Xu Ziqing was not afraid of Yun Lie’s coldness. He smiled and said, “I intend to go to Upper Yu Continent. The journey will be lonely, so I thought I might invite Brother Yun out to keep me company. I have been traveling for several days and have not seen you in all that time. I truly missed you.”
Yun Lie said nothing and simply sat cross-legged at one side of the bed.
Xu Ziqing’s smile deepened. He sat on the other side and summoned the Go board and stones with a wave of his hand, setting them between the two of them. “Shall we play?”
Yun Lie gave a slight nod. “You may play first.”
Xu Ziqing did not stand on ceremony. Because their temperaments were utterly different, he almost never won when the two played Go, yet he never tired of it. To him, playing Go with Yun Lie felt much like speaking with him. He found it congenial rather than dull.
Yun Lie never showed mercy when placing a stone. In less than a quarter-hour, most of Xu Ziqing’s position had already collapsed, his stones scattered and his defeat certain. Xu Ziqing admitted defeat with a smile. Yun Lie let him gather the stones, and when that was done they began another game.
After they had played two games, the ship suddenly rocked. Liu Sheng’s voice came from outside. “Immortal Master, the spirit ship has departed.”
Xu Ziqing answered, “Understood.”
Liu Sheng’s presence then receded into the distance.
Xu Ziqing placed a stone and sighed. “This is my first time riding a spirit ship, so I am quite eager to see it for myself. It is a pity Brother Yun cannot come out with me to admire the magnificent sea. That really is regrettable.”
Yun Lie captured several of Xu Ziqing’s stones with a black piece and said, “You may go alone.”
Xu Ziqing shook his head. “No matter how beautiful the scenery, what pleasure is there in admiring it by oneself?”
Yun Lie said nothing. Only after the game ended did he say, “I am inside the ring. I can still view it with you.”
Xu Ziqing was delighted and immediately stood. “Then shall we go together?”
Yun Lie nodded. “Together.”
With that settled, Yun Lie returned to the ring. Xu Ziqing opened the door and left the cabin, while Chonghua hurriedly took wing and followed behind him.
Before long, man and eagle had emerged from the cabin and were standing on the deck.
The spirit ship traveled as swiftly as the wind. Looking carefully, Xu Ziqing discovered that its hull never actually touched the sea but hovered slightly above the surface. The entire ship was enclosed within a luminous protective barrier. The barrier did not obstruct the view, but passengers could only look outward. They could not feel even the slightest trace of sea wind or the briny scent of the ocean.
Even so, this vast ocean current occupied much of the entire small world. The various continents were merely larger pieces of land within it. In sheer breadth and immensity, none could compare with the sea.
By this point, the spirit ship had already sailed deep into the ocean current. The water raced beneath it, yet the ship remained remarkably steady. The vessel itself was a spiritual artifact, a grade above all magical artifacts, and only such a treasure could ride the wind and waves across this ocean while protecting the cultivators aboard.
Xu Ziqing had read about such things in books. Every spirit ship that crossed these ocean routes belonged to the Nine Stars Sea Sect, and the entire shipping enterprise was likewise controlled by that sect.
The vast waters were known as the Nine Stars Sea. At their center lay Nine Stars Island, surrounded by the nine great continents and positioned at the heart of the ocean currents. The island was immense, nearly half the size of a continent. The Nine Stars Sea Sect was rooted there and dominated the region with enormous influence.
Countless cultivators lived on the island. Aside from a handful belonging to affiliated sects, the rest were members of the Nine Stars Sea Sect. With such manpower at its disposal, the sect had opened sea routes between the nine great continents countless years ago and used spirit ships to transport passengers. The fares were expensive, so vast resources continually flowed into the sect, making it wealthy beyond measure. Its disciples took great pride in belonging to it.
Many other great sects had coveted this profitable enterprise, but they lacked both spiritual artifacts capable of crossing the sea and the means to guarantee the safety of cultivators making the voyage. None had been able to seize a share of the business.
Over time, the Nine Stars Sea Sect came to monopolize travel along the ocean routes.
Standing beside the railing, Xu Ziqing sank his consciousness into the storage ring and said, “Brother Yun, can you see the dozen or so cultivators stationed around the deck, bow, and stern?”
The person inside the ring gave a brief acknowledgment.
Xu Ziqing continued, “They should all be disciples of the Nine Stars Sea Sect. Why are they arranged like this?”
Yun Lie replied, “Look carefully.”
Xu Ziqing had really only wanted an excuse to speak with his friend. Since he had achieved that, he smiled and observed more closely. Sure enough, the cultivators were continuously sending hand seals into the protective barrier to keep it stable and secure, while others used techniques to control the spirit ship so that it remained on course and did not lose its way.
