One day later, a vast expanse of water suddenly appeared in the west.
Leaning against the railing, Lin Fei gazed into the distance. The waters stretched endlessly, a boundless blue surface calm and shimmering under the sunlight. Far on the horizon stood a solitary mountain rising from the center, towering straight into the clouds. Even from such a distance, its immense presence could still be felt.
"That's the Heaven's Eye Sea!" a senior student called out. "We're almost at Shenyan Ferry."
The flying ship began to descend slowly.
Looking down from the railing, Lin Fei saw a settlement along the shore below. Several long piers extended into the water, with ships of all sizes docked along the banks, densely packed like schools of resting fish.
The ship finally came to a stop beside a wide ferry port.
"Disembark," Principal Shen said, leaping down first. The others followed closely.
The port was far more bustling than expected. Among the many vessels were ornate pleasure boats carrying passengers, flat cargo ships, and small fishing boats. Masts stood like a forest, flags fluttering in the wind. The dock teemed with life—vendors shouting, sailors calling, mules neighing—altogether resembling a thriving town.
Master Sun remained on board, casting a spell to store the six giant herons back into a scroll. After carefully checking the runes on the ship, he finally disembarked. With a flick of Principal Shen's sleeve, the flying ship flashed with green light, shrank rapidly, and disappeared into his sleeve.
At that moment, several armored soldiers approached. Leading them was a dark-faced man with a saber at his waist. His steps were steady, his gaze sharp—clearly the local security officer.
"Where have you come from?" he asked, sweeping his gaze across the group with calm vigilance.
Elder Jiang stepped forward and produced a token. "We are from Jumu Academy, traveling to Yunmeng for a study tour. We pass through your lands and ask for your understanding."
The officer examined the token carefully, then looked up again. His expression softened.
"So you are teachers and students of Jumu Academy." He cupped his hands respectfully. "Forgive my earlier rudeness. Are you planning to hire a ship here to travel to Yunmeng?"
"Yes. Where can we rent a ship?" Elder Jiang asked.
"Over there on that pier." The officer pointed toward a long dock filled with vessels. After a pause, he added, "But if you're looking for a long-distance passenger ship, you'll have to wait half a day. All suitable ships have already left. The earliest one won't return until this afternoon."
Elder Jiang turned to consult Principal Shen, who nodded. "No matter. We'll wait."
The officer gestured toward the buildings behind the dock. "There are inns and restaurants there. You may rest and dine while you wait. When the ship arrives, I'll send someone to inform you."
After thanking him, the group headed into the town.
Walking at the back, Lin Fei couldn't help asking Master Sun, "Why don't we just take the flying ship all the way to Yunmeng? Wouldn't that be faster?"
Before Master Sun could answer, Yang Jian spoke from behind.
"Flying artifacts are too conspicuous in the sky. Once you leave Jumu territory, various factions mix along the way. Trouble is inevitable. Traveling by ordinary ship makes us appear as common travelers and avoids unnecessary attention."
Master Sun added, "And the spirit beasts pulling the ship consume a great deal of energy. After a full day's flight, those herons are already exhausted. They need rest."
Lin Fei nodded in understanding.
The group found a restaurant by the street. It was simple but clean, with windows facing the sea. Elder Jiang arranged a private room, and everyone sat down for lunch. Lin Fei and Li Chen grabbed seats by the window, watching the busy docks outside.
The owner, a sharp middle-aged woman, eagerly served tea and introduced the house specialties.
Soon, steaming dishes were brought in, and everyone began eating heartily.
While they ate, an old man's voice suddenly rang out from outside.
"...Back then, when the Star Lord fought the Evil King, it shook heaven and earth!"
Lin Fei looked out and saw a storyteller in the hall, animatedly recounting his tale.
"The Evil King Wantian possessed a pair of sinister eyes—each pupil bearing seven-petaled golden flowers. His left eye could destroy all things, while his right could restore life to decay. Armed with divine and demonic weapons, none under heaven could stand against him!"
The old man slammed the table, his voice rising.
"But the Star Lord was no ordinary man! A being of divine origin, wielding the sun and moon, commanding the power of the stars. Their battle atop the Sky Tower shook the world—mountains shifted, heaven and earth overturned—and it lasted countless days!"
Lin Fei, Li Chen, and several younger students listened in rapture, their chopsticks frozen mid-air.
