CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 1 THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY_6

"You haven’t said why you’ve come back yet," Lin Caixi asked curiously.

As a Direct Disciple of the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect, Lin Mingyue held a high status within the Sect and generally remained there. Her sudden return had indeed piqued Lin Caixi’s curiosity.

"Because the Loose Cultivator He Biao has come to our vicinity."

"He Biao? Have the Elders gone mad? You’ve just broken through to Mahayana, and they’re sending you to deal with He Biao?"

"Aunt, don’t underestimate me. After all, I am a Mahayana cultivator. Dealing with a Loose Cultivator like He Biao shouldn’t be a problem. The Sect Elders have also given me some life-saving measures."

"No, I’m coming with you." Lin Caixi was still worried.

「...」

「Outside the city」

Looking at the marks of battle on the ground and then at the bloodstains indicated by the Sect’s tracking talisman, Lin Mingyue spoke solemnly, "He Biao has been killed. I remember Elder Fang has been in seclusion for the last few centuries. Who in the city, other than him, could silently kill He Biao, a Mahayana cultivator?"

Lin Caixi shook her head. "I’m not very clear about He Biao’s strength, but anyone who could kill the severely injured fat and thin old men and escape from the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect’s Law Enforcement Team must have strength at least equivalent to peak Mahayana. There are no Loose Cultivators in Five-Colored Immortal City with such power. Those who do possess such capabilities have significant statuses and wouldn’t easily take action."

"So, do you understand now, Aunt?" Lin Mingyue asked with a smile.

"It must be that cultivator on their experiential training. It seems highly likely they’re a Disciple from the Myriad Beasts Sect or the Galaxy Sacred Land," Lin Caixi realized at that moment.

"Aunt, give me a portrait of him and also send it to the managers of the other Immortal Clothes Pavilions. A cultivator with such strength won’t have a low status, and it’s very likely they are a Disciple from the Myriad Beasts Sect," Lin Mingyue asserted.

Those interested in the Five-Colored Silkworm couldn’t possibly be Disciples from the Galaxy Sacred Land; that group only loves studying astrology, though it’s not like they’ve discovered much after all these years.

「...」

Chen Jiuge was unaware that he had been exposed, but it didn’t matter. He was traveling, not an ascetic monk. If he had to endure such hardships, then what was the use of earning all those Spirit Stones? Just to look at them?

Comfortably lying in first class, the little elves divided into two teams—one orderly pouring Spiritual Wine, and the other diligently peeling Spirit Fruits.

A sip of Spiritual Wine, a bite of Spirit Fruit—this is life. Had I forgotten something?

「...」

That evening, when Nian Yu didn’t see Chen Jiuge, his heart skipped a beat. Could he have left?

Three days later, with Chen Jiuge still not having returned, Nian Yu knew he had indeed left. After careful consideration, Nian Yu surprisingly closed the inn, deciding to search for Chen Jiuge. As for where to search, if Chen Jiuge really is a Disciple from a Major Sect undergoing experiential training, he will surely go to one particular place.

「...」

"Alright, Cai Dou, that’s enough for now. Take a break," Chen Jiuge said with a smile, watching the panting little elf before him.

"Thank you for your consideration, honored guest. Cai Dou will take the liberty to rest," Cai Dou said, bowing meticulously before he and the other little elves sprawled uniformly across the table.

Cai Dou was the most ordinary type of little elf, lacking the ability to accelerate plant growth like Plant Elves or combat capabilities like Fire Elves—they were just cute to look at. It was said that little elves brought good luck, but who knew if it was true.

"Cai Dou, do you all have to work every day?" Chen Jiuge looked curiously at the collapsed Cai Dou.

Mustering the energy to sit halfway up, Cai Dou’s delicate little face showed a serious expression. "Yes, only by working hard can we provide for our families."

Families? Chen Jiuge was surprised. Little elves don’t procreate on their own; they are nurtured by heaven and earth.

"They are all my family, and many younger brothers and sisters are still being nurtured. I must work hard to earn money and do my job well," Cai Dou said with determination.

Chen Jiuge quite liked Cai Dou. Should I ask the shipowner if I can buy him?

"Alright, guest, we’ve rested enough. We can continue working," Cai Dou’s voice interrupted Chen Jiuge’s thoughts.

"But, I’m not hungry right now, nor do I want to drink," Chen Jiuge shook his head.

"We also provide massages."

Cai Dou and his siblings surrounded Chen Jiuge’s head, diligently massaging it.

Feeling the barely perceptible movements, Chen Jiuge shook his head with a wry smile. Truly stubborn little elves.

During the casual conversation that followed, upon learning that Cai Dou and his siblings were quite satisfied with their current lives, Chen Jiuge abandoned the thought of buying them. Instead, he left a generous tip, hoping Cai Dou and his siblings could live even better.

