Chapter 35.1 - Arc 3: Disaster at Sea | Chapter 35: Zhang Jiu

Chapter 35.1 - Arc 3: Disaster at Sea | Chapter 35: Zhang Jiu

Translator: Lynn

Xu Ziqing was not bothered by Yun Lie’s cold demeanor. He simply smiled and said, “I intended to travel to Upper Yuzhou, and the journey can be quite lonely. So, I thought it would be nice to invite Brother Yun for some company. It has been a few days since I last saw you, and I truly missed you.”

Yun Lie remained silent but took a seat on the edge of the bed, crossing his knees.

Xu Ziqing’s smile widened, and he sat on the opposite side. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a chessboard and placed the pieces between them, suggesting, “How about a game while we chat?”

Yun Lie nodded slightly and replied, “You can make the first move.”

Xu Ziqing didn’t hold back with Yun Lie either. Despite having different playing styles, Xu Ziqing didn’t win many games, but he still relished the experience. Playing chess with Yun Lie felt like having a conversation, and he found it engaging rather than tedious.

In less than a minute, Xu Ziqing’s momentum waned, and his pieces were scattered. He admitted defeat with a smile, prompting Yun Lie to let him tidy up the pieces and start a new game.

They played two games like this until suddenly the ship shifted, and Liu Sheng’s voice echoed from outside, “Esteemed Cultivator, the spirit ship has moved.”

Xu Ziqing responded, “Yes, I understand.” LaaTest novels on (n)ovelbi/n(.)com

Liu Sheng’s presence receded after that.

Sighing softly, Xu Ziqing put down his chess piece and said, “It’s my first time aboard this spiritual ship, and I am delighted by the experience. It’s a shame that I cannot venture out with Brother Yun to enjoy the splendid view of the sea.”

Yun Lie commented, “You can go alone.”

Shaking his head, Xu Ziqing replied, “No matter how breathtaking the scenery may be, it loses its charm when enjoyed alone. It is much more enjoyable to share it with others.”

Yun Lie remained silent, but as the game concluded, he spoke, “I can also appreciate it with you from within the ring.”

Xu Ziqing felt elated and promptly stood up, saying, “Then let’s go together?”

Yun Lie nodded and said, “I will accompany you.”

After their agreement, Yun Lie returned to the ring while Xu Ziqing opened the door of his room and exited the cabin. The eagle leaped up and followed closely behind, flapping its wings.

In no time, the man and eagle arrived outside the cabin and stood on the deck.

The spirit ship glided through the air with remarkable speed. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the ship’s hull didn’t even touch the surface of the ocean but floated slightly above it. The entire ship was enveloped in a shimmering aura, which didn’t obstruct the view but was clearly visible. Despite being surrounded by the vast ocean, there was no sensation of the sea breeze or the scent of salt in the air.

The ocean currents stretched across the entire small world, making the so-called continents mere large land masses within this vast expanse. Their scale paled in comparison to the immensity of the ocean.

After a short while, the spirit ship found its place within the current, smoothly riding its swift flow. Among all magical artifacts, spiritual ships were unparalleled, designed to navigate the ocean currents and safeguard the cultivators aboard.

According to Xu Ziqing’s knowledge, all the spirit ships traversing the ocean currents were owned by the Nine Stars Sea Sect. This sect’s dominion also included the Nine Star Sea route.

The expansive ocean currents were known as the “Nine Star Sea.” At the core of these currents lay the Nine Star Island, encircled by nine continents, spanning an area as vast as half a continent. The Nine Stars Sea Sect, firmly rooted on the island, wielded significant power and influence.

Countless cultivators resided on the island, and aside from a few affiliated sects, the majority were members of the Nine Stars Sea Sect. With their considerable numbers, the sect had opened up an ocean route between the nine continents, ferrying people across using spirit ships.

It wasn’t that other sects had no desire to claim a share of this lucrative trade, but they lacked the spiritual weapons necessary to traverse the sea safely. Consequently, they couldn’t compete in this industry.

As time passed, the Nine Stars Sea Sect monopolized the ocean route.

Standing by the ship’s side, Xu Ziqing allowed his consciousness to sink into the storage ring and addressed his friend, saying, “Brother Yun, can you see those ten or so cultivators positioned on the deck, bow, and stern of the ship?”

The man within the ring responded.

Liu Sheng was quite talkative, and his words conveyed the Nine Star Sea Sect’s commitment to upholding the prestige of the Immortal Sect.

