CHAPTER 315: CHAPTER 177: OLD FRIENDS ARE LIKE FALLEN LEAVES IN THE WIND

A new island appeared next to Wuyou Island?

That implies there’s a new Foundation Establishment Cultivator setting up an island nearby, and it’s a good-looking one... Immediately, a figure popped into Ji Yuan’s mind.

Dong Qian.

Thinking back to the meaningful smile Dong Qian gave him when they met in front of the Thousand Mechanism Hall a few days ago.

Ji Yuan could almost confirm that the new neighbor near Wuyou Island must be Dong Qian.

After pondering for a moment, Ji Yuan decided it was time to go back and take a look.

Since Dong Qian moved close by, it’s not quite right not to pay a visit.

He decided to go immediately.

However, before leaving, Ji Yuan chose to pack the Frost Serpent into the Spirit Beast Bag and bring it along.

Its temperament isn’t as gentle as the Big Toad’s; if left on Mist Island, it would probably devour all the living creatures there.

At least the Spirit Fish in the Fish Pond wouldn’t stand a chance.

Returning to the sect, Ji Yuan also took along the Heart’s Desire Wine for Hua Yaoyue and the Elixir for Isle Master Tie Chui.

Since he’s heading back anyway, might as well handle everything in one go to save trouble.

A day later.

Ji Yuan piloted the Sky Raider Flying Boat, looking down from a great height.

There was indeed an extra island next to Wuyou Island.

The island resembled a crescent moon, likely because it had just emerged from the water; many areas were still muddy and hadn’t dried.

The island hadn’t yet had an Array set up, so he could see a water-blue figure moving back and forth tirelessly on the island.

Ji Yuan lowered the flying boat and soon arrived at the front of the island.

Getting closer, he could clearly see the woman’s face.

"Senior Sister Dong?"

Ji Yuan exclaimed in surprise.

Dong Qian, busy on the island, heard the voice and immediately rode her flying boat over, her eyebrows showing delight as she said, "Junior Brother Ji, you finally decided to return!"

Ji Yuan found it hard to explain, as it wouldn’t be appropriate to use the island’s retreat as an excuse; if that were the case, he would definitely have heard when Dong Qian was establishing her island.

Honesty seemed the best course.

"Yes, I had something to attend to outside."

Ji Yuan smiled, "With Senior Sister’s island here, I won’t feel lonely anymore."

As the words escaped his mouth, Ji Yuan realized the awkwardness and quickly added:

"There’s someone I can talk to now."

"No need to explain, Junior Brother, I understand."

Dong Qian said empathetically, "My island is newly formed, and I don’t even have a place to settle yet; I can only invite Junior Brother over next time."

"No worries, Senior Sister, please come to my place for now."

Returning to Wuyou Island, Ji Yuan curiously asked, "What name do you intend to give, Senior Sister? And have you decided on a date for the island establishment celebration?"

"Hu Yue Island, ’Hu’ as in ’Fox’.

Dong Qian added an explanation, seemingly worried Ji Yuan might not grasp it.

Indeed, Ji Yuan assumed it was ’Arc’ and had seen it as a crescent moon from the air; Dong Qian’s island was indeed a curved moon.

Unexpectedly, it’s actually ’Fox’.

Could there be some hidden meaning in this name?

"The name sounds nice, very good." Ji Yuan readily praised.

"As for the island establishment celebration, I’m not holding one. I don’t have many friends, and hosting a celebration would just attract unnecessary attention."

Dong Qian remained as composed as ever.

Additionally, Ji Yuan noticed today that Dong Qian’s attire had reverted to its previous state, with a loose Spirit Robe covering her graceful figure.

"That’s good; I also didn’t hold an establishment celebration back then."

Ji Yuan nodded, speaking of what Dong Qian already knew.

"Yes, when my island is complete, I’ll just invite a few friends over, and you must be present then, Junior Brother."

Dong Qian smiled and winked at Ji Yuan.

"Okay, let me know ahead of time, Senior Sister."

"Good, by the way... Do you know any Array Masters, Junior Brother? I need someone to help with the island protection Array."

Dong Qian was unaware of Ji Yuan being an Array Master.

"I do, Senior Sister; message me once you’re ready with the Array."

Ji Yuan was ready to help with such a minor task.

Besides, Array Formation is similar to Alchemy; using others’ Arrays enhances one’s experience in Array Dao and must be done.

This is one reason why Array Masters make money.

There are more Alchemists, but Array Masters are too few.

"Alright."

With Ji Yuan’s reassuring words, Dong Qian felt at ease, mainly due to her concerns raised by a warning from a Hundred Treasures Tower Senior Sister during her Array purchase a few days ago.

That Senior Sister, seeing Dong Qian’s beauty, advised her that some Array Masters within the sect were quite unscrupulous, relying on their expertise to secretly leave openings when setting up Arrays for others.

In essence, they could leave a doorway on others’ Island Protection Arrays, allowing themselves to "open the door" and enter.

Such Array Masters especially targeted young beautiful Junior Sisters.

Through coercion or temptation.

Many Junior Sisters newly established in Foundation, facing a courteous and wealthy Senior Brother Array Master... most would eventually succumb.

As for forming Dao Companions, that’s out of the question.

Those Array Masters, once bored, would quickly move on to another Junior Sister.

Hence, the reputation of Array Masters in the Water Dragon Sect and the Shang Dong Six Immortal Sects wasn’t great.

In the Water Dragon Sect, some female Cultivators secretly referred to the Four Islands’ "Array Hall" as "Langnan Hall"; a Female Cultivator finding a Dao Companion there was considered a stroke of fortune.

Dong Qian had her worries, but since Ji Yuan was familiar with trustworthy Array Cultivators, she felt assured.

With matters settled, Ji Yuan first headed west to visit Hammer Island.