After seeing this, Xu Ziqing described what he had noticed and received a simple “Correct.” Yun Lie then added, “But that alone is not enough for the voyage to remain smooth.”
Xu Ziqing was surprised. “What else is needed?” He smiled slightly. “Then I must ask Brother Yun to explain.”
Yun Lie said, “Most cultivators assigned to such work possess Water-attributed spiritual roots and cultivate Water-path arts. The method practiced by members of the Nine Stars Sea Sect appears to be the Sea-Treading Art. If cultivated deeply enough, it can calm and guide seawater, allowing the route to remain unobstructed.”
Xu Ziqing had long known his friend to be extraordinarily learned. Hearing such a detailed explanation did not surprise him. He was simply pleased that their conversation flowed so naturally.
He praised them. “This business is not easy to maintain. For the Nine Stars Sea Sect to operate it so successfully is truly impressive.”
Yun Lie fell silent. Xu Ziqing did not disturb him further. One remained outside the ring and one within, both quietly admiring the boundless sea, and a subtle sense of harmony arose between them.
After two hours of travel, Xu Ziqing looked back and could no longer see the slightest trace of Upper Qu Continent. Looking ahead revealed only rolling water, and wherever he turned, everything was a vast expanse of sea.
At that moment, the spirit ship suddenly jolted before immediately steadying itself again. Xu Ziqing looked up and saw a huge wave surging ahead. From within the crest emerged the savage head of a demon jiao, with crimson eyes and black horns, looking ready to devour anyone in its path.
The ocean was home to countless sea beasts and demon beasts. Whenever someone passed through their territory, they would stir up waves and attack cultivators or mortals traveling across the water.
Many sea beasts also possessed extraordinarily long lifespans. Even without superior cultivation arts, their strength could increase gradually simply with age. Beasts of this kind that had awakened intelligence recognized demon kings and leaders, formed alliances, gathered followers, and established underwater dens from which they ruled their territories.
There were naturally wild demon beasts as well, creatures that submitted to none of the great powers beneath the sea. Xu Ziqing had no way of knowing which sort this demon jiao belonged to.
The demon jiao raised its head from the waves partly as a test and partly as a warning. If it took it into its head to ram the spirit ship, it could probably cause no small amount of trouble.
Xu Ziqing studied the demon power surrounding it but could not determine how many years of cultivation it possessed. He only knew that its vertical pupils gleamed with a chilling light that made the heart tremble. Its cultivation was unquestionably above his own.
The cultivators controlling the ship did not panic. They first formed a hand seal that brought the spirit ship briefly to a halt. Then a female cultivator raised her hand and tossed out a talisman. It exploded in midair and revealed a strange emblem of nine stars in a linked line.
The demon jiao’s eyes gleamed. It swept its gaze across the emblem, then flicked its long tail and disappeared beneath the surface, its entire body sinking back into the sea.
Xu Ziqing found this fascinating. Turning his head, he saw Liu Sheng standing at some distance on the other side and raised a hand to beckon him over.
Liu Sheng hurried across and respectfully said, “Immortal Master.”
Xu Ziqing smiled. “I just saw that demon jiao causing trouble, but after it saw the nine-star emblem, it immediately submerged. Do you know why?”
Liu Sheng understood. He had spent many years aboard this ship and had clearly been asked such questions before. He answered at once, “Immortal Master may not know this, but any vessel attempting to cross these ocean currents is bound to face attacks from demon beasts. Since the Nine Stars Sea Sect controls this sea route, maintaining safe passage naturally requires certain understandings with the rulers beneath the sea.”
Xu Ziqing listened with interest and asked, “Can you explain in more detail?”
Seeing that he was interested, Liu Sheng relaxed and continued. “Within the Nine Stars Sea there are three lords of demon beasts and two lords of spirit beasts, each commanding countless followers. According to rumor, all five deep-sea overlords have cultivation approaching that of Golden Core Perfected Ones. They are supreme powers no one should provoke.”
Xu Ziqing knew that within the Haotian Small World, Foundation Establishment cultivators were already considered extremely powerful. Above them came cultivators of the Essence Transformation stage, and even those willing to remain in this small world were exceedingly rare. As for anyone still higher, most would rather settle in a great world.
The cultivation system for demon beasts and spirit beasts differed from that of human cultivators. Intelligent beasts were divided into twelve ranks, each further separated into early, middle, and late stages.
Since the rulers of the sea were said to approach Golden Core Perfected Ones, their strength was presumably no lower than the late stage of Essence Transformation, perhaps even the peak. By the ranking of beasts, they should be around the fifth rank. They were indeed old monsters of terrifying strength. In this small world, even if they were not invincible, they could still command the winds and waves.
