“Next stop: Lichen Island. We’ll establish our base there,” Chen Xun declared, his voice calm yet resolute. He waved his hand toward the ground, and a gentle breeze swept through, collecting all the Great Desolate Crow God Crystals into his storage ring. “Let’s explore and experience what a great world truly is.”
“Moo-moo~~”
“Wonderful!”
“Brother Xun, safety first!”
“Yes, Senior.”
Four voices rang out simultaneously, a harmonious blend of excitement and commitment as everyone prepared to follow Chen Xun. Mo Fuyang carefully retrieved the long rectangular box from his robes, determined to ensure they wouldn’t lose their way in the vast sea domain.
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By the edge of a deserted coastline, mighty waves surged and howled as mountainous swells rolled in from the distant horizon, cloaked in grayish-yellow skies. The group stood on the shore, gazing silently at the endless expanse of the sea. Mo Fuyang, ever respectful, remained a step behind, his posture deferential.
Hum!
A colossal ship’s shadow slowly descended from the heavens. Sister Crane’s black dress fluttered as her pupils underwent a startling transformation. Black and white hues swirled together, manifesting her Yin-Yang Divine Eyes.
Mo Fuyang gasped, a stifled groan escaping as a suffocatingly oppressive atmosphere engulfed the surroundings. He dared not linger on the sight or speculate, his heart pounding with awe.
Boom!
The enormous ship crashed onto the waves, creating thunderous roars as water cascaded down its sides. Despite the impact, the vessel remained unshaken. The silhouettes of two towering trees briefly appeared upon its deck before vanishing, blending seamlessly into the world as if they had never existed.
Sister Crane’s eyes gleamed with divine brilliance. Her expression, initially aloof, softened as a sweet smile bloomed across her face. “Big Brother, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, all set!”
“Great, let’s head out.” Chen Xun transformed into a wisp of wind, instantly appearing atop the crane-shaped prow of the ship. His white robes fluttered in the sea breeze as he gazed into the distance, exhaling contentedly. “Old friend, we’re back.”
“Moo~” Brother Ox let out a satisfied snort, gleefully stomping across the deck.
Sister Crane and Xiao Chi dashed about, laughing and playing, their carefree antics painting a vibrant contrast to the ship’s solemn majesty. Their camaraderie filled the air with warmth.
Mo Fuyang approached the ship and respectfully bowed, his eyes lingering on the intricate patterns engraved across its surface. The ship’s material, unlike Mengmu Wood, puzzled him. He stared a moment longer before averting his gaze, his reverence only deepening.
“Little friend, come aboard. No need to hesitate,” Chen Xun called out with a gentle smile.
“Thank you, Senior!” Mo Fuyang leapt aboard, carefully positioning himself on the deck. He stood stiffly, allowing the sea breeze to buffet him, wary of disturbing anything on the magnificent vessel.
From his robes, he retrieved the rectangular box. Bound to his essence through his Nascent Soul, the box emitted a faint glow before erupting into a flame-like beacon, illuminating the ship.
Brother Ox halted mid-step, his gaze fixated on the box, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. The surrounding vital energy began to stir, drawn toward the box, which seemed to record the unique energy signature of Lichen Island.
Brother Ox let out a heavy snort, its eyes narrowing in contemplation. Vital energy—a force only accessible to cultivators at or above the Deity Transformation stage—was now being manipulated through recorded signatures, serving as an anchor point. The realization unsettled and intrigued him.
Chen Xun’s eyes sparkled as he observed. “Remarkable,” he murmured, his thoughts expanding. “Using vital energy as a coordinate system… Ingenious.”
As the beacon flickered and stabilized, a distinct energy signature pointed toward their destination. Chen Xun nodded approvingly. Brother Ox, with a deft wave of the Five Elements Array Flag, infused the ship’s runic patterns with vibrant energy.
Hum!
The Boundary-Breaking Ship roared to life, exuding a dense aura of Five Elements power. Below, the sea churned and parted under the vessel’s overwhelming presence.
Mo Fuyang opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it, his awe mounting. These Seniors, clearly at a level far beyond his comprehension, didn’t need his guidance. His box merely served as confirmation.
Boom!
A thunderous sound signaled their departure. The ship shot skyward, covering thousands of miles in a single breath. The world around them blurred as their velocity reached unparalleled speeds.
Mo Fuyang stumbled, barely suppressing a startled cry. The acceleration was jarringly raw yet undeniably swift. He drew a steadying breath, awestruck by the ship’s capabilities. Unlike the spatial techniques of the Nine Heavens Immortal Alliance, this relied on sheer power and coordination—a force to behold.
Hum! Hum!
The ship continued its relentless pace. Sister Crane gracefully funneled Five Elements energy into its core, while Xiao Chi crouched nearby, emanating a proud yet attentive air. Brother Ox expertly manipulated the array, concealing the vessel within layers of protective formations.
Mo Fuyang watched in astonishment. “What an incredible… team.”
Chen Xun approached him, breaking his reverie. “Little friend,” he called.
“Yes, Senior?” Mo Fuyang replied promptly.
“Would you mind activating the Nine Heavens Celestial Sound Formation Disk?”
“Of course, Senior. It would be my honor.”
Mo Fuyang retrieved the disk, its familiar glow casting a soft light. He glanced nervously as three eager faces surrounded him, their anticipation palpable. Laughing sheepishly, he nodded and activated the device.
Chen Xun joined the circle, clearing his throat. “Make room for your elder brother.”
They huddled together, the formation disk at the center. Each held their notebooks, ready to record any vital information. As the disk buzzed to life, the group settled into a rhythm of focused listening, with Xiao Chi’s occasional exclamations punctuating the serene hum of the ship’s journey.
Hum—
The Boundary-Breaking Ship sailed through the heavens, splitting clouds and cleaving waves. Occasionally, massive sea beasts breached the surface, their powerful movements sending towering columns of water skyward. Yet the vastness of the Mengmu Sea Domain remained inscrutable, its depths and breadths unfathomable.
Guided by vital energy and enriched by the celestial sound disk’s news, the voyage was anything but monotonous.