Chapter 78: Hundreds of Sounds Turn Gloomy

Xu Qing had provided paid assistance many times in the scavenger camp. Although the current request was excessive, he didn't believe his actions were wrong. Offering help was not an obligation; it naturally required compensation. A poor attitude also justified an increased price.

As soon as he spoke, Senior Sister Ding seemed contemplative, while Zhao Zhongheng's face darkened, and he hesitated to say anything. If it had been before, he would have scoffed, but now he was hesitant.

Xu Qing glanced at the group. Realizing they had no intention of paying, he said nothing more and began to maneuver his Dharma Boat to depart. At that moment, Senior Sister Ding, looking at Xu Qing’s profile, suddenly spoke.

"No problem!" she said, waving her hand and summoning her own Dharma Boat. It landed on the sea, and she leaped onto it, steering it towards Xu Qing.

Zhao Zhongheng was stunned and immediately grew anxious. "Senior Sister, you…"

Senior Sister Ding didn't turn her head or even glance at Zhao Zhongheng. Her Dharma Boat, graceful like a willow leaf and full of agility, approached Xu Qing. As it drew near, the surrounding vines immediately coiled around it, signaling danger.

Xu Qing waved his hand, and a black pellet instantly landed in front of Senior Sister Ding’s Dharma Boat. Upon its arrival, the vines recoiled, allowing her boat to pass unimpeded. Once she reached Xu Qing, she quickly retracted her Dharma Boat and leaped onto his vessel.

Due to the protective barrier, she stood somewhat unsteadily on its surface. Xu Qing frowned and looked at Senior Sister Ding.

"Thank you for your help, Junior Brother. My name is Ding Xue, and I believe I'm older than you, so you can call me Senior Sister. My Dharma Boat isn't suited for navigating this area. I'll give you another twenty spirit stones; would it be alright if I stayed on your boat while we're in this region?"

Senior Sister Ding seemed to have grasped Xu Qing's habits. She smiled sweetly, produced a Sixth Peak spirit note for forty spirit stones, and motioned towards Xu Qing from outside the barrier.

Xu Qing glanced at the spirit note, then assessed Senior Sister Ding's cultivation and quickly observed her neck. Only then did he open a small gap in the barrier, allowing her to step onto the deck. He then reached out and took the spirit note to examine it.

Confirming its authenticity, he said nothing further, carefully put the spirit note into his pocket, and began to maneuver the Dharma Boat. He wasn't worried about her having ill intentions on his boat; the moment she arrived, she had already been exposed to his poison. However, this particular poison would only activate when mixed with another type of poison from him.

Under the lingering sunset glow, Xu Qing's figure on the Dharma Boat was tall and remarkably handsome. Beside him, Senior Sister Ding, with her graceful posture and charming smile, had her hair gently swaying in the sea breeze, her eyes revealing a captivating allure—an expression absent when she was with Zhao Zhongheng.

The sea breeze carried Senior Sister Ding's delicate voice across the boat. "What's your name, Junior Brother?" "Junior Brother, your Dharma Boat is quite special; I've never seen one like it before." "Junior Brother, which department are you from?"

Witnessing this scene, Zhao Zhongheng immediately grew desperate. The Senior Sister he had worked so hard to invite had boarded someone else's boat, filling him with intense frustration. Gritting his teeth, he pulled out a red talisman paper. This was clearly a talisman treasure.

Glancing at Xu Qing and Senior Sister Ding, who were about to leave, Zhao Zhongheng, suppressing his heartache, directly unleashed the talisman treasure into the sea. It instantly ignited, creating a tremendous shockwave that spread in all directions. The vines surrounding the Phoenix Bird immediately shattered into pieces, and the remaining ones rapidly recoiled.

Seizing this opportunity, Zhao Zhongheng shouted, "Senior Sister, wait for me!"

With that, he fully controlled the Phoenix Bird, unleashing its speed regardless of cost, and surged forward. His loyal followers behind him immediately cried out for help. "Wait here! I've told my grandfather, and the sect will come to rescue you soon!" Zhao Zhongheng had no time to spare for them and sped ahead.

