Chapter 39 - Arc 3: Disaster at Sea | Chapter 39: Ying Fish

Chapter 39 - Arc 3: Disaster at Sea | Chapter 39: Ying Fish

Translator: Lynn

Xu Ziqing’s expression became complicated as he observed the scene. He had witnessed an inverted water vortex at the bottom of the secret lake before, but the current water vortex was completely different. Its power and impact were reminiscent of the “Dragon-Sucking Water” technique.

However, this was not a “Dragon-Sucking water” situation, as the vortex was confined to a specific area and was not wreaking havoc on the sea like a swift wind.

Dong Lizhao had never witnessed such a spectacle before and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Sir, what is this?”

Xu Ziqing had already realized that the massive formation was not a natural occurrence but rather man-made.

With his enhanced eyesight, he could discern more than ten dots of colored light hovering around the water vortex. These were the spiritual lights emitted by activated magical artifacts.

Since magical artifacts lacked spiritual intelligence, it indicated that the people responsible for this were cultivators.

Xu Ziqing had some doubts in his mind. The water vortex and the group of cultivators were obstructing their direct path. If they were to detour, it would add thousands of nautical miles to their journey, putting a strain on Xu Ziqing’s spiritual power and limiting the duration of the Vajra Shield.

However, if they wanted to proceed, they would have to encounter those cultivators.

Xu Ziqing pulled Dong Lizhao closer and instructed him, “There are people ahead. From now on, you must remain silent.”

Dong Lizhao looked surprised but complied, saying, “Yes, sir.”

Seeing his obedience, Xu Ziqing felt relieved and maintained a serious expression as he continued forward.

As they approached, the view became clearer.

Among the group of ten or so cultivators, there was a woman positioned in the center. She stood on two colored discs and wore a red dress with a flowing train, radiating beauty.

Beside her stood twelve male cultivators, ranging from the sixth to the eighth level of Qi refinement, each standing on a flying sword. The colors of the spiritual lights emitted by their swords varied, indicating different attributes of their cultivated techniques.

Upon seeing their faces, Xu Ziqing, with his exceptional memory, recognized them instantly.

The woman was a relatively weak cultivator at the second level of Qi refinement. Xu Ziqing had encountered her previously in the Herb Pavilion when he first arrived in Lower Herb County. At that time, she was searching for spiritual herbs to replenish her spiritual power, suggesting that she might be an alchemist.

Upon closer observation, Xu Ziqing noticed that the twelve men and their flying swords were arranged in a formation, seemingly connected by a spell. The woman stood at the center of the formation, in a safe position. This sight sparked a vague idea in Xu Ziqing’s mind—could there be some sort of mystery within these waves?

However, due to this suspicion, Xu Ziqing couldn’t proceed rashly. He slowed down, his feet gracefully landing on the blue leaves as he suspended himself in mid-air about ten feet away from the front.

The cultivators, being proficient in spell formations, were naturally sensitive to their surroundings, and it didn’t take long for them to detect Xu Ziqing’s presence.

A male cultivator approached Xu Ziqing, giving a subtle signal to the others, and asked, “Who are you, and why are you here?”

Xu Ziqing smiled politely and replied, “My name is Xu Ziqing. I’m just passing through. I was hoping you could make it easier for me.”

The male cultivator eyed him skeptically and inquired, “Just passing through?” He then looked at the young boy Xu Ziqing was holding and asked, “And who is this?”

Xu Ziqing explained, “He’s my new apprentice, accompanying me on the journey.”

The cultivator, whose cultivation level was similar to Xu Ziqing’s, decided to show some respect and said, “My lady is ahead, so it’s best for you to take a detour.”

Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly and said, “I have an urgent matter at hand and can’t afford to take a detour...” Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

The cultivator scrutinized Xu Ziqing but didn’t turn him away. Instead, he said, “Wait here. I will go and consult with the lady.”

With no other option, Xu Ziqing had to wait patiently.

After a short while, three or four cultivators appeared, escorting the woman. She held her head high with an air of arrogance and remarked, “I recognize you.”

Xu Ziqing replied, “We met at the Medicine Hall.”

The woman grunted dismissively and stated, “I’m here to capture a demon pet. If you don’t want to go around, then wait. But if you cause any trouble and hinder us, you’ll be held responsible!”

Xu Ziqing frowned but nodded, saying, “I won’t be a hindrance. Please proceed quickly.”

The cultivators fled with astonishing speed, utilizing all their strength to transform into streaks of light, narrowly evading being swallowed by the waves several times. Eventually, they scattered in different directions, leaving the Ying Fish unable to pursue them all. Although it managed to catch a few who had dared to challenge it, the majority of the cultivators regained their lives and fled without looking back.

The woman still had her colorful trains beneath her feet, but her situation had worsened significantly. Once separated from the men who had protected her, she was immediately drenched by several water splashes, causing her hair and garments to become disheveled and clinging to her body.

