It wasn't that these highwaymen dared to rob just anyone. It was just that Lei Dong's flying boat, while appearing quite decent, bore no markings of any top-tier sect or major faction. It was clear that the rising power occupying this sea island region seemed formidable. On the prows of two massive flying boats, one cultivator each, positioned at the sharp ramming prows, stood with hands clasped behind their backs, projecting an air of majesty.

Perhaps wishing not to scare off their prey initially, those two large flying boats also displayed no insignia. However, once they maneuvered to sandwich Lei Dong and his party between them, one ship ahead and one behind, tall banners were hoisted from the boats. Against a black backdrop, a stark white painting depicted a grinning, ferocious skull fluttering menacingly. It seemed as if the skull were alive, merely sealed within the fabric, claws and teeth bared, desperate to burst free. As soon as the banners appeared, the two Golden Core initial stage cultivators on the prows wore expressions of sheer arrogance.

The moment the opposing banners were revealed, Qian Luo and the others’ expressions shifted slightly, letting out low gasps. "The Bone Hall? How has this faction expanded all the way out here?" The Bone Hall was originally a large faction in Zhaozhou, but it existed not as a formal sect, but rather as an organized gang. Its master, the White Bone Demon Lord, was one of the Nascent Soul cultivators in Zhaozhou whose reputation was infamous, whose hands were stained with the blood of countless powerful figures—his name alone was enough to inspire terror and lead to immediate collapse without a fight.

Within the entire Chaotic Archipelago region, the Bone Hall ranked at least among the top three most powerful forces. The flight path designed by Qian Luo and Lei Dong was specifically charted to circumvent major powers they dared not provoke; the Bone Hall was precisely one of those entities, one they paid extra attention to avoiding. Yet, what none of them expected was the astonishing speed of the Bone Hall's expansion, having already stretched its tentacles into this remote location.

Even Lei Dong’s demeanor subtly sobered. He sent a mental transmission to Qian Luo: "See how much toll they demand. If it’s not an exorbitant amount..." This time, we should try our best to avoid trouble." He was no rash or oblivious man. Lei Dong had often heard of the Bone Hall while on Canglan Island—powerful, domineering, evil, and once crossed, they would relentlessly pursue vengeance. Of course, the White Bone Demon Lord also understood the rules of survival, usually showering the ancient, top-tier sects with excessive flattery to maintain good relations.

Lei Dong had no desire to offend such a faction over minor matters. Although he didn't plan to linger in Zhaozhou long-term, it was always best to ensure the journey home was as smooth as possible.

Upon receiving this instruction, Qian Luo’s face eased slightly. He had feared that Lei Dong's pride might prevent him from backing down, leading to an immediate feud with the Bone Hall, which would make their subsequent journey arduous. Qian Luo took a deep breath, steadied himself, and floated to the bow of the ship, cupping his hands in salute. "I am Qian Luo, from a minor sect. We hadn't anticipated the Bone Hall’s rapid expansion. We concede this time. Could the two of you name your price for safe passage through this route?"

The two Golden Core cultivators hadn't expected such immediate compliance; they hadn't even needed to play the usual charade after revealing the Bone Hall's banner. One of them, dark-skinned and tall, burst into laughter. "Straightforward! Very straightforward. Although the Bone Hall collects protection money, we are still an organization that adheres to rules. Since you are willing to pay, very well. Let me explain the standard rates. After paying the peace fee, for three months, you will have unimpeded passage within the Bone Hall’s sphere of influence. Anyone who dares harass or rob you will be considered an enemy of the Bone Hall. For your large flying boat, the peace fee is one million spirit stones. Cultivators are counted per head. Golden Core cultivators are five hundred thousand spirit stones, Foundation Establishment cultivators are one hundred thousand, and Qi Refining cultivators are ten thousand—you count your numbers now."

Qian Luo quickly calculated and found the required toll amounted to 1.91 million spirit stones, which seemed substantial. He transmitted a message to Lei Dong with an unreadable expression: "They are asking for a significant amount of money?"

"Pay it," Lei Dong transmitted back without hesitation.

"We have one Golden Core cultivator, four Foundation Establishment cultivators, and one Qi Refining cultivator in total," Qian Luo announced loudly. "According to your rules, that amounts to 1.91 million spirit stones."

"Very good, very good." The dark-faced cultivator seemed quite satisfied with their attitude. Having a Golden Core cultivator present meant they were less inclined toward a desperate fight. Still, the formalities had to be observed, and his tone became considerably more courteous. "Please lower your shields for a moment. I must scan you with my divine sense; it's procedure, please forgive us."

After gaining Lei Dong's assent, Qian Luo lowered the energy shield, allowing the opponent’s divine sense to sweep through. The dark-faced Golden Core cultivator indeed respected the procedure; the scan was swift, confirming the numbers matched Qian Luo’s report exactly. Every corner of the flying boat was laid bare, with no hidden areas.