As Xu Ziqing listened to the narrative, he realized that more than two hours had passed without his notice.

By this time, it was nearly noon, and several cultivators began emerging on the deck, excluding the disciples of the Nine Star Sea and the Pre-Celestials3Pre-Celestials: people who are yet to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage..

This group of cultivators stepped out of the cabin, with a tall man standing on the left, towering at more than nine feet in height, exuding a strong and formidable aura. On the right side, there were three or five individuals, both male and female, possessing attractive appearances.

The three or five men and women laughed and conversed amiably, showing familiarity with each other. However, whenever their gaze happened to land on the tall man, a sense of disdain flickered in their eyes, and they made no effort to associate with him.

Xu Ziqing observed the situation keenly. The tall man had an unattractive appearance, with a head as large as a bucket, sparse hair on top, copper bell-like eyes, and earholes instead of ears. To a layman, he would likely be deemed a “demon,” and even to a cultivator, his appearance was somewhat peculiar.

Although not all cultivators were blessed with exceptional looks, once they embarked on the immortal path, their aura and connection with spiritual energy bestowed upon them an otherworldly allure. A person with such an unappealing appearance seemed out of place. Furthermore, his cultivation level appeared to be only at the second or third level of Qi Refinement, making him seemingly undesirable.

When he stepped onto the deck, not only did the other cultivators keep their distance, but even those with innate advantages refused to entertain him.

Upon witnessing the exclusionary behavior towards the tall cultivator, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly. However, he soon let out a sigh. It was only natural for people to have a preference for beauty, so it was understandable that those cultivators intended to exclude rather than bully him.

Feeling sorry for the tall cultivator’s inability to find a place to settle down, Xu Ziqing decided to intervene. He spoke up, “Fellow monk, there’s still space here. Would you like to come and have a chat with me?”

The tall monk turned back and smiled, revealing his unattractive grin, but he strode towards the indicated spot.

With a friendly smile, Xu Ziqing moved back to create room. “Please.”

The tall cultivator clasped his fist in gratitude. “Thank you.”

Xu Ziqing smiled and replied, “Our encounter is a result of fate, a mere square inch. How can we talk about thanks?”

Raising his eyebrows, the tall monk’s appearance grew even more unappealing. “You don’t mind my ugly appearance?”

Xu Ziqing responded, “Regardless of whether the skin is beautiful or ugly, it is a gift from heaven. But a person’s character is what truly matters. We should not judge based on appearance but on the character of the individual.”

The tall monk smiled once again. “You possess a broad mind, Your Excellency. My name is Zhang Jiu. May I know your name?”

Xu Ziqing returned the smile. “I am Xu Ziqing.”

They exchanged names and gradually grew more acquainted, engaging in conversation while each harbored their own thoughts.

Zhang Jiu appeared to have modest cultivation, yet his temperament was remarkable. If an ordinary cultivator couldn’t discern Xu Ziqing’s true cultivation level, they would have recognized that they were in the presence of a senior and shown more respect instead of obsequious flattery. Zhang Jiu remained at ease, unaffected by his own appearance. Instead of seeking pity for his looks, he exuded a generous attitude that made others feel at ease.

Xu Ziqing had always been gentle, treating people with friendliness and warmth regardless of their cultivation level. He never gave the impression of being superior. When conversing with Zhang Jiu, he felt like a refreshing spring breeze.

As they continued their conversation, they grew closer to each other.

Zhang Jiu possessed extensive knowledge, whereas Xu Ziqing had been secluded in the mountains and hidden places for many years, resulting in his unfamiliarity with numerous legends and events.

As their conversation drew to a close, Zhang Jiu retrieved a jar of aged brew called ‘Hundred Quenching Incense’ from his storage bag, along with two delicate wine cups the size of thumbs. Filling one cup, he handed it to Xu Ziqing and said, “I’ve been saving this wine for a long time, and today I’ve encountered a worthy friend. Why not enjoy it together?”

Xu Ziqing, intrigued by the prospect of tasting wine for the first time, accepted the cup, brought it to his nose, and sniffed. He remarked, “The aroma is truly sweet and mellow. It’s quite good.”

Seating himself in a cross-legged position, Zhang Jiu lifted his cup and proposed a toast. “Shall we drink?”

Xu Ziqing, equally at ease, sat down and raised his own cup. “Let’s drink.”

They exchanged smiles and tilted their heads simultaneously to take a sip.

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