Elio’s Notes: The current JJWXC text marks this chapter as a bug-fix update and gives the sea-beast level here as fifth rank. Older mirror copies preserve fourth rank. FD follows the corrected author text.
At this point, another question occurred to Xu Ziqing.
Judging from the sea route, the Nine Stars Sea Sect seemed to have some arrangement with these ocean overlords. But if the other side possessed such tremendous strength, why would they be willing to accommodate the sect at all?
Seeing the question on Xu Ziqing’s face, Liu Sheng immediately understood and explained, “The sect is a major power beyond the mainland. Since its founding, it has always had Essence Transformation experts holding the line, generation after generation without interruption. The rulers beneath the sea therefore give the sect some measure of respect. Besides…” He paused, and a fervent expression appeared on his face. “The sect masters of every generation secretly pass down a spiritual artifact said to be middle grade. Its power is immense, enough to overturn rivers and seas! If those overlords refused to compromise and both sides truly fell out, the sea rulers would gain nothing from the conflict either.”
His voice dropped. “Immortal Master, there may be five great powers beneath the sea, but they are not united. If one side fought the sect until both were badly weakened, would that not merely let the others profit? It is better to permit the arrangement and gain some benefits from it.”
As a result, the Nine Stars Sea Sect’s routes were safe most of the time. Other sects and powers, however, did not enjoy that same influence. As for impoverished rogue cultivators who foolishly tried to cross the sea alone, the lucky ones survived while the unlucky ones simply became food for demon beasts.
Liu Sheng was quite talkative. What he told Xu Ziqing was presumably information the Nine Stars Sea Sect permitted to circulate because it enhanced the sect’s reputation. Rogue cultivators who heard it would naturally yearn for such a sect, while disciples of other great sects would not dare look down on it.
Xu Ziqing listened as Liu Sheng talked. Before he realized it, more than four hours had passed.
By then the sun was nearing noon. The deck, which had previously been occupied mostly by Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples and Innate-Realm attendants, gradually filled with several cultivators emerging from their cabins.
Among the newcomers, the man on the left stood more than nine chi tall, exceptionally large and imposing. To the right were three or five men and women, all quite good-looking.
The small group chatted and laughed together, clearly familiar with one another. Yet whenever they happened to glance toward the towering cultivator, disdain appeared in their eyes, and they seemed unwilling to associate with him.
Xu Ziqing could see the reason clearly. The tall cultivator was extraordinarily ugly. His head was enormous, with very little hair. His eyes were round as bronze bells, and where his ears should have been there were only ear openings without visible outer rims. A mortal who saw him might well call him a monster. Even among cultivators, his appearance was strikingly unusual.
Cultivators were not all handsome or beautiful, but once someone entered the immortal path, spiritual power naturally surrounded the body and usually lent an air of transcendence. Someone as ugly as this naturally seemed rather out of place. Worse still, his cultivation was only around the second or third layer of Qi Refinement. No wonder the others looked down on him.
Thus when he came onto the deck, not only did the other cultivators keep their distance, but none of the Innate-Realm attendants came forward to serve him either.
Xu Ziqing frowned slightly at the sight. But then he sighed. Everyone was naturally drawn to beauty. The other cultivators were excluding the man, but they had not actually bullied him, so there was little reason to condemn them.
Seeing that the tall cultivator could not find a comfortable place to stand, Xu Ziqing ultimately felt some sympathy and called out, “Fellow Daoist, there is still room here. Would you care to come over and speak for a while?”
The tall cultivator turned and gave an extremely ugly smile before striding over.
Xu Ziqing smiled and shifted slightly backward. “Please.”
The tall cultivator cupped his fists. “Many thanks.”
Xu Ziqing smiled. “Meeting by chance is still a form of fate. It is only a little space. There is no need for thanks.”
The tall cultivator raised his brows, making his face look even stranger. “You do not mind that I am ugly?”
Xu Ziqing replied, “One’s physical appearance, whether beautiful or ugly, is granted at birth. A person’s character is another matter. When making friends, I care not for the shell but for bearing and conduct.”
The tall cultivator laughed again. “You have a broad mind. My name is Zhang Jiu. May I ask yours?”
Xu Ziqing smiled. “I am Xu Ziqing.”
Once they exchanged names, both felt somewhat more familiar with the other, and their conversation became easier. Each quietly formed an impression of the man before him.
Zhang Jiu’s cultivation appeared unimpressive, but his bearing was far from ordinary. If a typical cultivator could not see through Xu Ziqing’s cultivation, he would at least realize he had encountered someone stronger. Even if he did not flatter him, he would usually show a little extra deference. Zhang Jiu, however, remained completely at ease. He neither pitied himself for his appearance nor grew servile, instead speaking openly and generously, which naturally made a good impression.
