How was it discovered?”

The Medicine King Valley disciples explained, “As it nears maturity, the grass emits a fragrance twice daily. We’re so familiar with herbs that we noticed the anomaly over time.”

Coming from Medicine King Valley, their claim seemed credible.

If not for the Hefeng Sect and Xuangfeng Pavilion’s reputable status, Su Qing might’ve suspected a darker plot—like using the fragrance to lure and trap cultivators.

Fresh from facing an evil cultivator’s sinister tactics, she couldn’t help thinking the worst.

The disciples added, “The grass will mature in two to three months. We need to plan quickly.”

That made sense. The group brainstormed, proposing and rejecting plans, nearly pulling their hair out in frustration despite being cultivators.

The Hefeng Sect’s strength came from their numbers—around three hundred in the secret realm, though only about forty guarded Biyun Island.

Their cultivation technique, “Hefeng” (Fusion), allowed disciples to combine their power. Not a simple addition—five mid-to-late Qi Refining cultivators could match a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Su Qing got it: the Hefeng Sect was like a match-three game. Combine a few Qi Refiners for a Foundation Establishment equivalent; combine dozens for a potential Golden Core.

No wonder they held Biyun Island despite similar numbers. A single Foundation Establishment cultivator—early or mid-stage—could crush their Qi Refining group effortlessly.

Su Qing had countered slightly stronger evil cultivators, but against Foundation Establishment, she’d flee.

“Exactly,” Xie Ying worried. “Their Qi Refining Layer Eight is tough enough. A Foundation Establishment would leave us no chance.”

Su Qing mused, “What if we lure them away? We don’t need to fight—just draw them to a remote spot. By the time they return, we’ve harvested the grass and left.”

Xie Ying had considered this. “It’s an idea, but what bait would make them follow?”

As they spoke, a Medicine King Valley disciple lingered nearby, seeming to want to join. Su Qing cut the topic short. “We have time before the grass matures. Let’s plan carefully.”

Xie Ying, perceptive for a Sword Sect disciple, sensed Su Qing’s distrust of the Medicine King Valley members and shifted to discussing cultivation.

That evening, while practicing swordsmanship in the woods, Xie Ying brought it up.

“I don’t distrust all Medicine King Valley disciples—just the two who stayed on Biyun Island,” Su Qing said. “Call it a hunch, but if I were the Hefeng Sect, I wouldn’t let those two leave. Their claim of being too weak to keep doesn’t hold up. Compared to leaking the grass’s existence, guarding two low-cultivation disciples is easier.”

Xie Ying had rationalized it, thinking the grass’s fragrance was unavoidable, so the Hefeng Sect let them go to avoid trouble. But her explanation faltered. She also wondered why Songtao Island’s attacks on Biyun Island were always anticipated. Was it just their stronger numbers, or, as Su Qing suggested, an inside job?

“That makes sense,” Su Qing conceded. “Let’s test it. If they’re working with the Hefeng Sect against us, where would they sabotage us?”

After a moment, they locked eyes and said in unison, “Timing!”

The Nine Heavens Spirit Grass’s maturation timeline!

All island information was shared, except this, which came solely from the two who’d seen the grass—Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu—unverifiable by others.

The six Medicine King Valley disciples on Songtao Island knew each other, ruling out impostors. Wo Ziping, the most skilled and trusted, had the highest cultivation.

Having spent time with him, Xie Ying found him capable. Catching him alone gathering herbs, she asked, “Wo Daoyou, as a Medicine King Valley expert, can you judge the grass’s maturation by its fragrance?”

Wo Ziping shook his head. “In its late stage, the fragrance barely changes—hard to judge. But its appearance is clear: three leaves at the top, each turning red to mark a month’s maturation. All three red means it’s ready.” @Infinite Good Reads, Only at Jinjiang Literature City

Xie Ying asked, “So Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu, having seen the grass, can’t be wrong, right?”

Wo Ziping nodded—it was basic herbal knowledge for their sect. But he frowned. “Is something wrong?”

Xie Ying smiled, deflecting. “I’m thinking when the grass matures, the Hefeng Sect and Xuangfeng Pavilion might lower their guard while harvesting, giving us a chance. Knowing the exact timing would help.”

Wo Ziping agreed, unsuspecting. “Makes sense.”

…

“Then we sneak onto the island to see if they’re lying,” Su Qing said. “A group would be noticed, but one or two can slip in. If you trust me, I’ll scout first.”

With her Breath Concealment Technique, careful movement ensured safety. The technique, taught by Master Orange, was high-grade—used to ambush the evil cultivator unnoticed.

