Luoshui Lake.
The surface of the lake was occasionally stirred by waves.
But beneath the water, it appeared exceptionally calm.
Within this calmness, however, lay many dangers.
Luoshui Lake was vast, wide, and deep.
The underwater terrain was complex, and the currents were unpredictable.
Once caught in them, one would realize the limits of human strength against the boundless power of nature.
Mastery of water currents was a basic skill for every underwater treasure hunter.
As the saying goes, "Those who live by the mountain rely on the mountain; those who live by the water rely on the water."
By the shores of Luoshui Lake, many people made their living from the lake.
There were many fishermen, but there were also numerous underwater treasure hunters and explorers.
Residents living by the lake knew that beneath the surface lay many opportunities to strike it rich.
Whether it was catching spirit fish, discovering underwater treasures, or finding unknown shipwrecks, any of these could lead to overnight wealth.
At this moment, on the lake's surface, a two-zhang-tall ship floated.
A flag fluttered in the wind on the ship.
From the side, one could see the image of a green snake on the flag.
Anyone with some knowledge would recognize this as the ship of the Green Snake Gang from Luoshui County.
"Boss, this guy said he found a shipwreck underwater here," a sharp-faced man said, dragging a dark-skinned man to Shi Xiaoyuan.
With a flick of his hand, the dark-skinned man stumbled and fell onto the ship's deck.
Just from his appearance, it was clear that this dark-skinned man had spent years surviving on the water.
Long exposure to the sun and wind had given him this complexion.
As he fell onto the deck, a look of pain crossed his face.
The bandaged wound on his left arm was torn open by the fall, and blood began to seep out.
"So, you're the one who saw the warehouse full of iron ore in the shipwreck below?" Shi Xiaoyuan glanced at the dark-skinned man.
"The boss is asking you a question!" The sharp-faced man kicked the man.
The kick caused even more pain, but the man didn't dare hesitate.
His family and children were in the hands of the Green Snake Gang.
He hadn't yet reached the level of a martial artist, and against the notorious Green Snake Gang, he had no means of resistance.
The dark-skinned man quickly replied, "Yes, Boss, I saw it!"
Hearing the confirmation, Shi Xiaoyuan's face lit up with joy.
Iron ore was an extremely important resource.
It was always in demand.
A warehouse full of iron ore was a significant fortune, even for him.
Then, he asked again, "Tell me more. What exactly happened?"
"Yes!" The dark-skinned man, pale and in pain, continued, "A few days ago, I went underwater with Zhang Jiu and Wang Chang to explore and accidentally found the shipwreck."
"At first, we didn't have high hopes, but when we entered the ship, we found a warehouse full of iron ore."
"But before we could celebrate, we were attacked by a White Dragon Fish."
"That White Dragon Fish was too powerful. We had no chance to resist. In the end, I was the only one who escaped alive."
Hearing this, Shi Xiaoyuan's eyes narrowed.
"A White Dragon Fish?"
"Are you sure you saw it correctly?"
The dark-skinned man shook his head repeatedly.
"Sure! My left arm was bitten off by that beast. I couldn't have mistaken it. It was a White Dragon Fish."
Shi Xiaoyuan nodded with a pleased expression.
"If what you say is true, then it's no wonder this shipwreck hasn't been discovered. Those who found it before must have ended up in the belly of that White Dragon Fish."
"Boss, you're so wise! That's exactly what I thought!" The sharp-faced man quickly chimed in.
Then he added, "Boss if that White Dragon Fish is so powerful, it must have gained intelligence. If you can capture it, your strength will surely improve."
Shi Xiaoyuan nodded. "You're right. Compared to the warehouse of iron ore, an intelligent White Dragon Fish is the real treasure. Moreover, if that White Dragon Fish refuses to leave its territory, it might be guarding some kind of natural treasure."
"Natural treasure?" The sharp-faced man's eyes gleamed.
"Exactly! A natural treasure!" Shi Xiaoyuan said. "According to records, many natural treasures in the wilderness have guardians. These guardians protect the treasures while also claiming them for themselves."
"That White Dragon Fish is so powerful. Without some special opportunity, it couldn't have evolved to this level."
"If there is a natural treasure guarded by the White Dragon Fish, that would be the true treasure!"
The sharp-faced man quickly responded, "Congratulations, Boss! With this opportunity, you'll surely reach the seventh grade of martial arts. Under your leadership, the Green Snake Gang will become the top gang in Luoshui County!"
Shi Xiaoyuan laughed. "You sure know how to flatter, but you're not wrong!"
"Once I seize this opportunity, reaching the seventh grade will be easy. In the future, I'll lead you all to live in luxury, drink the finest wine, and enjoy the most beautiful women!"
"Boss, you're truly wise and mighty!" The sharp-faced man continued to flatter.
Then, Shi Xiaoyuan turned to the dark-skinned man.
"What's your name?"
The dark-skinned man, who had been silently listening to their conversation, replied, "My name is Huang San'er."
Shi Xiaoyuan said, "Huang San'er, from now on, you'll work for me. Any objections?"
"No objections!" Although Huang San'er felt resentful, he knew that resistance was futile, especially since his family was in the hands of the Green Snake Gang.
Then he asked, "But, Boss, what about my family"
Before he could finish, Shi Xiaoyuan interrupted him.
"Don't worry. Since you're now part of the Green Snake Gang, your family will be safe."
"As long as you perform well, you'll live a life of wealth and luxury in the future."
"Thank you, Boss!" Huang San'er said.
Shi Xiaoyuan nodded. "Go and prepare. You'll join me underwater later to explore the shipwreck. Huang San'er, you'll lead the way."
"Yes, Boss!" Huang San'er nodded.
Then, under the sharp-faced man's guidance, he went to re-bandage his wound.
A short while later, the group was ready and returned to the deck.
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