Xu Ziqing, for his part, had always been gentle. No matter how high or low another person’s cultivation was, he spoke with warmth and never gave an impression of looking down from above. Talking with him felt like being bathed in a spring breeze.
After some time, the two unexpectedly began to feel a measure of closeness.
Zhang Jiu had traveled widely and possessed extensive knowledge. Xu Ziqing had spent years confined to the estate and then the secret realm, so many tales and events were entirely new to him. Zhang Jiu told them vividly enough that Xu Ziqing felt almost as though he were seeing them firsthand.
As their conversation grew more animated, Zhang Jiu took a jar of aged wine called Hundred-Tempering Fragrance from his storage pouch, along with two delicate thumb-sized cups brimming with spiritual energy. He filled one and handed it to Xu Ziqing. “I have kept this wine for a long time. Today I finally met a friend whose company suits me. Let us drink together.”
Xu Ziqing had never drunk wine before and found the idea intriguing. He accepted the cup, brought it beneath his nose, and breathed in the aroma. “The fragrance is indeed rich and mellow. Very good.”
Zhang Jiu sat cross-legged without ceremony and raised his cup. “Drink?”
Xu Ziqing sat down just as freely and lifted his own. “Drink.”
The two looked at one another, smiled, and drained their cups together.
The clear wine entered Xu Ziqing’s mouth with a deep fragrance that rushed straight through his throat. It was slightly spicy at first, then wonderfully sweet, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Xu Ziqing pressed his lips together, feeling that one cup was hardly enough.
Seeing this, Zhang Jiu laughed heartily and refilled his cup. “Again!”
Xu Ziqing smiled. “Again!”
They traded cups back and forth until half the jar had disappeared.
A faint flush spread across Xu Ziqing’s face. Turning to look over the sea, he saw sky and water stretching together into a boundless horizon. The openness of the view seemed to widen the heart itself, and whatever worries he had carried appeared to dissolve into the mist over the waves.
Zhang Jiu spoke less while drinking, but seeing the blush on Xu Ziqing’s face lend his features an almost luminous quality, he smiled. “Brother Xu, forgive me for asking, but how old are you this year?”
Xu Ziqing smiled gently. “Counting by nominal age, I am eighteen.”
Zhang Jiu looked surprised and studied him from head to toe. “Brother Xu, your talent is truly exceptional.”
Xu Ziqing shook his head. “It all comes down to good fortune.”
He said no more. Among cultivators, who had not encountered some stroke of opportunity? There was no need to pry further.
Zhang Jiu also turned toward the sea and sighed. “It is a pity we are trapped inside this barrier. Otherwise I could put in a little effort and spear a few good fish. We could roast them over a fire and eat them with wine. That would be the truly satisfying way to live!”
Xu Ziqing imagined the scene and agreed that it sounded excellent. He nodded. “It certainly would. What a pity.” After another thought, he added, “Still, the sea is unpredictable, and this barrier exists for our safety. There is little choice.”
By the time they finished speaking, noon had arrived.
Below the Golden Core realm, cultivators could not truly abstain from food. They might not need three meals a day like ordinary mortals, but they still could not go hungry indefinitely. A voyage between continents aboard a spirit ship often required anywhere from two or three days to five or six. Cultivators who had not brought Fasting Pills or similar provisions therefore had to rely on the food available aboard the ship.
For that reason, meals were provided three times a day at fixed hours. Naturally, they cost extra.
As soon as the meal period arrived, several Innate-Realm attendants went to call on the passengers assigned to them.
Liu Sheng was responsible for Xu Ziqing, so he soon came over. Zhang Jiu, however, was ugly and low in cultivation, and none of the attendants had shown any willingness to serve him.
Liu Sheng was perceptive. He had already seen Xu Ziqing and Zhang Jiu drinking and conversing happily. Though he privately looked down on Zhang Jiu somewhat, he did not show it and instead addressed both of them. “Immortal Masters, it is noon. Is there anything you would like?”
Xu Ziqing smiled. He was slightly tipsy now, and his reactions had slowed a little. “…Anything we would like?”
Zhang Jiu understood immediately and said, “Bring high-quality spiritual grain, and another ten jin of meat dishes. Do not worry about the cost. Just calculate it when the time comes.”
Although Xu Ziqing’s eyes had become a little unfocused, his mind was still clear. He reached to take out a jade brick. “Brother Zhang, I just drank your wine. I cannot let you pay for this too…”
Zhang Jiu waved a large hand. “I am happy to have made a friend today. If you insist on being so formal, are you saying you do not consider me a friend?” Strictly speaking, Zhang Jiu was the one benefiting from the friendship, yet the way he said it was so straightforward that it did not feel unpleasant in the slightest.
