"In another day or two, after crossing the sea ahead of us, we should reach Zhongzhou." On the immense flying boat, Xiang Yanwen gently stroked his long beard, smiling as he explained to the others.
After many days of travel, the Righteous Sun Sect party was finally nearing their destination.
"So, there’s actually an ocean separating the various states."
Standing on the deck of the flying boat, the crowd murmured in realization. Below them, the ocean stretched out endlessly.
Strange roars echoed from time to time. Vast black shadows also surfaced on the water. Columns of water shot skyward one after another. These were powerful creatures dwelling in the ocean, issuing warnings to the uninvited guests in the sky.
Fortunately, a light screen quickly materialized around the flying boat, fending off these attacks.
Whenever this happened, Xiang Yanwen would unleash his powerful aura and forcefully push through. Occasionally, they encountered beings that even Xiang Yanwen found troublesome. But these entities, upon seeing the Purple Cloud Divine Sect’s insignia on the flying boat, would generally refrain from causing further trouble.
The Purple Cloud Divine Sect truly lived up to its name as a top-ranking sect in Zhongzhou. They indeed had quite a reputation.
Throughout their journey, they had already crossed several stretches of ocean.
"So, this is the Da Zhou Dynasty...?"
None of them had expected the territory of the Da Zhou Dynasty to be so vast. An inexplicable sense of awe filled their hearts. Youzhou, where the Righteous Sun Sect was located, was merely one of the most remote and minor states; Zhongzhou was the truly vast and magnificent land. Liu Qingxuan, however, was relatively composed. He had long been aware of this; his previous reluctance to leave stemmed from his belief that his strength was insufficient. Only by cultivating to the Primordial Fetus Realm would one barely possess the qualifications to independently cross the ocean and travel to other states.
"Look, what’s that?" Someone else spoke up, pointing ahead.
In the distance, a vast harbor was faintly visible, marking another stretch of coastline. Numerous colossal ships were docked there. Large numbers of figures could be seen bustling about.
In fact, most people traveling to other states or regions separated by the ocean had to use ferries. The distances between states were simply too vast. It wasn’t that flying was impossible, but the risks involved were enormous. Ordinary people simply couldn’t withstand them. If attacked, they would be living targets. Should they perish, their bodies would likely vanish without a trace.
The ferries’ defenses, however, were excellent. Those who could manage such a business naturally had their cards in their hand. Ordinary people merely needed to spend spirit stones and take the ferry.
Only a top-tier sect like the Purple Cloud Divine Sect could afford such a high-class flying boat.
As for Youzhou, it had no such harbor. There was no helping it; Youzhou was too remote, its resources too scarce. Establishing a harbor there would only be a loss-making venture.
"Everyone, the wind is strong outside. Why don’t we head inside for now?" After placing enough spirit stones into the flying boat’s mechanism, Xiang Yanwen smiled at the others nearby.
The flying boat had numerous rooms, enough for everyone to rest. Staying inside was extremely comfortable, almost indistinguishable from being on solid ground. There was also a large lounge area within the cabin.
"Alright." Liu Qingxuan glanced ahead again and nodded with a smile. The two turned and entered the cabin.
"Father, wait for me." Liu Qingdai immediately followed, smoothly taking his arm.
The members of the Righteous Sun Sect followed one after another. Si Nanyan and her companions hesitated briefly before returning directly to their respective rooms.
Over the past few days, the two groups hadn’t interacted much. A certain barrier still existed between the Righteous Sun Sect and the Wonderous Palace.
"Master Liu, won’t you reconsider? If you join the Purple Cloud Divine Sect, with your strength, becoming an Elder would be more than appropriate." Inside the cabin, Xiang Yanwen invited Liu Qingxuan to sit and personally began to brew tea.
In the preceding days, Liu Qingxuan had already made it clear he would not join the Purple Cloud Divine Sect. This was not Xiang Yanwen’s first such invitation.
"The Purple Cloud Divine Sect is excellent, but my ambitions do not lie there," Liu Qingxuan said calmly, reiterating his previous refusal. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ⓝovelFire.net
"Master Liu, if you were to join our Divine Sect, with your talent and strength, it might not be long before you forge an entirely new path. In the future, you could even become one of the Divine Sect’s helmsmen," Xiang Yanwen urged earnestly.
"Status and position are like fleeting clouds to me. I much prefer a carefree life, like a drifting cloud or a wild crane," Liu Qingxuan replied, his expression still serene. He was already a sect master, albeit of a small sect. He had already experienced the authority that came with such a position. The Divine Sect could grant him status, but it would also become a restraint.
"Master Liu, if you were in the Divine Sect, your disciples might also receive better protection. You understand, where there are people, there is conflict," Xiang Yanwen hinted once more. He was speaking the truth. So many God Child Level Figures. When the time comes, their entry into the Purple Cloud Divine Sect will inevitably cause a great stir. And there will undoubtedly be those who target them. There are only so many positions for Godsons. Competition is inevitable.
"Children will make their own way in life; I can’t protect them forever." However, even when Xiang Yanwen brought up the next generation, Liu Qingxuan remained unmoved. Instead, he said with a smile, "Besides, with Senior Xiang here, I trust they won’t be allowed to come to any harm, right?"
"Master Liu... ah... it truly is a pity," Xiang Yanwen sighed, shaking his head again. He understood then that Liu Qingxuan would not change his mind.