“I’ll go too. I have second-tier Concealment Talismans,” Xie Ying said. Su Qing was new, so her findings might lack credibility. Xie Ying, familiar with the group, would lend weight.

They acted fast. That night, during the grass’s fragrance emission, they’d sneak onto Biyun Island. Publicly, they assigned the task to Tang Yu and Ling Xiaorui.

Both Sword Sect Talisman Sect disciples were trustworthy, lively, and loud—perfect for a diversion.

Xie Ying announced openly, “I have Concealment Talismans from my senior sister, good for misdirection. Tonight, Tang Yu and Ling Xiaorui, use them to infiltrate Biyun Island. Check their defenses, especially around the grass. Safety first—if anything’s off, use Light Body Talismans to escape!”

Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu heard every word.

Tang Yu vowed, “Leave it to me. I’m great at running.”

Ling Xiaorui added, “Talisman Sect folks always carry Light Body Talismans. Let’s test these Concealment Talismans. If they work, we all sneak in, steal the grass, and let them choke on their failure.”

At night, Tang Yu and Ling Xiaorui landed on Biyun Island’s southwest corner as planned. Su Qing and Xie Ying, under the pretense of sword practice and talisman drawing, slipped away, concealing their auras, and infiltrated from the northeast.

Biyun Island was vast, too big for the Hefeng Sect’s few dozen to cover fully. Su Qing found it easier than expected. With her decisiveness and Xie Ying’s caution, they blended into the night and fragrance, undetected.

The process was so smooth that Xie Ying grew uneasy. The patrolling disciples’ calm suggested Tang Yu and Ling Xiaorui might’ve been spotted, and she worried if they’d escape.

After dodging three patrol rounds, Su Qing and Xie Ying reached the spirit field.

The Nine Heavens Spirit Grass was meticulously tended. The field was encircled by fine silver threads hung with tiny golden bells—Bird-Startling Bells, common for guarding herb fields. Ostensibly for birds, they also deterred thieves and beasts, ringing at any movement or spiritual fluctuation to alert guards.

With the bells in place, Su Qing couldn’t approach closer, but she clearly saw the grass’s three top leaves—only one still green. The grass would mature in a month, not two.

Xie Ying’s heart sank. Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu were lying.

The Hefeng Sect knew the grass’s fragrance was unavoidable, so they bribed the two to spread false timing. If the group attacked in two months, the island would be empty.

Without Su Qing’s insight, Songtao Island’s cultivators would’ve been played.
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Outrageous!

Suddenly, flames flared from the southwest corner, followed by shouting. Su Qing faintly heard Ling Xiaorui’s bold laugh, “Come chase your grandma!”

Tang Yu added fuel, “Leave Biyun Island, and let’s see who’s scared!”

Their brash personalities and agility kept the Hefeng Sect from catching them.

Su Qing tugged Xie Ying, signaling to scout the terrain and defenses.

Suppressing her anger, Xie Ying focused on the task.

Taking advantage of the chaos, they mapped most of Biyun Island before slipping back to Songtao Island under cover of night. By dawn, Tang Yu and Ling Xiaorui returned, exhausted.

By then, Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu were bound and tossed in a corner. Wo Ziping and other Medicine King Valley disciples were berating them, heartbroken.

“We’ve been in Tianque City without spending a coin, living off the Sword Sect’s hospitality. How could you side with the Hefeng Sect?”

Wo Ziping’s voice quickened with fury. Medicine King Valley, remote and herb-focused, bred simple-hearted disciples. A traitor among them was unthinkable.

“Those city slickers are all talk, and you two fell for it! Did you think they’d take you when they leave? When this blows up, how will you face everyone? How will you survive?”

Tang Yu, eyes drooping from fatigue, perked up at the drama. “What happened? Someone fill me in!”

Xie Ying, face dark, drew talismans furiously, her frustration clear. Everyone was sharpening blades or practicing swords, itching for a fight. Being played left no one in a good mood.

Wo Ziping’s throat was hoarse from yelling, but the group’s anger lingered. He pushed another disciple forward. “Keep scolding until they’re ashamed!”

Ling Xiaorui, now caught up, exploded with Tang Yu. “You two betrayed us?!”

Their fury made Xi Xuejing and Yu Hongyu shrink, wishing to vanish.

They’d communicated with the Hefeng Sect via an ancient book, like a magical diary where both sides could write and receive messages.

Su Qing flipped through the notebook, finding it intriguing. As the arguing subsided, she spoke up. “I have a plan. Let’s hear if it’s feasible.”