Xu Ziqing was not someone who fussed over small accounts. Hearing this, he smiled openly. “Very well. Then I will take advantage of Brother Zhang this time. But later I will treat you in return, and you are not allowed to refuse.”
Zhang Jiu laughed loudly and naturally agreed.
Both of them understood clearly, however, that although they had taken an immediate liking to one another, they were still only chance acquaintances. The world was vast and the immortal path dangerous. Once they left this spirit ship, they might never meet again.
After the meal, Xu Ziqing’s thoughts had already begun to grow muddled. Wine brewed for cultivators was no ordinary drink. Once its strength took hold, even a cultivator found it difficult to resist. Xu Ziqing had never drunk alcohol in either of his two lives. On his first attempt at drinking freely, he naturally became drunk.
Zhang Jiu saw him walking unsteadily. After putting away the remaining wine and utensils, he laughed and reached out to support him.
Xu Ziqing refused. He steadied himself and, despite feeling top-heavy, forced his steps into something resembling a straight line.
Seeing his insistence, Zhang Jiu could only accompany him anxiously to the door of his room. Once he saw Xu Ziqing go inside, he finally left.
The door closed. Xu Ziqing immediately collapsed onto the bed, lying flat on his back with his face flushed and the scent of wine lingering over him.
A white figure suddenly appeared beside the bed, indistinct and almost translucent. He first glanced toward the door, then looked coldly at the drunken young man lying there and said nothing.
Xu Ziqing’s mind was foggy, but he had not fallen asleep. Half-dazed, he caught sight of a corner of white clothing and opened his eyes. With a hint of drunkenness in his voice, he called, “…Brother Yun?”
The white figure stepped slightly closer but remained silent.
Xu Ziqing gave a soft laugh. “I made a new friend today. I am very happy.” He turned his head, a little puzzled. “Brother Yun?”
Only then did Yun Lie say, “He bears you no ill intent. He is worth associating with.”
Xu Ziqing’s handsome face brightened further with his smile. “Brother Yun is right.” He tilted his head toward the faint figure before him. “Brother Yun, do you like wine?”
Yun Lie said, “I never drink.”
Xu Ziqing looked slightly disappointed and sighed. “If only I could drink with Brother Yun…” His voice trailed away before he finished the thought.
Yun Lie lowered his eyes. A moment later, he disappeared.
Xu Ziqing slept without dreams.
The next day, when he woke, Xu Ziqing remembered drinking with Zhang Jiu the night before. Then he remembered becoming drunk and rambling at his friend inside the ring for quite some time, and he could not help smiling to himself.
That friend of his was a sword cultivator whose will was unwavering and whose heart was firm as stone, never confused by external things. Wine could wear away at one’s resolve, so naturally Yun Lie disliked it.
Xu Ziqing did not dwell on the matter. He got up from the bed and only then realized that although he had awakened after drinking, he had neither a splitting headache nor aching limbs. Wine brewed for cultivators clearly lacked the unpleasant aftereffects of ordinary mortal drink.
He opened the door. The smell of alcohol had long since faded, and Xu Ziqing felt clear-headed and refreshed. He headed out of the cabin to admire the sea once again.
The Innate-Realm attendants were still on duty across the deck, but the Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples operating the ship had been replaced, presumably because the previous group had gone to rest. After all, controlling a spiritual artifact for an entire day and night must consume an enormous amount of spiritual power.
Xu Ziqing stood by the railing and gazed into the distance. The sea was calm and peaceful.
“Brother Xu, did you sleep well last night?” A hearty laugh came from behind him, followed by the distinct sound of approaching footsteps.
“Brother Zhang.” Xu Ziqing turned with a smile. “The wine was excellent. Naturally I slept very well.”
Zhang Jiu came to stand beside him and grinned. “I still have plenty. If Brother Xu enjoyed it, why not drink freely again today?”
Xu Ziqing did not refuse. “Very well. The wine really was excellent. It leaves one wanting more.”
Zhang Jiu waved this off. “If Brother Xu likes it, I can give you several jars. I may not have much else, but I have no shortage of wine. Today we will switch to something called Immortal’s Fragrance. I guarantee you will drink your fill!”
Immortal’s Fragrance was stronger than Hundred-Tempering Fragrance. It burned fiercely down the throat, then the heat transformed into sweetness and rushed upward, producing a light, floating sensation as though one might ascend like an immortal.
The name was certainly deserved. It was good wine said to intoxicate even immortals.
The two passed their cups back and forth and drank another round.
Zhang Jiu was still smiling broadly, but Xu Ziqing sensed that something about him was different and could not help feeling puzzled.
He asked directly, “Brother Zhang, if something is troubling you, perhaps you can tell me.”
