We arrived at a small town near the sea. The place had high walls, much bigger than the ones in Greengrass Town, and there were even some giant crossbow-like weapons atop the walls, dozens pointed at the front gates in case anyone wanted to cause trouble.
The guards approached us and scrutinized our uniforms. Before one of them could speak, Song Song produced a silver badge, declaring, “We are here under Blazing Sun Sect business.”
Having already healed, Song Song had changed into another uniform she had stored in her storage ring. She now looked the part of a powerful cultivator and even had that look in her eyes like she saw everyone else as trash.
“Yes, honorable cultivators, you can proceed at your behest,” the man bowed, and they let us pass through.
As we entered, some townspeople glanced at us; some children had starry eyes, the adults looked cautious, and a few were even scared. Despite their varied reactions, none approached us.
It was a peculiar feeling, being stared at with reverence as if I were something more than them.
How odd it must be to be in their place? I supposed they grew up idolizing cultivators, not realizing that at the end of the day, these cultivators were humans too. Even though we lived long lives and often accomplished very little. Most leaders in power had some kind of cultivation, which was probably the main reason progress in this world was slow.
I averted my gaze from the people, trying to ignore their reverent stares. It was uncomfortable.
Like any other person, I had daydreamed of fame or celebrity status. But this strange feeling in my stomach wasn't what I had expected. No, this was much more than just being a celebrity. These people looked at me like someone would when they thought Gods walked the earth.
At least the town was beautiful, with numerous bridges and streams running through it. A large fountain graced the town center, and the roads were well-paved, with clear water flowing through the streams.
"Next time, pay attention to these things," Song Song whispered when we were close enough. Some nearby disciples might have heard, but they likely wouldn't care. "As my second in command, you're supposed to handle these menial tasks, just like you handled cooking in the camp."
I shot her a bewildered look, and she frowned in response.
Did she understand what a second in command meant? She made it sound like I was her servant.
"You have my sword, but not my broom," I drew the line on the sand, metaphorically. Then, I met Song Song's gaze as she looked at me, confused.
It was important to set boundaries, especially with someone like her.
Song Song was strong and undoubtedly someone who could enforce her will on me. But if she expected me to be her second in command, and loyal, we needed clear boundaries. The last thing anyone would want was a second in command who felt like a janitor.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She said, her voice no longer a whisper, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Back there when we were fighting the scorpion monstrous beast, I didn't run. I even went to help you. I was ready to lay my life there, despite your questionable decisions," I clarified calmly, holding her intense glare. "Do not take such actions lightly. I'm not suicidal, and it's not your prerogative to treat our lives as mere pawns in your war games."
I was dancing with flames here. However, there had to be a clear line in our partnership; she couldn't continue taking our actions for granted and treating us as expendable.
"My questionable decisions?" She inquired.
She really couldn't tell? I was bewildered for a second before quickly regaining my composure and thinking things through.
"Let's start with what you did well. Despite your injuries, coming to save us was commendable. Those actions earned my loyalty, not because someone said you're supposed to be my leader, but because of what you did." I said, taking a moment to choose my words carefully, while Song Song's lips twitched upward, almost forming a smirk.
It seemed she liked that. Now, the next part would be the hard pill to swallow. I better be careful so I didn't end up as the one needing to swallow my teeth at the end of it.
"But the decision not to stop at Greengrass Town for supplies was foolish. We wasted so much time searching for food in the wild when a brief stop in town would have sufficed to supply us for the journey," I explained.
"Be mindful of how you address your superiors, Liu Feng," she warned.
"If you prefer suckups, you should have made it clear. I'm sure many people would kiss the ground you walk one second, and then stab you in the back the next if someone more powerful told them to."
We halted on a stone bridge, locking eyes above the rushing water below.
"You know I could make your life hell in the sect," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm aware," I nodded.
At least she said nothing about killing me yet. So the results were better than expected, for now.
She scrutinized me, daring me to show any sign of weakness. If I did, she would pounce.
"Very well, have it your way," she said, striding forward.
"Thank you," I smiled. "From now on, you needn't worry about menial tasks. I'll handle them."
She paused, her face showing bewilderment as if questioning whether she had misheard me.
