Above Destiny

Chapter 740 Why are you still here?

"Another one!"

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the man standing behind the angler on the massive warship clapped and exclaimed, "Colonel Peñarosa's fishing skills are indeed profound and his technique superb!"

"You flatter me. It's just a matter of practice."

The slightly aged middle-aged man shook the fishing rod, tossed the flounder he had caught into the bucket, and simply smiled.

As if exhausted, he lost interest in the fishing game. After putting down the fishing rod, he took a wet wipe from the servant next to him, wiped his hands, and turned to walk towards the chair placed in the center of the deck.

Under the setting sun at dusk, warships cut through the waves, with one warship after another following closely behind. The mighty fleet sailed on the endless sea, its majestic presence resembling a military expedition.

"Almost there, we're almost there."

As soon as Penarossa sat down, a sommelier brought out a bottle of decanted red wine and offered her a warm welcome.

He glanced at the person who had been by his side before he could speak, and the person waved considerately, "Change it. The colonel doesn't drink during missions."

The sommelier withdrew, and two more glasses of iced water were immediately brought over. The luxury spring water, flown in from the empire, refracted a crystalline light between the clear ice cubes.

"Have a heart."

Peñarosa nodded, not exposing the pre-prepared performance routine.

"It's just a small treat, nothing to brag about." Hamin smiled and flattered, "During this storm, the safety of the seven cities depends on your efforts."

After this resounding victory, let's open another bottle of Uncle's treasured wine to celebrate.

"What the family does is always just icing on the cake; whether it succeeds or fails depends on Dancheng."

Penarossa cautioned, "We can help with the threat of the wind, but the family only invests and never interferes in local affairs."

He paused for a moment, then gave a meaningful reminder: "You'll have to solve the real trouble yourself."

"understand."

Hamin nodded repeatedly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and replied, "Dancheng will not let the Sacred Tree be disgraced."

He may be all smiles on the surface, but only he knows the filth he's cursing in his heart.

Non-interference in local affairs?
You old fool, you really have the nerve to say that...

Haven't you guys interfered enough already?!
It's simply that they felt the offer was too small and they didn't want to waste any more effort!

The Sacred Tree family's stance is clear: supporting you to become the leader of the Seven Cities Alliance is fine, but supporting you to go after Ji Jue... forget it!

Isn’t it good to be alive?
There was no way around it; Ji Jue was just too tough.

Putting aside their abilities, their background is simply outrageous. They're involved with Haichao Military Industry and Haizhou Security Bureau, making them one of the flagship companies promoted by the Haizhou faction.

Even without any publicly known identity, no one can question them. On the contrary, it is precisely because they have no identity that they can do whatever they want.

What's more, he's such a troublemaker...

The location of Qicheng is just an investment by Shengshu. As long as there are no losses, that's fine. Shengshu will never risk being scrutinized by Haizhou's customs with a magnifying glass to block imports and exports, or to fight Ji Jue to the death.

The family also has assets in the Federation, so it's not worth losing the big picture for a small gain.

So much so that when the City Devouring Alliance was still planning to take a gamble, the Sacred Tree Family had already issued a warning...

Friendship first, competition second!
Want to play well? Fine. But if you're aiming to kill someone, then it's not necessarily whose life it will be!

Only by obeying and acting like dogs can you live a long and prosperous life. If you refuse to understand human language and insist on courting death, then don't blame the family for unleashing its secret technique passed down through generations—the [Holy Cut].

"To accomplish great things, one must be more composed and avoid resorting to life-or-death tactics."

Penarossa said calmly, "Families also have their difficulties, and you should be more understanding, understand?"

"Understood, understood." Hamin stood up abruptly and replied solemnly.

"Then let's go down."

Penarossa waved his hand and told him, "You can leave the wine."

"..."

Hamin nodded without hesitation, bowing even lower: "If the colonel is interested, I will immediately arrange for some more to be sent up."

"No need. When entertaining guests, the attitude is enough. I'm sure that person won't care about such things."

Penarossa's nonchalant expression softened slightly, revealing a serious demeanor.

He stood up from the chair, bent down to stretch his sleeves, checked the cuffs, adjusted his collar, and then looked back at the bewildered Hamin beside him.

It was as if they were asking if there was any oversight.

Hamin paused for a moment, then nodded repeatedly, praising, "The colonel is exceptionally distinguished and truly a model of imperial style."

Peñarosa nodded reservedly, and finally, a smile appeared on her face.

But it wasn't on his side.

Haming felt a pang of sadness watching this.

It's like discovering that the goddess who usually ignores you and doesn't give you any attention suddenly appears on Valentine's Day wearing black stockings and high heels, dressed up exquisitely, and even changed into a matching set of lingerie before going out in her finest attire... without even replying to your goodnight message!
Amidst the bitterness, he suddenly had an uneasy premonition.

I don't want a boyfriend!
He doesn't have me, I'll lick him!
"Is the Colonel going to entertain guests?" Hamin hesitated, stammering, "I wonder when the guests will arrive? I... so I can instruct the kitchen to provide them with a lavish welcome..."

Are you hungry?
I can help you order takeout. What would you like to eat?

"Already arrived."

Peñarosa strode forward without looking back.

We await with solemnity.

In that instant, a deathly silence descended.

In the distance, the dim sun sank below the edge of the sea. And at the very edge of that darkness, a majestic silhouette suddenly emerged, appearing and swallowing up the last rays of light.

