The massive wooden hull of the storm slowly pulled away from the bustling port of Vast Sea City.
The sea breeze gradually grew stronger, billowing the towering canvas sails with a snapping sound. The storm's speed steadily increased as it cut through the deep blue seawater, leaving a long, white foamy wake at the stern. Looking back, the silhouette of Vast Sea City grew smaller and smaller, eventually becoming a blurred black dot on the horizon until it vanished completely.
Yu Qing stood alone on the bow deck, gazing into the distance. Before him was a truly boundless expanse where the sea and sky merged into one. Only the occasional passing seabird or schools of fish leaping from the water broke the monotony of this breathtaking yet slightly awe-inspiring azure.
The days of sailing were long and tedious, and the sailors on board soon became well-acquainted with this seemingly refined, surprisingly easy-going, and knowledgeable "Scholar." They would often gather around Yu Qing during his leisure time, curiously asking all sorts of questions about Spirit Beasts.
"Mr. Yu, how many years of cultivation do you think that Silver-Back Flying Fish that just jumped over has?"
"Mr. Yu, I heard that Spirit Beasts on land are different from those in our sea? Which kind is more powerful?"
"Mr. Yu, my son's Spirit is a Conch. What kind of spirit ring do you think would be best to attach later?"
Yu Qing always answered patiently one by one. Whether it was the precise judgment of a Spirit Beast's age, the characteristics and weaknesses of different Spirit Beasts, or advice on Spirit compatibility and spirit ring selection, he could explain everything logically. His profound knowledge and clear thinking quickly won the heartfelt admiration of these men who risked their lives at sea all year round and had little education.
Even Captain Jack would occasionally lower his guard, walking over with a wine flagon to sit beside Yu Qing and consult him on some doubts regarding Spirit Cultivation that had troubled him for a long time. Yu Qing could often point out the key issues incisively and give practical advice, making this Spirit Emperor level captain feel he had benefited greatly. The way he looked at Yu Qing gained a few more layers of genuine respect.
In the eyes of this group of rough men on the ship, Yu Qing was a pure and respectable Scholar.
However, life on an ocean voyage was far less poetic than a trip to the seaside. Looking at the same seascape day after day, listening to the same sound of waves, and doing the same daily chores—this extreme monotony and boredom were enough to drive someone with a weak mind insane.
The crew's entertainment was simple and direct. Most of the time, they gathered to brag and chat, talking about anything under the sun, or took out dice for some low-stakes gambling to pass the time and stimulate their numbed nerves.
Captain Jack's pastimes were a bit more "varied." He would often drink a little wine alone in the captain's quarters, but more often, he would call one or two of the reasonably attractive female crew members responsible for chores to engage in some primal and direct adult "venting of desires." The cabin's soundproofing was not good, and ambiguous sounds often drifted out faintly. The crew members were used to it and thought nothing of it.
Yu Qing naturally found it hard to comment on this. A few times, Captain Jack even enthusiastically invited him to "have some fun together" and share his "private collection," but Yu Qing politely declined with various excuses.
Captain Jack was very puzzled by this. After drinking once, he hooked his arm around Yu Qing's shoulder and asked, reeking of alcohol, "Brother! You're holding it in every day; aren't you afraid of breaking yourself? You're a man, it's normal to like this! If you don't care for those common beauties, I have a few 'top-tier' ones tucked away that will surely satisfy you! How about it? Give it a try?"
Facing this overly "enthusiastic" invitation, Yu Qing could only force himself to stay calm, putting on the serious air of a Scholar as he righteously refused: "Captain Jack, thank you for your kindness. As a researcher, I must stay clear-headed at all times. How can I let worldly desires control my mind and delay my research?"
Hearing this, Captain Jack slapped his shoulder hard and laughed loudly: "You kid! You're so young, yet you act like an old pedant! Fine, fine, if you don't want to play, I'll go enjoy myself!" After saying that, he wobbled toward his captain's quarters, and soon giggling sounds could be heard from inside.