Zhang Jiu hesitated. Then he placed a restriction around them before saying, “Brother Xu, you and I took to each other at first sight, so I will not hide it from you.” He sighed. “I traveled from Upper Qu Continent to Upper Yu Continent because those two great families have been fighting these past few years. I already carry an injury, and as a rogue cultivator I could not settle there in peace.”
Xu Ziqing listened attentively without interrupting.
Zhang Jiu continued, “I have always been able to hold my liquor. After you became drunk last night, I was still completely sober, so I kept drinking alone in my room. I never expected to hear a disturbance in the room next door.”
Xu Ziqing knew this must be the important part. Yet aboard a spirit ship, conversations inside rooms ought to be protected by restrictions. How could Zhang Jiu have heard anything?
Seeing his confusion, Zhang Jiu explained first, “Brother Xu may not know this, but though I was born with this ugly appearance, my hearing is exceptionally sharp. Ordinary restrictions cannot block it.” Seeing that Xu Ziqing showed no strange reaction, he continued, “I heard everything they were arguing about, and only then discovered that the people who never leave their room are members of the Tian family, the very family that started the conflict!”
Xu Ziqing’s pupils contracted sharply, and his heartbeat quickened at once.
Zhang Jiu continued without pause. “Those Tian people are going to Upper Yu Continent to invite an Essence Transformation expert from the Thunderfire Sect, someone skilled in lightning techniques, to join the fight and wipe out the Xu family completely!”
Xu Ziqing was inwardly shocked but did his best to keep his expression unchanged. “The Thunderfire Sect is the foremost of the three great land sects. Does the Tian family really have that kind of connection with them?”
Zhang Jiu replied, “The Tian family alone has little more than a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators, so naturally the Thunderfire Sect would not care about them. The key is that they have colluded with…”
Xu Ziqing asked, “With what?”
Zhang Jiu lowered his voice. “With a sea beast!”
Xu Ziqing was stunned. Those two worlds seemed completely unrelated. How had the Tian family become involved with a deep-sea power?
Seeing how shaken Xu Ziqing was, Zhang Jiu began speaking even faster.
Only then did Xu Ziqing learn that the Tian family’s break with the Xu family had never truly been about the rejected marriage proposal. The scheme had been prepared years in advance.
Long before Tian Cheng became family head, he had somehow become acquainted with a fifth-rank demon beast of the deep sea. Through that beast, he also came to know Mu Zhenhai, an expert from the Thunderfire Sect who was then approaching the peak of Foundation Establishment. The three sides gradually reached an understanding. Afterward, Tian Cheng maneuvered within the Tian family until he became family head. Outwardly he lay low, but in secret he continued communicating with both the man and the beast.
Years later, Tian Cheng’s position had become secure. The Foundation Establishment expert broke through and became an Essence Transformation cultivator. The fifth-rank demon beast, meanwhile, grew dissatisfied with the current ocean overlords and secretly began buying the loyalty of other powerful demon beasts, intending to gather them under its command. By now, those efforts had begun to bear fruit.
The three parties then contacted one another again and worked out a plan.
First, the Essence Transformation cultivator obtained many valuable deep-sea medicinal materials from the fifth-rank demon beast and used them to refine pills capable of raising cultivation for a short period. He then handed those pills to Tian Cheng.
Tian Cheng wanted to swallow the other families, become the greatest cultivation family in the Haotian Small World, and monopolize the Linyuan Secret Realm. The fifth-rank demon beast promised that if it gained the position of overlord, it would grant one ocean route to the Thunderfire Sect. Mu Zhenhai, now an Essence Transformation cultivator, wanted to use that route to gain a higher position within his sect and obtain enormous benefits.
Their interests aligned perfectly, and Tian Cheng immediately began looking for opportunities to provoke conflict.
Thus the war between the Xu and Tian families began. Given how fiercely the two sides now fought to the death, each was naturally seeking outside assistance. Tian Cheng had already invited Mu Zhenhai. Whether the Xu family would be fortunate enough to find comparable help was another matter entirely.
Because the matter was so important, Tian Cheng did not want Mu Zhenhai’s rivals within the Thunderfire Sect to notice anything suspicious. After much thought, he sent trusted subordinates carrying countless valuables to visit Mu Zhenhai at the Thunderfire Sect, formally inviting him to attend Tian Cheng’s birthday banquet in a private capacity. Unfortunately, the Tian family members sent on the mission began quarreling over who would get the first chance to distinguish himself. Zhang Jiu overheard them, and from their argument pieced together most of the entire scheme.
Xu Ziqing listened with mounting alarm. He had never imagined the entire Xu family had already been woven into such a calculation. It was obvious that once those Tian envoys reached the Thunderfire Sect, their mission would almost certainly succeed. The Xu family would then face catastrophe.
