Ling Chen actually directly accused himself of being a traitor, causing the face of the "White Dragon Half Saint" to suddenly become grim. He said in a deep voice, "Envoy Ling Yu, you can't speak recklessly without evidence."

"Anyone who opposes my decision has ulterior motives and is a traitor. 'White Dragon Half Saint', if you don't back down, don't blame me for being rude."

Ling Chen drew the Treasure Sword from his waist and shouted sharply.

Upon hearing this, the "White Dragon Half Saint" swallowed the words he intended to say, sighed, and stepped back.

"This fool, so recklessly accusing the 'White Dragon Half Saint' of being a traitor and completely offending him. I was originally worried he would be an obstacle to our plan, but now it seems he won't be."

Watching this scene unfold, Ling Hai's eyes were full of delight. In his view, Ling Chen was digging his own grave.

With Ling Chen's forceful decision, the team changed the sailing route. Even the opposition from the "White Dragon Half Saint" was suppressed, almost cementing his name as a traitor. Who else would dare oppose?

Actually, how could Ling Chen not understand? If there was indeed a traitor among the three Half-Saint powerhouses, they would encounter an ambush regardless of which route they took. He merely wanted to test the reactions of these three. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

However, judging by the current scenario, the one reacting most aggressively, the "White Dragon Half Saint", is likely the least probable as a traitor. A traitor wouldn't expose themselves like that, nor would they risk offending a seemingly frivolous envoy for the sake of the fleet?

Could it be true, as suggested by Kong Xuan and the others, that the most suspicious is indeed that "Water Heart Half Saint" from the Lan Family?

This person has always been very low-key, neither obvious nor overt, showing indifference towards him as the envoy, making their suspicion increasingly significant.

The fleet sailed steadily across the sea, but the sky ahead grew darker and darker, with clouds looming and thunder rolling, heralding the arrival of a storm.

This was a fierce sea storm, with turbulent waves crashing against the ship, as if trying to overturn it completely.

"Damn it, how could we encounter such a large storm."

Many cursed the dreadful weather, though they more desired to curse Ling Chen, for had he not changed the route at the last moment, they wouldn't have faced such a severe storm.

In the storm's central area, tornadoes swept crazily across the sea surface, creating terrifying whirlpools.

Amidst the terrifying natural disaster, Ling Chen and Ling Xue showed no signs of panic. After all, the scariest was not natural disasters, but man-made calamities.

Hiss, hiss...

Amidst the sudden sounds of rushing water, Ling Chen seemed to hear an unusual noise. He looked ahead, where beneath the shroud of dark clouds, black giant ships began to appear, breaking through the waves, presenting themselves in everyone's view.

Suddenly, the surrounding water erupted, and sea beasts resembling whales burst from the water. On the backs of these sea beasts were countless strong figures.

"Not good, it's the forces of the Witch Fiend Sect!"

Someone saw the flags hanging on the ship, and their face instantly changed, exclaiming.

"We are surrounded!"

As these words spread, the whole crew quickly became panicked, recalling recent attacks on other teams, which suffered heavy losses or even total annihilation. Would they meet the same fate, buried at sea?

"The fish has taken the bait."

Ling Xue's pretty face showed a hint of joy, but her heart was still extremely tense. After all, they were in the open while the enemy was hidden. The enemy's exact strength was likely already thoroughly investigated through a traitor, which is why they set an ambush.

"Why panic? Change the formation and prepare to meet the enemy."

Ling Chen shouted, directing the group.

However, dissatisfaction had erupted for many in response to Ling Chen's command. If the journey had been smooth, it would be fine, but they suddenly faced an ambush. Had Ling Chen not unexpectedly changed the route, they wouldn't have fallen into the ambush by the Witch Fiend Sect.

And now, this kid still shamelessly dares to order them around.

"Ling Yu, thanks to your wise command, we've fallen into this dire situation."

At this moment, Ling Feng stepped up, looking at Ling Chen with a mocking expression. "Even now, you have the nerve to command us? I suggest temporarily handing the leadership over to the experienced 'Heaven Cloud Half Saint'."

"That's right, I doubt anyone wants to follow his lead and throw their lives away pointlessly, do they?"

Ling Hai also sneered coldly.

"Yes! Let 'Heaven Cloud Half Saint' take command. I've had enough of this kid."

"'Heaven Cloud Half Saint' is a Half-Saint of the Ling family, trustworthy in background and powerful. In times like these, only someone like him can lead us out of trouble."

"Anyone is better than this clueless Ling Yu. We'd rather follow 'Heaven Cloud Half Saint's command."

With Ling Feng and Ling Hai fanning the flames, the discontented among the powerful quickly erupted. Only Ling Xue, Kong Xuan, and a few others remained on Ling Chen's side, while the rest stood in opposition.

"I also think it's more appropriate for 'Heaven Cloud Half Saint' to take the lead. Envoy Ling Yu, you're still young and should learn and observe from the side to gather experience."

The 'White Dragon Half Saint' also said calmly.

"Envoy Ling Yu lacks experience, making it difficult for him to assume the critical role of commander. Having 'Heaven Cloud Half Saint' temporarily take over is a wise emergency decision."

Even the 'Water Heart Half Saint' expressed an opinion.

With both Half-Saints having spoken, the matter of stripping Ling Chen of command was essentially settled. Given Ling Chen's performance thus far, no one stepped forward to speak on his behalf.

"Alright, since everyone has such confidence in me, I will temporarily command you through this crisis."

At this moment, the "Heaven Cloud Half Saint" stepped forward, clasped his hands towards everyone, and then set his sights on Ling Chen, smiling, "Ling Yu, it's not that your clan uncle is seizing power from you, but in a crisis, it's necessary. Don't hold a grudge against your clan uncle."

"'Heaven Cloud Half Saint' is of the Ling family, and regarding seniority, he belongs to the previous generation of Ling Chen's lineage, so calling him clan uncle is fitting.

As he looked at Ling Chen with a smile, his eyes also revealed a profound gaze. Meanwhile, Ling Hai and Ling Feng continued to sneer, a murderous look flashing in their eyes.

"So that's how it is."

In that moment, Ling Chen understood that the "Heaven Cloud Half Saint", along with Ling Hai and Ling Feng, were likely in cahoots. No wonder those two dared to join the fleet out to sea, attempting to scheme recklessly against him—with the aid of a Half-Saint level accomplice.