Before she could respond, I continued, "When I cooked for everyone, it was because I wanted to, not because I was forced. And I don't mind doing it again."
"You were willing to risk your life for something you'd still willingly do?" She returned to her senses, gazing towards the docked ships in the distance, then back at me. "You're the strangest person I've met."
Explaining to her that my caution stemmed from past experiences where bosses took advantage of my kindness, and being unwilling to set clear boundaries wasn't an option.
Instead, I mustered the nicest smile I could manage and said, "Well, you saved my life. So now you can rest assured I won't hide anything crucial from you."
She responded with a smile of her own, accompanied by that dangerous glint in her eyes that made some of my fellow outer disciples slow their pace. But ultimately, she said nothing and strode a dozen steps ahead, assuming the leadership role she was there for.
When we reached the docks, Song Song led us to a corner where identical wooden boats with flags depicting a sun surrounded by cartoonish flames were docked.
Song Song's mad laughter filled the air upon seeing the ships, unsettling us all.
Had she finally lost her mind?
As she turned towards us, genuine happiness lit up her face, "See? It seems like none of the others have arrived here yet."
I thought she didn't care about leadership competitions or who won or lost.
Regardless, this had nothing to do with me, and I was inclined to call her out on it. So, I just shrugged and followed along as she approached a man who looked like a bookkeeper, wearing a robe signifying his status as an outer elder of the Blazing Sun Sect. He handed her a peculiar wooden block, and after Song Song tinkered with it for a bit, she passed it to me.
"Here, this is yours from now on."
I examined the wood; it felt like ordinary wood by its weight. After fiddling with it for a minute, I turned towards her and asked, "What is this for?"
The smile faded from her face, and she regarded me as though I were a primitive caveman, "Well, to control the artifact, of course."
"The ship," she pointed to one of the ten identical vessels, and we followed along.
"Don't tell me you've never been on an artifact ship," she furrowed her brows. "Okay, I'll teach you how to handle this. But from now on, you'll have to take care of it since I'll be engaging in indoor cultivation until we reach our destination."
After a brief explanation, I understood; that essentially, it was like a remote controller. After infusing Qi into it and making a specific motion, it would follow my commands. The vessel already had Qi, so essentially, I had little to do except call for Song Song in case of an emergency.
In the end, she said, "Anyway, the ship will navigate itself. So, you don't need to worry."
Why would she go through all this trouble just to say the ship was on autopilot?
She disappeared into the captain's cabin, making it clear she didn't want to be disturbed.
With her gone, I turned to the others, ready to give some orders. However, the sails unfurled themselves, and the ship began moving on its own.
The docks receded until they were out of sight. I glanced up, and the flag flapped in the wrong direction. We weren't catching any wind at all. But the ship was still moving like it was.
There was probably some intricate Qi work involved in this, but sadly, I could see nothing. It was times like these when I would envy being a Qi Gathering disciple.
"Well, at least we can spend this time resting," I turned toward the others. "Also, let's ensure we're good on food and not going into this blind."
"Yes, understood! Sir!"
"Don't call me 'sir,'" I waved them away as they headed below deck, their smiles evident. No doubt, they were relieved to finally have some rest from constant running and only resting when sleeping.
My chubby friend, whom I had barely spoken to during this journey, stood behind me, looked at me, and breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally, you're alone. It felt so strange with that woman around; it was like she would kill any of us for making the slightest mistake. During our hunting trips, we used to whisper about her. People couldn't say it in front of her, but they're thankful to you for dealing with her."
"We both know the doors leading to the captain's cabin are probably covered in silencing arrays so she can cultivate in peace. But please, be careful what you say," I cautioned him but didn't dwell on it for long before returning the smile. "Also, she isn't so bad. Maybe a bit socially awkward from all that indoor cultivation, but anyone could end up like that."
"Yeah, I bet you would think something like that," the chubby guy muttered under his breath.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I raised a questioning brow and crossed my arms.
"We might be scared of her, but we're not blind, Liu Feng," the chubby fellow shook his head, a knowing smirk crossing his face. "We see the looks she constantly gives you, and despite what you say, she always listens. Despite the power disparity."
What was he getting at?
It took a couple of seconds before everything clicked into place.
Oh... OH... I get it now...
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