Chapter 22: Journey Together
Chapter 22: Journey Together
At dusk, a massive water column emerged on the surface of the sea, accompanied by rumbling thunder, catching Cheng Lingyu’s attention.
The column measured over fifty feet in diameter and rose thousands of feet high, looming near Green Island. Lightning coiled around its peak, creating a fearsome spectacle.
A colossal bird swooped from the sky, encircled by six halos of crackling thunder and lightning. At the column’s summit, a humanoid figure shrouded in brilliance swung its arms, unleashing sword energy that tore through the void and severed lightning bolts to fend off the bird’s attacks.
Cheng Lingyu stared in awe. Never before had he witnessed such power—both the lightning-wreathed bird and the towering figure defied his comprehension.
The battle raged for half an hour until the bird retreated into Green Island. The water column then vanished swiftly.
“Was that the island’s Celestial Beast?” Cheng Lingyu muttered, his face pale. If true, the journey to Green Island would be perilous indeed. Against the bird’s divine might, his current cultivation level rendered him utterly vulnerable.
The sea soon calmed, and Cheng Lingyu saw no trace of the mystery expert. He spent the night alone on the shore.
By morning, cultivators began gathering along the coast—men and women in small groups, mostly youths. Cheng Lingyu, standing alone, soon drew notice.
“Look—a lone one! Let’s approach him,” called a clear voice. A girl in white, around nineteen, stepped forward with three young men: one plump, one lean, and one strikingly handsome.
Cheng Lingyu observed them nearing, their eyes appraising him like an item.
“Hello! I’m Qu Wei. Are you alone?” The girl’s smile brimmed with sweetness.
“I am. And you…?”
Qu Wei laughed. “We’re heading to Green Island for training but need more hands. Care to join us?”
The lean youth beside her frowned. “Nine Levels of Mortal Martial Arts, Change Phase? His cultivation level’s too weak.”
“He’ll be dead weight. We need at least a True Martial, Third Level – Wave Stage ally,” grumbled the plump one in green.
Qu Wei rolled her eyes. “Quit complaining. Others have groups of eight or even a dozen—we’re the smallest here. Every helper counts.”
Cheng Lingyu stifled his irritation. Being dismissed stung, but he knew his limits. With no knowledge of Green Island, joining them was pragmatic. No other group had approached him yet.
“I’m Cheng Lingyu. I’ll join if you’ll have me.”
Qu Wei grinned. “Welcome! Meet Jin Miaoyi”—she gestured to the handsome youth—“Miao Sanxu (the Fatty), and Fang Zhuqing (the lean one).”
Jin Miaoyi, slightly older than Cheng Lingyu, wore a faint smile and carried an air of quiet arrogance.
After brief introductions, another group approached.
Qu Wei frowned, her sweet smile vanishing instantly as disgust took over.
“Why do you make that face when you see me, junior sister? I’m still your senior brother.”
A silver-robed man in his early twenties smirked, his gaze repeatedly drifting to Qu Wei’s chest with a lewd expression.
Qu Wei snorted, “All my senior brothers are gentlemen, not shameless scoundrels like you.”
Jin Miaoyi glared at the man and said coldly, “Huang Yukun, stay away from us, or don’t blame me for what happens.”
Huang Yukun sneered, “I’m speaking to my junior sister. Who are you to interfere? Watch yourself—this trip to Green Island might be your last.”
Jin Miaoyi scoffed, “You’re not capable of threatening me.”
Huang Yukun laughed, “Killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant. Test me on the island if you dare.”
Qu Wei snapped, “Enough! Get lost—I don’t want to see you.”
Huang Yukun leered, “I’ll keep thinking of you.”
The group strode off without even glancing at Cheng Lingyu.
“Disgusting,” Qu Wei muttered, her face dark.
The fatty Miao Sanxu and the thin Fang Zhuqing seethed silently, seemingly aware of Huang Yukun’s background.
Cheng Lingyu stayed quiet, not wanting to pry during their first meeting.
Meanwhile, groups began crossing the sea toward Green Island.
Cheng Lingyu watched as the first group summoned a massive ship—a magical artifact that expanded to over a hundred feet long, cutting through the waves.
Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi lingered, hoping to recruit more companions. Five was too few.
“Are those ships magical artifacts?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
“High-level ones,” Qu Wei replied. “Only they can withstand the sea’s fury and evade gigantic beasts.”
“Can’t we fly there?”
Miao Sanxu snorted, “Fly? You’d need Martial Soul Realm strength. The waters here are treacherous—most who tried flying died. A few got lucky.”
Cheng Lingyu shuddered, grateful he hadn’t acted rashly.
Fang Zhuqing observed the ships. “Seven groups, sixty-nine people—all in the True Martial Realm.”
Jin Miaoyi scanned the empty beach. “No one else is coming. Let’s go.”
He flicked his wrist, releasing a small gourd that swelled into a vessel. Qu Wei tugged Cheng Lingyu aboard, and the five sped toward Green Island.
Cheng Lingyu eyed the gourd. “Another magical artifact?”
Miao Sanxu rolled his eyes.
Qu Wei explained softly, “A high-level one, essential for crossing. Listen—we stick together, share information, and prioritize survival. Many won’t return from Green Island.”
She unfolded a map. “The island’s center is safe. A stone tablet there bears the word ‘Pardon’—no beast dares attack within its range. Beyond that, three zones exist: the eastern ferocious beast region, the southern Soul-Luring Forest rich in spiritual herbs but deadly, and the northwestern stone forest rumored to hide a divine weapon. No one’s ever confirmed it.”
Cheng Lingyu studied the map’s crude markings.
“Most seek herbs in the south. The arrogant test themselves in the east. The stone forest draws those chasing legends,” Qu Wei added.
The gourd soon neared Green Island, far larger up close.
“Luck’s with us—the sea’s calm today,” Jin Miaoyi said as they landed.
The earlier groups had vanished into the dense forest. Cheng Lingyu trailed Qu Wei, following footprints.
“We’ll gather news at the center first,” Qu Wei decided, ordering Miao Sanxu to lead and Fang Zhuqing to guard the rear.
“Why the center?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
“Cultivators gather there to trade items and news. Newcomers always check recent developments before acting,” Qu Wei answered.
Cheng Lingyu nodded. “What about dangers on the way?”
Jin Miaoyi said, “Danger’s constant, but this path’s well-traveled—safer than most.”
Suddenly, Miao Sanxu shouted, “Trouble ahead! Move!”
He darted forward like lightning. The others surged after him, Cheng Lingyu struggling to keep pace.