CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 48: A PROMISE TO GROW STRONGER

Blocking the navigation route is a serious illegal action.

Navigation routes are very important. When Li Ang first arrived in Nebis, he didn’t understand why the sky, which should be unobstructed, had designated routes. What was the standard for aerial realm divisions?

It wasn’t until he took his first flying airship across realms that he understood that because this world is filled with magic, many situations defy common sense.

There exist strong vertical chaotic air currents between the aerial realms, powerful enough to blow over all flying airships and sweep them and their passengers to the Bloody Red Land.

These air currents are called "Aerial Wind Walls." Visually, they appear as substantial, translucent high walls connecting the blue celestial dome and the blood-red Earth.

If the Island Heart World is the ultimate manifestation of the Earth Elemental Spirit’s influence on the Material World, then the Aerial Wind Walls are the highest masterpiece of the Wind Elemental Spirit.

The so-called navigation routes are the gaps in the Wind Walls. Here, the air currents pass horizontally between two aerial realms, allowing flying airships to ride the wind through them. Many air routes are determined by such currents, influenced by the Wind Elemental Spirit, much like ocean currents on Earth.

Now, with traffic frequent between the central aerial realms, blocking navigation routes would involve many issues and cause huge economic losses.

Having decided to apprehend the opposing leader with Lanslow, they first needed to make strategic preparations.

Lanslow called over the ordinary Order Sky Knights patrolling with him, instructing the four to take over the soldiers brought by Li Ang, prepare for action, and after overpowering any obstructing forces, bring them together to the Hall of Order.

Li Ang returned to Zoe and Eden.

While chatting with Lanslow, Zoe hadn’t wandered off, quietly listening, and several times exchanging glances with Li Ang filled with a deep, shadowy light.

She couldn’t participate in their discussion, tapping her foot rhythmically, resembling a kitten that’s temporarily without a target, slapping its tail against the ground.

Other than listening to Li Ang’s words, her attention was drawn to the small flying airship that Lanslow brought over.

Its exterior was a cockpit with a glass front, equipped with an internal combustion engine, floating airbags, flying wings, and a rudder. Of course, its power wasn’t solely from the fuel engine but also from engraved wind magic arrays. The higher-class the flying airship, the better the array’s effect, and Lanslow’s was decent.

"Would you like to give it a try?"

Li Ang’s inquiry made Zoe’s eyes light up immediately. With permission granted, she eagerly entered the cabin, pushing the start switch as if she had long observed and discovered the answer.

The small ship had two seats as standard, with the largest slightly bigger ones having up to five, but having a small ship, generally, no one opts for the larger ones.

Guiding Zoe to the pilot seat, Li Ang explained the function of each component.

Just like children at an amusement park don’t need to think much to understand how to drive bumper cars or go-karts, steering in this fun endeavor is as simple as instinct for those who enjoy it.

"Actually, small flying airships are simpler to operate than cars because their balance is fine-tuned. You only need to understand height and direction control and you’re free to soar. This is the speed lock; align the forward direction, pull it down and it will maintain a steady speed, so you can enjoy the aerial scenery.

"This is an aerial map. If you don’t understand, you can consult with Lady Eden."

The beast-eared beauty nodded. "Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about piloting airsNips."

Li Ang noticed that as he talked, the young girl’s attention drifted away from piloting, focusing on his face instead.

Her keen intuition alerted her to something.

"The upcoming battle is very dangerous, and I can’t participate at all, right?"

"Yes."

Li Ang answered firmly.

Against regular imperial troops, unless facing that strange black lightning, Zoe could handle herself entirely.

But with the upcoming opponent, although Li Ang knew his weaknesses and understood most of his strength came from equipment synergy, the gap in their tier was as wide as a chasm. Even though Zoe now boasted a Transcendent Tier material shield through the Earth Star Soul, she would still be endangered by collateral damage.

"Soon, the decks of nearby ships might turn into battlefields, so I’ll need you to pilot this small craft away for safety."

With many prying eyes around, should Eden reveal her giant wolf form, explaining it would be difficult. Thus, Li Ang borrowed this small ship from Lanslow.