Just as both sides were expecting a mutually agreeable conclusion, a sudden twist occurred. The other Golden Core cultivator, who had remained silent until now and was dressed like a scholar, suddenly focused his expression and snapped, "Wait a moment. That woman, please remove your disguise."

A disguise? Not only did the dark-faced cultivator freeze, but Lei Dong and the others were equally stunned. There were only two women in their group: Madam Qing and the mute girl. When Lei Dong first encountered the mute girl, she was already in that unattractive state; as a mere mortal then, the idea that she wore a disguise seemed utterly unbelievable.

That one, you mean...

Lei Dong and the others all turned to look at Madam Qing. Her body immediately tensed, and she spoke with some nervousness, "What nonsense are you spouting? This is my natural appearance."

"Sentimental Scholar, are you mistaken? I see nothing about this young lady that suggests a disguise," the dark-faced Golden Core cultivator swept his divine sense over Madam Qing again, still finding nothing amiss. "Scholar, let it go. Even if she is disguised, it’s none of our business. We only collect the fee."

"Black Iron Tower, this might very well concern us," the Sentimental Scholar sneered repeatedly. "Do you recall the matter of the Demon Lord’s concubine, Hong Ji, who hadn't yet been 'serviced' and stole the Demon Lord’s treasures before fleeing? The Demon Lord was furious and spent ten years setting up an inescapable net to search for her. With her mere Foundation Establishment cultivation, how could she escape our Bone Hall's dragnet without an exceptionally special disguise technique?"

The Golden Core cultivator named Black Iron Tower looked at Madam Qing with a hint of disbelief, his expression turning serious. "Scholar, you mean to suggest..."

"I can’t be certain. But based on my experience of two centuries traversing the mortal world and seeing countless women, this one is definitely disguised, though her technique is quite subtle, making it hard for me to discern the method used." As he spoke, the Sentimental Scholar flicked open a folding fan, clad in flowing white robes, his appearance incomparably graceful, though a murderous intent flickered in his eyes. "It is better to kill the wrong person than to let the right one go. Furthermore, we only need her to cooperate in removing the disguise. If she isn't the one we seek, I am willing to apologize to Brother Qian and reduce your peace fee by half."

Qian Luo looked troubled. After a long moment, seemingly yielding to the immense pressure from the enemy, he reluctantly said, "Madam Qing, please remove your disguise and prove your innocence."

"Qian, you are the captain. I have followed you for so long, and even you don't trust me?" Madam Qing cried out, grief-stricken. "You would let outsiders humiliate me so easily?"

"Madam Qing, if you are not that Hong Ji, what difference does removing the disguise make?" Qian Luo’s expression was grim, laced with anger. "Are you trying to doom the entire team?"

"Fine, fine, I’ll remove it." A look of sorrow crossed Madam Qing's eyes. "I will let you see whether or not I am that Hong Ji."

Everyone's attention was instantly riveted, waiting for her to lift the disguise. Suddenly, Madam Qing erupted in a flash of green light, shooting directly out of the flying boat. Simultaneously, a pair of luminous, energy-condensed wings manifested on her back. With powerful beats, her speed exploded to its maximum in a short time, making her look like a streak of colored light as she fled. Of course, although her wings were of high quality, they were merely at the level of a High-Grade Spirit Tool. They were entirely different from the wings of Lei Dong or Tantai Bingyun, which could tear through space. Madam Qing had merely chosen this item among High-Grade flying artifacts out of envy for Lei Dong's wings, and its cost was certainly not small, as High-Grade flying tools are significantly more expensive than standard High-Grade Spirit Tools.

Qian Luo’s face changed drastically, and he shouted, "Bad! Don't let her escape!" With that, he led the charge in pursuit. Lei Dong and the group of Foundation Establishment cultivators frantically followed, riding their various streaks of light.

Black Iron Tower and the Sentimental Scholar exchanged a look from a distance, their eyes filled with a mix of surprise and elation. They were surprised by the incredible speed of Madam Qing's escape, suggesting she possessed a High-Grade flying artifact. If they didn't pursue quickly, she might genuinely get away. They were pleased because her reaction made it highly probable she was indeed Hong Ji. Capturing Hong Ji—whether to pocket the treasures she carried or hand her over to the White Bone Demon Lord—promised massive rewards.

Neither of the two Golden Core cultivators wanted to miss out on the credit for capturing Hong Ji. Both unleashed their escape lights and chased after her. Their speeds were already high, surpassing the speed of Madam Qing's High-Grade flying artifact, and certainly exceeding the pace of Lei Dong and his companions. In a short while, they overtook Lei Dong's group and sped directly toward Madam Qing. However, just as they swept past the others, Lei Dong roared a transmission to Qian Luo: "Kill! Let none escape." The only reason Lei Dong had been reluctant to fight earlier, preferring to pay the toll, wasn't fear of the two Golden Core cultivators, but rather a genuine lack of certainty that he could keep everyone contained. If even one escaped, endless trouble would follow.