At that thought, how could Xu Ziqing fail to understand why Zhang Jiu had told him all this?
Xu Ziqing had not concealed his surname when befriending Zhang Jiu. Anyone with even a little knowledge of the Xu family could therefore guess his connection to it. The two men might get along well, but they had only known each other for two days. Zhang Jiu evidently did not want to address the matter too directly, so he had used this opportunity to tell Xu Ziqing everything he knew.
After finishing, Zhang Jiu saw Xu Ziqing’s expression and knew that he had understood the implication. He asked nothing further and simply refilled Xu Ziqing’s cup so they could continue drinking together.
Xu Ziqing’s thoughts remained unsettled. His relationship with the Xu family was complicated. He did not truly hate them, yet neither did he feel any deep sense of belonging. After thinking it over again and again, he temporarily set the matter aside.
While they were still drinking, the spirit ship reached the midpoint between the two continents and entered a stretch of violent water filled with hidden currents.
The area was notoriously difficult to cross. The Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples immediately called out, “We are entering the rapids. Everyone, take care!”
The warning did not mean some terrible danger was inevitable. Passengers simply needed to secure themselves to the deck. Otherwise, if the spirit ship suddenly threw them into the air, they would lose all dignity in front of everyone.
Zhang Jiu and Xu Ziqing exchanged a smile. Each circulated spiritual power and firmly anchored himself to the deck. Unless the spirit ship itself broke apart, the two should remain safe.
The Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples had crossed these waters many times and were highly skilled. Although the rapid currents inevitably battered the spirit ship, they avoided the hidden reefs and kept the jolting from becoming too severe.
After a period of mild turbulence, they had already passed nearly half the rapids. Ahead lay a whirlpool where currents converged from every direction, making it especially difficult to navigate. The disciples sharpened their concentration and hoped only to pass through safely.
But just as they approached the whirlpool, something suddenly slammed into the ship. The spirit ship lurched violently. Everyone aboard felt the world spin as an immensely powerful surge of spiritual force struck from outside. Most of it was blocked by the ship, but the remainder still caused a tremendous shock.
Zhang Jiu’s cultivation was low, and his body swayed violently. Xu Ziqing managed to remain steady and quickly caught one of Zhang Jiu’s arms, allowing both men to stabilize themselves.
Boom! Boom, boom!
A succession of violent impacts followed immediately.
The spirit ship was forced down onto the surface of the sea. Half the vessel tilted backward while the bow rose high, rocking violently from front to back. At that moment the protective barrier suddenly erupted in seven-colored radiance. Each time it was struck, the light grew brighter, sending out rings of ripples like waves across water.
Cultivators rushed out of the cabins in alarm, many with fear plainly visible on their faces. Those with weaker cultivation could barely keep their footing. This was no ordinary turbulence caused by waves. Something outside was attacking with spiritual force, and even after the barrier absorbed most of the impact, the remaining shock sent the cultivators stumbling and reeling.
Xu Ziqing helped Zhang Jiu to his feet. Even he was finding the repeated impacts difficult to endure. The spiritual-force vibrations passed through the barrier without directly injuring him, but they disrupted the spiritual power within his body and made it difficult to circulate smoothly.
Zhang Jiu clutched the ship’s railing and shouted, “The sea beasts are moving!”
Xu Ziqing immediately looked outward and drew in a sharp breath.
Across the violently churning water, countless dark sea-beast heads emerged from whirlpools large and small. They were densely packed, appearing in groups upon groups.
At a rough glance alone, there appeared to be several hundred massive bodies. Judging from the pressure they released, all of them were demon beasts. None were merely first rank, and many were second-rank demon beasts. Their leaders occupied the waters ahead with undisguised dominance.
Xu Ziqing himself was at the seventh layer of Qi Refinement and was no longer weak, but fundamentally his strength only matched that of a second-rank demon beast. One or two might not trouble him, but there were far more than that here. Even with his usually open temperament, a trace of apprehension arose in his heart.
In all the years of his cultivation, Xu Ziqing had never encountered a scene like this. Had he not already hovered at the edge of life and death several times, he might have fallen into despair like many of the cultivators around him.
Zhang Jiu exclaimed, “Good heavens! Even the jiao, shark, python, whale, and Fish-Dragon clans have produced rebels!”
Hearing this, Xu Ziqing turned toward him. “Brother Zhang?”
Zhang Jiu’s eyes shone brightly. “I have traveled to quite a few places and heard many things about sea beasts. There are countless clans beneath the sea, divided among the deep-sea overlords. But even members of the same clan do not necessarily serve the same overlord. Different branches may answer to different rulers.”