Yu Qing breathed a sigh of relief and quickly turned to leave, returning to the narrow but independent crew cabin assigned to him.
Closing the door, he rubbed his brow helplessly and whispered to himself, "Really... why so enthusiastic... I was almost swayed by him... Tsk, ever since I got this dao companion system and the Yin Extreme Reverse Yang Art, my resistance in this area has been getting worse and worse..." The charming faces and graceful figures of his four Dao Companions involuntarily surfaced in his mind... Compared to them, the "common beauties" or even the so-called "top-tier" ones on the ship really couldn't pique his interest in the slightest.
In the following days, Yu Qing devoted more of his energy to "research." He spent long hours on the deck, carefully observing and recording those Sea Soul Beasts that occasionally leaped out of the water or appeared in the distance: their species, size, behavior patterns, approximate age... He recorded everything in detail in the notebook he carried with him. This focused and serious appearance further solidified his persona as a "fanatical Scholar."
Time slipped away quietly during this monotonous voyage. Before they knew it, two months had passed.
During this period, the sea was not always gentle. They encountered two violent sea storms. Colossal waves smashed onto the deck like mountains, and the howling gale seemed ready to tear the rigging apart. The entire ship pitched violently between crests and troughs, as if it would break apart and sink at any moment.
All crew members had to give their all to stabilize the ship and fight against the natural disaster. After the storm, the hull was damaged in several places, and the masts had cracks, but fortunately, there were no casualties.
In addition, they were attacked several times by powerful Sea Soul Beasts. There was a ten-thousand-year Deep Sea Giant Squid, large as a small hill, that tried to use its thick tentacles to wrap around and drag the ship; a pack of ferocious Bloodthirsty Mad Sharks struck the bottom of the ship at night... Fortunately, the crew on the storm were mostly Sea Spirit Masters. Although their cultivation was mostly at the Spirit Elder and Spirit Ancestor levels, they managed to repel these uninvited guests safely thanks to their familiarity with the sea, tacit cooperation, and some defensive spirit tools equipped on the ship. However, the hull and the protective layer below the waterline gained many scars because of this.
Throughout the process, Yu Qing behaved like a "weak Scholar" who was frightened and clung tightly to fixed objects, yet couldn't help but observe and record out of curiosity, never intervening.
That night, the sea was relatively calm. Yu Qing sat alone on the stern deck, looking at the distant ink-blue sea and the brilliant galaxy, seemingly in deep thought.
Captain Jack walked over with a wine flagon and sat down beside him, offering the flagon. Yu Qing shook his head and politely declined.
Captain Jack took a swig himself, looking in the same direction, his voice becoming somewhat grave: "Tomorrow, we will enter the Devil Island sea area."
Yu Qing's heart stirred, but on the surface, he showed just the right amount of curiosity: "Devil Island sea area? Is that the dangerous sea area you mentioned before?"
"Yes." Captain Jack nodded, his expression solemn. "In that sea area, besides the mysterious whale pods we might have encountered before, there is another kind of Sea Soul Beast you must pay special attention to. You absolutely, positively cannot provoke them!"
"What is it?" Yu Qing asked cooperatively, even though he already knew the answer.
"Devil Spirit Great White Shark." Captain Jack lowered his voice, as if afraid of disturbing something. "This is one of the reasons for the name 'Devil Island.' This kind of Spirit Beast is extremely powerful, ferocious, and numerous, spread almost throughout that sea area. They usually don't actively attack merchant ships like ours that conduct regular trade, but..."
He paused, his tone growing heavier: "Once provoked, or if they sense strong hostility or a threat, they become incredibly violent! When that happens, it will definitely end with the ship destroyed and everyone dead! Remember, no matter what you see, do not try to approach, provoke, or attack them! Staying far away is the best choice!"
Yu Qing nodded seriously: "Don't worry, Captain Jack. I understand the gravity of the situation. I'm just here to record and observe; I will never actively provoke any Sea Soul Beast, especially the Devil Spirit Great White Shark."