Consumed by hatred, she couldn’t help but curse, but the fish had already eliminated several of her enemies. How could she be spared from the colossal waves that crashed down upon her? In a panic, she attempted to escape using her colorful trains, but her cultivation was too weak, and the train’s speed was inadequate to match the waves. Desperately searching for a way out, she suddenly caught sight of Xu Ziqing wading through the waves. She shrieked, “Save me, and my father will reward you generously!”

Her shrill voice reached Xu Ziqing’s ears. Although this woman possessed a disagreeable character, she had not committed any crime. How could he stand idly by and watch her perish? Without hesitation, he extended his hand to help her.

Unfortunately, he also had to protect Dong Lizhao, so he couldn’t reach her as quickly as he desired.

E Jiaoran’s joy surged upon spotting Xu Ziqing approaching, but before she could even display a smile, the rapidly descending wave overtook her, plunging her to the depths of the sea...

In the next instant, Xu Ziqing’s face turned slightly pale, as if an immensely powerful pressure was bearing down on him.

When he looked up, he saw the minuscule Ying Fish atop the crest of the wave, glaring at him with a murderous intent!

Despite Xu Ziqing’s inaction, the fish regarded him as one of the cultivators and sought to take his life.

Xu Ziqing momentarily froze, then produced a leaf the size of a bushel in his hand, swiftly handing it to Dong Lizhao. He urged, “Cover your mouth and nose with this. Breathing might become difficult later, but no matter what happens, stay calm and wait. I will ensure your safety.”

Dong Lizhao understood the urgency of the situation and took the leaf without further ado, shielding his face with it. He added, “If I become a burden, you can leave me behind. You know what you want, and I won’t hold any grudges!”

Xu Ziqing didn’t respond, instead waving his hand, causing Dong Lizhao to vanish before him. He sealed him within his storage ring, a space that momentarily suffocated any living entity inside. Xu Ziqing could only hope that Dong Lizhao would survive this ordeal. If he managed to escape successfully, he would be released immediately. However, if he couldn’t... Xu Ziqing feared he would have to perish alongside him.

After securing Dong Lizhao’s safety, Xu Ziqing opened his right palm, summoning the bloodthirsty demon vine, which slithered out with a rustling sound. He grasped a vine that extended nearly ten feet, the longest he could comfortably wield.

His only chance was to get as close as possible to the fish. Once the vine made contact, victory would be assured!

With a glimmer of green light beneath his feet, colossal blades materialized to anchor Xu Ziqing in the sea breeze. Though he swayed back and forth, it was so natural that he remained steadfast.

In the next moment, a roar erupted from the Ying Fish’s mouth, and the waves crashed into the heavens, rushing like a stampede of ten thousand horses.

Xu Ziqing raised his rattan whip and struck down, occasionally shattering the head of a wave. He swiftly maneuvered through the gaps, propelled upward with tremendous force.

Dodging the waves using the recoil, he traversed their path multiple times without encountering any danger or succumbing to the drowning waters.

Enraged by the failure of its spells, the Ying Fish’s eyes burned red, transforming the waves into numerous whirlpools, forming dozens of inverted vortices. Although these water vortices were smaller than before, they collided relentlessly. When two merged, their twisting force multiplied several times!

With a mental command, Xu Ziqing’s left hand clutched the spirit pearl, replenishing his spiritual power, while his right vine whip created a hundred shadowy lashes, deftly navigating through the fissures like a swimming fish.

He resembled a small boat adrift in wind and waves, a rootless water plant carried along by the current. Yet, one day, he might still be swallowed by the vast sea!

Despite having more spiritual energy to replenish his strength, Xu Ziqing couldn’t escape the piercing pain in his head and the blinding sensation that overwhelmed his focused soul.

Meanwhile, the Ying Fish held its elevated position, its inner pellet radiating a brilliant light. As long as it remained in the sea, its power to generate relentless waves seemed boundless.

Xu Ziqing’s body weakened, and his spirit pearls gradually drained of spiritual energy. Despite his determination, the whirlpools persisted without respite.

What could he do next?

Taking a deep breath, Xu Ziqing clenched the spirit pearl tightly—*snap!*

The spirit pearl shattered, and Xu Ziqing’s dantian acted like a whale drawing in water, extracting the spirit energy from the pearl and infusing it into his body, causing the energy within him to surge rapidly.

He gazed at the peak where the Ying Fish still loomed, with only 20 to 30 feet remaining—this was his final stand.

In the midst of this perilous situation, countless sword qis stirred around him, shaking him to his core. A frigid, murderous aura spread like a tsunami in all directions...

A figure in white appeared by Xu Ziqing’s side, their white clothes billowing, ink-black hair cascading down, and their eyebrows seemingly frozen like ice and snow that would not melt for ten thousand years.

It was Yun Lie.

<<End of Arc 3: Disaster at Sea>>

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