The young girl sat silently, "I can tell from a glance that the leader opposing us is formidable. I wish to help you, but I know I’m not enough yet."

She gazed at her palm where golden light shimmered, swiftly manifesting an Earth Element.

"See? I’ve furthered my magic prowess. I don’t want to just watch—I really wish to help. That’s why I’ve asked Sister Eden to teach me control."

Li Ang smiled at her, and she continued, "I’ve also been communicating with Xiaohan more, and we both feel increased power."

"But this little effort isn’t enough, right?"

Her final words were barely more than a whispered tremble, and her eyes quickly brimmed with tears.

Li Ang noted the hint of weariness in her facial features.

Chasing and fleeing, she hadn’t been able to sleep. Even in one’s most energetic years, besides just lasting through this phase, she also grappled with fear and anxiety. Yet, she still took the time to enhance her command over Earth Element Magic.

"No, you’ve been progressing rapidly. Catching up won’t take long."

"But I don’t want to wait," Zoe wiped her eyes, "yet, I have to."

She sniffed, shook her head, took a deep breath, and met Li Ang’s eyes once more.

"Li Ang, you go fight. I’ll go with Sister Eden to Frost Heaven Island for now."

"This—"

"Since I can’t join the battlefield, what good am I by staying behind? If I want to stand beside you in battle sooner, heading to Frost Heaven Island first would be faster, wouldn’t it?"

She was right. Being able to comprehend this, Li Ang was somewhat surprised and immensely gratified.

Yet, inside, a pang of guilt stirred, momentarily robbing him of words.

"By yourself, even with Eden, there may be many strangers to meet... matters here, actually, if you wait a bit, won’t take too much longer..."

The girl replied, "You and your friends want to capture those wrongdoers, which is a good thing. Otherwise, more people could get hurt, and they were going after me to begin with. I’d be more of an encumbrance if I stayed, right?"

Considering even the navigation route was heavily monitored, Ignis Sky Realm must be tense, and it ties back to the Empire pursuing Zoe, so indeed, she should steer clear.

"It’s alright; after all, I’m quite used to farewells."

Zoe gave Li Ang a big smile.

Li Ang took a deep breath.

"I promise I’ll catch up to you soon. Once I capture him and send him to the Hall of Order, I can find you within a day. Just sleep till we meet again."

Sending the imperial perpetrators to the Hall of Order, then voicing opinions to the Order Sky Riding Corps, ensuring no leniency toward the Empire is crucial for Zoe’s safety. Once done, he would head north to the Gorasis Sky Realm.

"Heehee, I know you can’t bear to part with me, so you have to promise me something."

Zoe’s eyes sparkled mischievously like a little demon.

"Alright."

Li Ang nodded without hesitation.

"Firstly, take Xiaohan with you. Sister Eden says, since we’ve resonated, once I grow stronger, I can tap into her power no matter how far. You don’t need to worry."

Instead, Zoe started worrying about his welfare. Yet, Li Ang didn’t refuse. With the Earth Serpent, their battle strength would significantly grow, while they remained well out of the Empire’s reach within Ignis Sky Realm, safely relying on the Frost Heaven Giant Wolf.

"Then, you must bring me back a gift. That’s how it always goes in the books mom wrote."

Li Ang no longer wanted to protest and agreed as well.

"Finally, when this ends, I’ll grow much stronger, and when you return, we’ll have a fight."

These weren’t one request, but all were acceptable.

Zoe spoke earnestly, "This battle isn’t a joke; it’s to show you I’m strong enough for adventuring. From then on, we’ll never be separated again."

After making this promise, Li Ang accompanied her to pilot the small airship for a while. As she grasped the control lever and speed throttle, the joy of maneuvering machinery gradually washed away the girl’s gloom, steadily nurturing an anticipation of flying her own small airship freely, while at this point, Li Ang said his farewell.

The small craft turned in the distance, departing the navigation route of Ignis Sky Realm, flying north towards Nebis. The Wind and Snow Realm lay ahead, but regardless of the cold, it wouldn’t cool the girl’s fiery heart.

After the small craft turned into a black dot on the horizon, Li Ang maximized the flying ship’s engine power and charged toward the route’s entrance.