Like a giant dragging the dark night sky, they were advancing towards them step by step.

As a result, even the wind blowing in our faces became heavy, making it difficult to breathe.

No waves could be seen, no echoes could be heard, and there was not a single phenomenon on the radar; only the outline rapidly magnified and magnified again.

When they came to their senses, they were already standing right in front of them, almost within arm's reach!
"Craftsman Ji Jue has come at your invitation." A slightly thin figure appeared from the shadows at the bow of the ship, casting a half-smile at him. "Excuse me, am I late?"

"Mr. Ji, you've come at the perfect time. We just arrived as well."

Penarossa laughed and waved enthusiastically: "Please come up, I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

"Then excuse me."

The flowing silver light transformed into steps, and the unexpected visitor stepped onto the deck with a smile. Before he could even take his last step, Penarossa had already reached out and helped him up.

After Ji Jue regained his footing, his two hands naturally reached out to grasp Ji Jue's palms.

Enthusiasm flashed by.

"I have lived in the Empire for a long time, and I have long admired Mr. Ji. It is a pity that we have never had the chance to meet."

Penarossa scrutinized Ji Jue and remarked in the Federation language, "To see you today, you are indeed extraordinary. It's a pity that we are in the middle of nowhere, so we can't make any preparations. I just hope you won't mind my poor hospitality."

"What are you saying?"

Ji Jue patted Penarossa's hand, glanced at the family crest on the other's chest, and became enthusiastic: "The Sacred Tree Family is a pillar of the empire. It is my honor to have Mr. Penarossa humble himself to befriend them."

"Haha, please sit down, please sit down."

Peñarosa laughed and gestured.

As the two chatted and laughed, they were as warm and friendly as old friends reuniting after many years. Anyone who didn't know them would think they were brothers who had never met before.

But when Penarossa turned around, her gaze fell on Hamin, who stood beside her like a lowly lackey, and her eyes clearly showed doubt.

Why are you still here?

Do the people of Qicheng have absolutely no sense of propriety?
"And who is this?" Ji Jue greeted with a smile, then, to Peñarosa's surprise, he couldn't quite recall—what was his name again...? Ha...

Hash or Hamm?

"Hamin."

Hamin dared not wait for an answer. He swallowed back a bellyful of bitter tears, forced a smile, and introduced himself: "I am the assistant to President Garisto and a guard of Dancheng!"

Oh, it's a relative of Insect No. 2.

"I have admired you for a long time."

Ji Jue nodded, then looked away and resumed chatting with Penarossa.

The two chatted and laughed, enjoying themselves immensely for a time.

It's like we've known each other for ages.

In matters of social interaction, leaving aside the man-eating tree, whatever the activity, the most important thing is that both parties are willing and interested for a relationship to blossom into something more.

If you're willing, you can strike up a conversation even if you're just making small talk. As long as you act enthusiastic, the conversation won't go cold.

Moreover, Penarossa has carefully chosen topics: you praise me as an elite of the embers, a future master, and I praise you as the ever-growing and enduring sacred tree.

After a few words, the two started talking about the customs and products of Central China and the specialties of Tacheng.

When they get excited, they'll raise their glasses, at which point Hamin, standing behind them, will pick up the decanter and quickly pour wine for the guests.

Don't let the atmosphere become dull and spoil Mr. Ji's mood.

Thus, the treasures of Dancheng entered Jijue's mouth, but fell into Hamin's sorrowful heart, almost causing Garisto's heart to ache.

After finally setting up a show of force, ready to demonstrate their skills, flaunt their henchmen and weapons, and gain prestige and success, what was the result?

The powerful figure behind them is about to become sworn brothers with the guy on the other side!

Look at this adulterous couple, so engrossed in their lovemaking, they're practically inseparable, oblivious to the world around them!

President, please say something! President!

Why haven't you called someone to move your car yet...?

Unfortunately, no one cares where the president is.

Between Ji Jue and Penarossa, what matters is the attitude of the Sacred Tree and Ji Jue's attitude; what Dan Cheng really thinks is irrelevant. Whether he cries out in despair or expresses his deepest hatred, no one will give him a second glance.

There was no show of force, no harsh punishment.

The banquet was a good one, and the people were good people.

No one dared to be so foolish as to jump out and criticize or say anything strange at this time, not even Hamin. The entire banquet was held with the utmost hospitality, making the guests feel right at home.

If it weren't for the mermaid calamity, Ji Jue would have felt like he was on vacation.

In fact, he had almost forgotten about it.

However, Hamin did not forget.

During the meal, he dared not urge him, even though he was extremely anxious. Several times he couldn't help but look up at the clock in the corner, but he didn't say anything. He even used his eyes to deter the subordinates who came to report.

She smiled throughout and did a good job as a supporting character in this promising job.

Until Peñarosa put down her glass.

"Mr. Ji, please wait a moment."

The large group of elites from the empire received an axe-halberd from their waiting subordinates.

"After we deal with these beasts, we'll drink until we drop!"

Amidst the distant, rippling waves, came the frenzied roars of beasts.

On the still sea, huge waves suddenly rose up, crashing and roaring.

The dim moonlight spilled down, and in the specks of silver light, countless eerie scales emerged, and even beneath the sea, a raging tide like a torrent appeared.

The rising and falling hisses, like sharp cries and the pitiful screams of infants, echoed each other from all directions. The thirsty mermaids had already caught the scent of food.

They're hurtling towards us!

(End of this chapter)