"That's good." Captain Jack patted his shoulder, took another swig of wine, got up, and left.
The next day, the storm officially entered the waters of the so-called Devil Island.
Upon entering these waters, Yu Qing could clearly sense a change. The energy in the air seemed more active, and the color of the seawater was deeper. Within the range of his mental force perception, the Sea Soul Beasts that appeared—whether in terms of quantity, quality, or spirit power fluctuations—were significantly stronger than those in the outer seas by a whole level! He had already sensed the aura of ten-thousand-year spirit beasts several times!
As for the crew members on board, after more than two months of sailing, they had long been worn down by boredom and fatigue. However, at this moment, they all braced themselves, their faces showing a bit more vigilance and tension, clearly aware of the unusual nature of this sea area.
After sailing for about two more days, Yu Qing finally saw with his own eyes the Devil Spirit Great White Sharks that Captain Jack had solemnly warned about!
It was a colossus over eight meters long, its streamlined body displaying a cold grayish-white, with dark, demon-like patterns on its back. Its head was hideous and terrifying; even when its massive mouth was closed, one could see the forest of sharp, white teeth interlocking like guillotine blades! It cruised beneath the surface about a hundred meters away from the merchant ship at extreme speed, occasionally surfacing to sweep its cold, ruthless eyes over the vessel. It was a gaze of high-and-mighty scrutiny and indifference, as if it were sizing up a piece of dead matter.
It truly gave off a spine-chilling sense of pressure!
Yu Qing immediately took out pen and paper, and like a true Scholar, quickly began to record: physical characteristics, approximate age (about thirty thousand years), cruising behavior, attitude toward the merchant ship (vigilant but showing no aggression)... With just a few strokes, he sketched the features of this top predator vividly.
And indeed, just as Captain Jack had said, these Devil Spirit Great White Sharks did not launch an attack on the storm. Occasionally, they would pass under the ship's hull or circle the merchant ship once, appearing to use some method to confirm the ship's identity and intent. Yu Qing could vaguely sense a subtle mental fluctuation sweeping over the entire ship, seemingly probing for the presence of powerful land Spirit Masters. Once confirmed, they would leave on their own and continue their patrol.
In this manner, under the "escort" of the Devil Spirit Great White Sharks, the storm sailed for another half a month.
One day, in the morning mist, the silhouette of a massive island, like a slumbering ancient behemoth, slowly emerged from the end of the horizon.
The island had dense vegetation and undulating mountains. Most striking of all was an extremely tall peak in the center of the island that seemed to connect the sky and the sea! The entire island was shrouded in a faint, holy, and majestic layer of energy fluctuations.
Sea God Island! It was finally here!
However, Yu Qing's goal was not to land on the island. He found Captain Jack, who was directing the ship's preparations for docking.
"Captain Jack, I'm getting off the ship," Yu Qing said calmly.
Captain Jack was stunned upon hearing this and turned his head toward him in shock. "Getting off? Now? Yu Qing, what kind of joke is this? We're about to reach Devil Island, and you're jumping ship now?"
A look of stubbornness and disappointment peculiar to a researcher appropriately appeared on Yu Qing's face as he sighed. "Throughout this journey, I still haven't been able to encounter and record that mysterious whale-type Spirit Beast... I really can't bear to return like this."
Captain Jack felt a bit of a headache and advised, "We'll head back after unloading the cargo and resting for half a month! The return route might be different; maybe we'll run into it then? Just wait a bit longer!"
Yu Qing shook his head, his tone firm. "No, I have a premonition. This sea area is close to Devil Island and might be frequently cleared by the powerhouses on the island... like those Titled Douluo you mentioned. Powerful Sea Soul Beast groups might have been driven away or intimidated. The chance of encountering them on the return trip is still slim. I must take this chance now to search in more distant waters!"