Every person, every Spiritual Beast, every little elf had their own life. At that moment, Chen Jiuge felt his Dao Heart become much clearer.

The experience on the little elf Flying Boat was excellent; both Yue Meng and Da Bai were quite impressed, though it was a bit pricey.

「...」

The destination of this Flying Boat trip was the Sea Immortal City—Sea Pearl Immortal City.

This city was also the most famous and bustling one within the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect’s domain. Not only was it guarded by Golden Immortals, but it was also rich in a vast array of maritime treasures. Almost any sea Treasure you had heard of in the Three Lights Region could be found in Sea Pearl Immortal City.

Is this the Sea Immortal City? It really is spectacular, Chen Jiuge exclaimed internally as he looked at the immense Immortal City before him.

This Immortal City was mobile because it was built atop the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect’s guardian Divine Beast, Ba Xia. This Ba Xia had reportedly lived for an extremely long time, existing since the founding of the Sect. Its Cultivation was unfathomable, and even Golden Immortals treated it with profound respect.

As a result, no Tribulation Cultivators ever dared to cause trouble in Sea Pearl Immortal City, because with just a thought from Ba Xia, any Tribulation Cultivator could be finished.

"Let’s go and see the most bustling Immortal City of the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect!"

Chen Jiuge’s disembarkation point from the Flying Boat was still some distance from Sea Pearl Immortal City, so he had to summon Ao Li to fly there. And why wouldn’t I fly myself? Isn’t it obvious? If I had to fly myself, what was the point of keeping a Spiritual Beast? Just for fun?

Passing through a crowd of Loose Cultivators employing colorful Escape Techniques, Chen Jiuge quickly reached the entrance of Sea Pearl Immortal City.

An entrance fee of ten Top Grade Spirit Stones? Chen Jiuge looked at the large characters, somewhat speechless. Wow, this entrance fee isn’t something ordinary Loose Cultivators could afford.

After the trio paid their Spirit Stones, they managed to enter just before nightfall.

「...」

"This indeed is the most bustling Immortal City; even the inns are different," Chen Jiuge remarked, feeling the Spiritual Energy concentration, which far surpassed that of the Purple Inn.

"But it’s also really expensive!" Da Bai wailed.

This time, they each had their own room, so they had to pay for themselves. A medium-grade room cost two Top Grade Spirit Stones per day—simply outrageous.

A month’s rent dealt a heavy blow to Da Bai’s wallet.

"Alright, alright, I’ll treat you to a big meal tonight. You can order anything from this menu, just don’t waste it," Chen Jiuge said with a smile.

"Really?"

Watching Da Bai’s eyes sparkle, Chen Jiuge nodded with a smile.

As the saying goes, spending someone else’s Spirit Stones doesn’t break your heart. But looking at Da Bai with his little belly all round, and then at the remaining half of the dishes, Chen Jiuge said with a dark expression, "Didn’t I tell you not to waste? Why did you order so much?"

"We can give it to Li Kui and Ao Yi," Da Bai suggested, his little eyes darting around.

"I already ordered their portions and had them sent in right at the start," Chen Jiuge replied irritably.

"I propose we stuff him with it," Yue Meng suggested mischievously from the side.

"No! You’re killing a beast!" Da Bai shrieked, leaping from his stool as he saw Yue Meng actually grab a roast chicken and run towards him.

Watching the two little ones chase each other around the dining table, Chen Jiuge felt a headache coming on. "Stop it, both of you go back to your rooms. Da Bai, pack up the leftovers. Don’t waste them."

"Also, don’t oversleep tomorrow. We’re going to watch the Merfolk performance."

"Got it."

「...」

After the two little ones left, Chen Jiuge began planning their next destination. There wasn’t much of interest left in the Sea Tide Heavenly Sect’s territory, aside from the famous Five-Colored Vestments and the Sea Immortal City; there didn’t seem to be any other places worth visiting.

So, let’s go further for the next stop. This place here... the name sounds good, Chen Jiuge muttered to himself as he read the introduction to Heavenly Immortal City.

Time to rest early. We have to watch the Merfolk performance tomorrow. I wonder if Merfolk are the same as the mermaids spoken of in my previous life? That’s truly something to look forward to, Chen Jiuge mused with anticipation.

After a quick breakfast with the two groggy little ones, Chen Jiuge arrived at Lingbo Pavilion, the venue for the Merfolk performance.

Because it was still early before the Merfolk performance began, there weren’t many other Cultivators at Lingbo Pavilion yet.

Chen Jiuge ordered some Spirit Food, Immortal Brew, and snacks, deciding to pass the time by watching the dance of a Female Cultivator on stage.