Xu Ziqing nodded. “That makes sense.”
Although Zhang Jiu’s cultivation was low and he had suffered badly from the impacts, he showed little fear. He pointed toward the sea beasts. “Brother Xu, look.”
Xu Ziqing followed his gesture.
Zhang Jiu continued, “If these were truly branches serving different overlords and had mobilized properly, they would be separated into organized squads with soldiers and leaders in order. But look at these beasts. Their colors and markings are all mixed together. Just among those I recognize, there are Scarlet Demon Pythons, Fire-Headed Pythons, Copper-Eyed Pythons, Bloodflame Sharks, Giant-God Sharks, Steelrock Sharks… Though these are all python or shark types, they do not belong to the same branch. Yet now they have all surged out together. That alone tells us something.”
Xu Ziqing thought about it and found the reasoning sound. A possibility suddenly occurred to him. “Could it be…”
Zhang Jiu nodded readily. “That is what I suspect too. If the Thunderfire Sect wants to seize control of this ocean route, there must be a reason. These sea beasts are probably here to obstruct this voyage…” He paused. “And I doubt this will be the last time. The more casualties there are, the more humiliating it becomes for the Nine Stars Sea Sect. It really is a calculated move.”
Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly. Even after entering the immortal path, people still could not cast aside greed. When great powers schemed and fought for profit, who knew how many unrelated cultivators would die in the process?
As he thought this, the impacts against the spirit ship grew even fiercer. The spiritual artifact itself might not be destroyed so easily, but the protective barrier was another matter. More importantly, whether the ship could remain under control and whether the barrier could endure ultimately depended on the Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples operating it.
Xu Ziqing’s concern was well founded. This was precisely what the demon beasts were targeting. The barrier was already struggling under the endless impacts, and the violent shaking gradually made it difficult for the disciples to keep their balance.
Operating a spirit ship was no simple task. It required not only a steady release of sufficient spiritual power but also the precise execution of countless hand seals. If the disciples could not even remain upright, how were they supposed to do either?
The Nine Stars Sea Sect disciples were experienced after all and handled the situation far better than the other cultivators stumbling across the deck. Even while the spirit ship pitched and rolled, they planted their feet firmly on the deck. Since not everyone could continue working effectively, two disciples would brace a third, allowing the protected cultivator to remain steady enough to steer.
Sea voyages required the disciples to work in shifts day and night, so a large number had come aboard. Though the situation was awkward, this arrangement allowed them to hold on for the time being.
Unfortunately, the respite did not last. A series of deafening booms erupted as enormous waves rose and the gathered beasts became even more agitated. Several whale-type beasts dove beneath the surface and rammed upward with their massive bodies, striking the ship from below with terrifying force.
That was not all. A strange sound suddenly joined the chaos.
Hiss, hiss, hiss…
Xu Ziqing’s vision darkened. A sheet of sickly green liquid had splashed across the section of barrier before them, blocking much of the view. The liquid immediately began corroding the protective barrier and releasing black poisonous smoke. Perhaps it was not an illusion, but after repeated splashes of the venom, the barrier’s spiritual radiance seemed noticeably dimmer.
Zhang Jiu said sharply, “Poison!”
Ordinary mortal poisons could hardly harm cultivators, but demon-beast venom was another matter entirely. The stronger varieties could dissolve a cultivator’s body, injure the soul, or even reduce a person entirely to bloody liquid. Some poisons could corrode treasures and extinguish spiritual radiance. Their uses and effects varied enormously.
The poison attacking them now had clearly been stored for countless years within the venom sacs of demon beasts skilled in toxicity until it developed this formidable power. If this continued, the barrier would not last much longer.
Soon, the barrier was being sprayed with poison not only on Xu Ziqing and Zhang Jiu’s side but in several other places as well. The cultivators aboard grew increasingly panicked. Seeing the countless sea beasts waiting outside only made their terror worse.
Xu Ziqing thought quickly. Two emerald leaves formed beneath his feet and slowly lifted him upward. Before long he was hovering less than half a chi above the deck. Since the instability came from the spirit ship itself, the simplest solution was not to stand on it.
Zhang Jiu did not seem to possess any similar technique, and Xu Ziqing’s method could not carry another person. Xu Ziqing therefore remained floating close to Zhang Jiu’s left side so he could protect him if necessary.
The other cultivators also noticed what Xu Ziqing had done. They had been caught off guard at first, but now realization dawned and many immediately imitated him. The Wind-Riding Art could not be sustained for long, however, so before long countless multicolored lights began flashing across the spirit ship.
At that moment, anyone who possessed a magical artifact, no matter how carefully they normally guarded it, brought it out at once, all for the sake of grasping that single thread of survival.