Captain Jack frowned deeply. "Yu Qing, this is too dangerous! In the deep sea, there are too many variables!"
Yu Qing looked at him, his eyes sincere and confident. "Captain Jack, please rest assured. Since I dare to make this request, I naturally have my own ways of self-preservation. I won't joke with my own life."
Captain Jack stared at him for a long while. Seeing Yu Qing's resolute attitude, he could only sigh helplessly. After a moment of silence, he asked, "...Fine. Since your mind is made up, I won't stop you anymore. Then, when we return, do we need to wait for you nearby?"
Yu Qing thought for a moment and shook his head. "We'll see. If you don't encounter me on your return trip, or if I don't send the agreed signal, don't wait for me. Perhaps I'll have found my target and need more time for research, or perhaps... I'll have left by another route." He left himself plenty of leeway.
"...Alright." Captain Jack nodded heavily, saying no more. He led Yu Qing to a deserted and relatively hidden spot on the side deck, patted his shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Take care! I hope you return safely!"
"Thank you for your blessing, Captain Jack. I also wish you a smooth return trip." Yu Qing gave him a grateful smile.
With that, he took a deep breath, cast his gaze toward the deep blue seawater below, and leaped without hesitation!
Plop!
With a slight sound of splashing water, his figure disappeared into the waves.
Standing by the ship's railing, Captain Jack watched the surface of the sea as it quickly smoothed over. He shook his head and muttered softly, "What a... stubborn and reckless Scholar... I hope the Sea God protects you..." Having said that, he turned and left to continue the business of docking the ship.
Yu Qing dove into the cold seawater, quickly descending dozens of meters to avoid the ship's line of sight and any possible prying eyes.
The surrounding light grew dim, the water pressure increased, and all sorts of strangely shaped sea fish swam around him.
With a thought from Yu Qing, the Life Golden Leaf Martial Soul quietly possessed him. Nine spirit rings that defied common logic slowly emerged and pulsed around him, emitting a heart-palpitating spirit power, yet they were being strictly restrained.
His gaze locked onto that hundred-thousand-year eighth spirit ring.
"eighth spirit ability: Formless Nirvana Glazed Leaf!"
Following his low voice, that purple spirit ring shone brilliantly! A strange leaf, about the size of a palm, thin as a cicada's wing, and possessing a dreamlike glazed texture—with what seemed like countless tiny purple stars slowly flowing inside—separated from the Life Golden Leaf Martial Soul and floated quietly in front of Yu Qing.
This leaf emitted an ethereal, void-like aura, as if it did not belong to this World.
Yu Qing opened his mouth and swallowed the Formless Nirvana Glazed Leaf into his stomach.
In the next instant, a cool and mysterious energy immediately flowed through his entire body!
His body began to undergo an astonishing transformation! Skin, muscle, bone... everything seemed to turn into that transparent glazed material, and the color gradually faded until it became nearly completely transparent! It wasn't just visual invisibility; all the spirit power fluctuations, life aura, and even his sense of presence emanating from his body were rapidly diminishing at an incredible speed, until they were so faint they were nearly nonexistent!
It was as if at this moment, he had completely merged with the seawater, becoming a part of the ocean, no longer able to be captured by any perception!
This was precisely the powerful life-saving Spirit Ability granted by his eighth spirit ring—Formless Nirvana Glazed Leaf! Effect: After consumption, it places the user in a "Formless" state, greatly concealing all of one's aura and physical form, with the duration depending on spirit power consumption. It was a supreme skill for stealth, escape, and avoiding battle!
In this state of absolute concealment, Yu Qing identified his direction and began to stealthily swim toward the deeper, farther, and more unknown deep sea, away from Sea God Island.
His mental force spread out like invisible tentacles to probe the surroundings, but in the deep seawater, the effective range of mental force perception was greatly suppressed—it was much smaller than on land, and the consumption was even greater.
He was like a drop of water merging into the ocean, silently and resolutely swimming toward those deadly waters where terrifying predatory tribes resided.
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