"What happened next?" someone urged.
The storyteller stroked his beard. "After eighty-one days and nights, their bodies reappeared atop the tower. The Star Lord unleashed the power of countless stars, slaying the Evil King and suppressing the Burning Heaven clan, restoring peace to the realm."
Lin Fei was so absorbed he didn't even notice the food slipping from his chopsticks.
A second-year student, Liu Xiangru, asked, "Principal, Elders—are the Heaven's Eye Sea and Heaven's Eye Mountain named because of the Evil King?"
Principal Shen shook his head. "Those names existed long before. They are unrelated to the Evil King, though they do have ties to the Burning Heaven clan. It is said the first bearer of the evil eye infused his power into the land, forming these wonders. Their clan once originated at Heaven's Eye Mountain, but after the rebellion was quelled, they scattered and vanished."
Lin Fei nodded thoughtfully.
At that moment, the restaurant owner returned with a well-dressed middle-aged man.
"Sir, this guest wishes to meet you," she said.
The man bowed deeply. "Esteemed elders, are you from Jumu Academy?"
Principal Shen nodded. "We are. And you are?"
"I am surnamed Zhou, a merchant traveling between Yunmeng and Jumu. I heard you intend to sail to Yunmeng. Might I… travel with you?"
Elder Jiang frowned. "Why not hire your own ship?"
Merchant Zhou sighed. "The southwestern waterways have been dangerous lately—especially near the Grey Ruins. Water bandits run rampant, even including cultivators. Ordinary guards are no match for them."
He clasped his hands. "With your protection, I could travel safely. I will cover all expenses."
Principal Shen glanced at Yang Jian, who subtly shook his head.
"Merchant Zhou," Principal Shen said, "we are traveling with students. It is not convenient to take in outsiders. Please seek other arrangements."
The man looked disappointed but did not press further. He bowed repeatedly and left.
Li Chen spoke up, "As cultivators, shouldn't we help the weak?"
Yang Jian replied calmly, "Only if you can protect yourselves first."
Silence followed.
After lunch, the group split into two teams for half an hour of free time.
Lin Fei and Li Chen wandered the docks with Master Sun and others. Vendors sold dried food, cloth, medicinal herbs, and fresh lotus pods from Yunmeng. The green pods were piled high, fragrant and fresh.
Li Chen bought a bundle and handed one to Lin Fei. "Try it—it's sweet."
Lin Fei tasted it—it was indeed delicious. He offered one to the masked guard, but the guard declined. Something about his figure felt oddly familiar.
Nearby, a large black ship docked, flying a flag reading "Zhenwu Hall."
Workers unloaded reinforced crates filled with weapons glowing faintly with spiritual light.
"That's a merchant ship from Shenwu Nation," Master Sun explained. "They deal in purple gold, essential for forging magical artifacts."
Han Yue added, "Zhenwu Hall is their largest merchant guild. Even the Star Palace recognizes their work."
Lin Fei watched in amazement.
Half an hour later, word came: the ship was ready.
At the dock, a large vessel awaited them, painted dark brown with wave carvings. A flag reading "Jumu Academy" fluttered atop the mast.
Four sailors stood aboard, led by an experienced old man surnamed Zhang.
"Please board," he called.
Everyone boarded. The teachers took the upper deck, while the students stayed below.
After settling in, Lin Fei and Li Chen rushed to the deck.
The ship slowly departed, heading south across the Heaven's Eye Sea.
The sea breeze brushed against their faces. In the distance, the outline of Heaven's Eye Mountain loomed faintly, glowing under the setting sun.
Leaning on the railing, Lin Fei stared at the mountain. He had heard that the Star Palace and Sky Tower stood atop it—that the supreme Star Lord resided there. Legend and reality blurred together, stirring something deep within him.
"Lin Fei!" Li Chen called. "Look—there are huge fish!"
Lin Fei looked down and saw massive sturgeons swimming beneath the surface, each nearly half the size of the ship.
Everyone gathered at the railing, astonished.
Old Zhang laughed. "Those are blue-scaled sturgeons—gentle creatures. They won't harm you."
Fang Zijing patted his chest. "That scared me—I thought we were about to be eaten."
Laughter broke out.
As the ship sailed farther away, Shenyan Ferry gradually shrank into a thin line, then vanished into the dusk.