203. Crossing the Sea, The Astonishment of the Qi Cultivator

203. Crossing the Sea, The Astonishment of the Qi Cultivator

In Great Chang, within the city of Haizhou, a sliver of sea breeze swept through, infusing the air with a touch of salinity.

"Brother Lin, Brother Shen, have you truly made up your minds?"

Liu Yibai glanced at Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin standing before him, his expression imbued with complexity.

"Brother Liu, since you've chosen to remain within the Hidden Sword Sect, we would kindly ask you to extend your protective gaze over the Nine Profound Sect and my Lin family."

Lin Fei, reciprocating with a respectful bow, had long informed Liu Yibai and Shen Lianxin of his intentions to voyage across the sea in pursuit of the Dao.

However, after deliberate contemplation, Liu Yibai declined. He chose to stay in the Hidden Sword Sect, preserving its centuries-long glory, akin to the Martial Saints of its history.

Furthermore, Liu Yibai's willingness to remain in Great Chang was indeed a boon. With this Martial Saint at the helm, Great Chang was as secure as a fortress of gold. No matter what transpired, Liu Yibai could lend his support to the Lin family.

"Rest easy, Brother Lin. Your Lin family is under the personal care of the Empress. How could it be my turn? The Martial Saint who guards the nation shares the nation's fate. The decree from the Empress is teeming with sincerity."

Liu Yibai commented, his smile teetering between sincerity and mockery.

For nine hundred years since the founding of Great Chang, there had never been a Martial Saint tasked with guarding the nation. Lin Fei was the first!

Rumors about the relationship between Lin Fei and the Empress were already circulating in the city. Liu Yibai was merely teasing Lin Fei.

Lin Fei offered no rebuttal. Following that, with a single stride, he stepped into the void.

"Until we meet again, Brother Liu! If there ever comes a day when I successfully find the Dao, I shall return to Great Chang!"

"Brother Lin, Brother Shen, may your journey be smooth!"

In an instant, Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin transformed into a streak of light. Soaring out of Haizhou City, they vanished within the vast expanse of the sea.

"Pursuing the Dao... I hope there will be a day of reunion..."

Liu Yibai gazed towards the outskirts of Haizhou City, remaining still for a long while.

...

The boundless sea stretched out before them, a sight that never ceased.

Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin had been flying for over a month.

With a wave of his hand, the Sky Reaching Tower appeared in the void.

"Tower Spirit, be on guard."

"Yes, Master."

With that, Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin flew straight into the Sky Reaching Tower. They would continue their journey once their bodies had fully recovered. The Sky Reaching Tower stood tall in the void, absorbing the faint Spiritual Qi from the sea to replenish Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin's internal energy.

Time slipped by unnoticed.

From the distant sea, four or five Qi Condensation cultivators appeared. These cultivators, each controlling a magical artifact, were flying above the sea as if searching for something.

"This area has been swept by Foundation Establishment True Persons, so there aren't any powerful sea beasts here. It's relatively safe," one of them commented. "But the Black Swine Beast doesn't appear in this sea area. We need to venture deeper, but the deeper we go, the greater the chance we encounter powerful sea beasts. With our current strength, such encounters will likely be disastrous."

"We have no other choice. Without catching the Black Swine Beast, when will we be able to gather enough contributions for the Foundation Establishment Pill?"

"Once we catch the Black Swine Beast, we can get at least two Foundation Establishment Pills. If one of us successfully establishes the Foundation, catching Black Swine Beasts will become much easier. Then, everyone could receive a Foundation Establishment Pill."

These Qi Condensation cultivators were all at stages ten, eleven, or even at the pinnacle stage twelve. They adventurously ventured onto the vast sea to hunt the Black Swine Beast to exchange it for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Huh? Look, there's a ray of treasure light ahead. Could it be a magic treasure?"

"Magic treasure?"

"Indeed, auspicious treasure light signifies the presence of a magic treasure!"

"It's rumored that beneath this sea, there are immortal dwellings. Could it be that this magic treasure came from one of those dwellings?"

"If it really is a magic treasure, perhaps we wouldn't need to risk catching the Black Swine Beast. We could sell the magic treasure and get the Foundation Establishment Pill."

For a moment, these Qi Condensation cultivators were filled with excitement.

A magic treasure in the open sea wasn't entirely impossible. There were often rumors of fortunate Qi Condensation cultivators who had accidentally fallen into the sea and found magic treasures. Some even rumored that there were ancient immortal dwellings at the bottom of the sea.

It seemed that their luck had finally turned. They "found" a magic treasure.

With that, the five Qi Condensation cultivators, each controlling their magical artifacts, quickly flew towards the treasure light.

Soon, the five cultivators arrived at the void and laid their eyes on the magic treasure. It was a tower radiating with treasure light, appearing mysterious, ancient, and emanating a powerful aura.