But these weren’t their elite corps—those were stationed at the battlefields. This was a naval army that emphasized massive artillery and numerical superiority. Moreover, Feng Ming’s group was the cream of the crop and didn’t have to worry about getting bogged down by weapon superiority. Their group was skilled in military formations, which the North excelled at; they were also armed with weapons they’d specially prepared to destroy ships.
“Marshal Feng Ming pays his respects to the Sea God Emperor,” Feng Ming said, bowing lightly. His companions followed suit, as did the elite army behind them.
The Sea God Emperor nodded. “I see the South’s naval demonstration has attracted the attention of the North. We are happy to inform Marshal Feng that this is not an attack. They are simply mobilizing in Haijing’s waters as permitted by our treaty.”
Feng Ming frowned. Though the Sea God Emperor seemed genial enough, the man beside him was not. “Many thanks for your reassurances,” Feng Ming said. “It’s just that the presence of the South’s ships so close to a Northern Alliance territory is unnerving. Moreover, you might not know this, but Zhou Li and I hail from the same kingdom. He’s not from the South, but rather from the Song Kingdom in the North. He fled after betraying our king and unleashing a civil war in our lands.”
The Sea God Emperor frowned. He looked to Zhou Li, then to his advisors, who nodded silently. He gave them a scolding look. “We were already aware of this,” the Sea God Emperor said as he turned back to Feng Ming. The surprised expression on his face had vanished. “While it might make you uncomfortable, we’d like to remind you that the sea near Haijing is our territory. It is necessary for us to claim a port to maintain trade with the mainland.”
Feng Ming floated closer to the Sea God Emperor as though to say something in private when suddenly a gold shape zipped through the air. He summoned his spear just in time to absorb a blow from a man in golden armor. Haijing’s grand marshal, who’d been standing off to the side, had suddenly attacked him with no provocation.
A fire raged in his eyes. A sweltering sandstorm erupted around him as he activated the Magma God’s Spear. Though it was on loan from his father-in-law, it was perfectly suited to his abilities. His marshal’s cloak billowed behind him, lending his body great strength to complement his ample qi reserves. “Your attack was uncalled for and unprovoked. I was having a peaceful conversation with your emperor. Know your place.” Feng Ming heard a mental groan from Li Fei as he realized his mistake.
The Sea God Emperor’s eyes narrowed. “Gong Huan is my trusted brother and second only to me in the Sea God Empire. You would do well to remember that even as my lesser, he is your better.”
Feng Ming sweated as he sought a way to deescalate. Fortunately, Li Fei stepped in. “My apologies to His Highness the Sea God Emperor,” Li Fei said. She bowed very low as she stood beside Feng Ming, though she remained a few inches back, probably due to some strange custom. “Marshal Feng intended no disrespect; his words were sharp because he focuses on battle, proving himself day in and day out through spear rather than pen.”
The Emperor’s expression softened at her words. Unfortunately, Gong Huan would have none of it. “This disrespect cannot go unaddressed. I demand a ritual combat to resolve it.”
Ritual combat? Feng Ming asked. What’s that?
When a Haijing noble suffers dishonor, he will often seek to redeem himself through combat, Li Fei explained.
That doesn’t sound like it could go wrong at all, Feng Ming said. Besides, he attacked me unprovoked.
It’s a little uncalled for, but since he mentioned it, the Emperor can’t let it go unaddressed, Li Fei explained. She issued some instructions on how to navigate the thorny situation.
“Though my rank isn’t as esteemed as the grand marshal’s, it still holds some weight in the eyes of the North,” Feng Ming said. “It would be unfortunate if I were injured. I humbly request that our subordinates fight in our stead.” He gestured to Jiao Meng. “Marshal Jiao is second only to me in this expedition, but his strength is mighty. He would be happy to fight against a subordinate of your choosing.”
The Sea God Emperor nodded. “His words ring true. We can’t have a conflict at our level over a small affair. Choose your representative.”
Surprisingly, Gong Huan didn’t press the issue. “Marshal Jian is my right-hand man. He will fight you, without his mount, of course.”
A man to the side bowed and summoned a trident. He stood close to Jiao Meng, sizing him up.
“Please!” Jiao Meng said.
“Please!” Gong Jian echoed.
They began exchanging blows off to the side. Gong Jian was a strong body cultivator, but Jiao Meng was no slouch. He cultivated qi primarily, which he supplemented with body cultivation on the side. His spear exchanged multiple blows with Gong Jian’s trident.
Things are going too smoothly, Feng Ming thought as he looked around. Aside from the unprovoked attack.
Zhou Li hadn’t moved from his spot. He wore his usual light smile as he surveyed the cultivators. Feng Ming noticed the man’s fingers were twitching continuously. It was unusual for cultivators to retain body twitches, but seeing no hand seals, he dismissed them.
“I heard that the Sea God Emperor finished his ascension in record time,”