However, there were too many vines in this area, and his boat was soon ensnared again. In his desperation, Zhao Zhongheng suppressed his distress and continued to bombard the vines with talisman treasures. Blasting his way through and chasing all the while, he gradually broke through the vines, closing the distance between himself and Xu Qing.

The booming sounds from behind finally drew Senior Sister Ding's attention away from Xu Qing. Frowning delicately, she looked back and immediately spotted the Phoenix Bird and Zhao Zhongheng. Watching him blast the vines with his talisman treasures, Senior Sister Ding’s almond-shaped eyes widened, and she sneered.

"Zhao Zhongheng, I never intended for you to follow me. You insisted on escorting me to the West Coral Islands, even after I told you not to take this route. It's one thing to be trapped here because of your arrogance, and while I'm eager to get there, I understood your predicament. But you actually had a way to escape and chose not to use it earlier!"

Zhao Zhongheng's expression turned bitter, his earlier confident demeanor completely gone. He quickly explained, "Senior Sister, you've misunderstood me. This... these are for my life preservation, given to me by my grandfather. I don't have many left..."

Senior Sister Ding scoffed coldly and turned away, ignoring him. Zhao Zhongheng grew even more anxious. Unable to blame Senior Sister Ding, he looked at Xu Qing's Dharma Boat, finding it increasingly irritating.

However, Xu Qing was clearly powerful, so he had to suppress his anger. He used a few more talisman treasures until they disintegrated, finally freeing himself and catching up to Xu Qing's Dharma Boat. "Senior Sister, please come back. I know I was wrong…"

Senior Sister Ding seemed not to hear him, turning her sweet smile to Xu Qing’s profile and speaking softly, "Junior Brother, are you hungry? I have some pastries here." As she spoke, Senior Sister Ding took a small box from her storage bag.

Xu Qing remained expressionless, shook his head, and looked at Senior Sister Ding. "Senior Sister Ding, we have left the vine-infested area. Please disembark."

Hearing Xu Qing's words, Zhao Zhongheng was instantly elated, thinking that the boy was sensible. He then looked expectantly at Senior Sister Ding. "Junior Brother, where are you headed? Perhaps we're going the same way," Senior Sister Ding said with a sweet smile.

Zhao Zhongheng's face instantly turned ugly. Xu Qing's brow furrowed slightly.

Seeing Xu Qing frown, Senior Sister Ding’s bright eyes flickered. After a moment's thought, she tentatively spoke, "Junior Brother, I'm heading to the West Coral Islands, which is only a five-day sea journey from here. If it's not on your way, I'll leave now. But if it is, I'm willing to pay another two hundred spirit stones as travel expenses. What do you think, Junior Brother?"

As she spoke, Senior Sister Ding took out two spirit notes, her beautiful eyes fixed on Xu Qing. Xu Qing looked at the spirit notes, greatly tempted. He hadn't expected that earning spirit stones would be this easy after venturing out to sea.

The Sea Lizard Island he was heading to was deep within the West Coral Islands, so it was naturally along the way. If she wanted a free ride, he would definitely refuse, but for two hundred spirit stones… After some thought, Xu Qing found it perfectly reasonable. Two hundred spirit stones seemed a lot, but after all, she was on his boat, and according to sect tradition, he had a responsibility to protect her. It could be considered an impromptu mission. Given how dangerous the sea was and the urgency of the "mission," extra spirit stones were justified. With this thought, Xu Qing nodded.

Senior Sister Ding's smile became even sweeter as she placed the spirit notes in Xu Qing's hand. Beside them, on the Phoenix Bird, Zhao Zhongheng's expression shifted from ugly to bitter. When he looked at Xu Qing, even though he knew the boy was formidable, his eyes still burned with uncontrollable fury.

Xu Qing completely ignored Zhao Zhongheng's gaze and swiftly steered his Dharma Boat forward. He was in a good mood throughout the journey, realizing he could earn two hundred spirit stones just by being on the same path, which Xu Qing found very worthwhile. The only thing that made him slightly uncomfortable was Senior Sister Ding's constant chatter, asking endless questions, mostly about him. Moreover, her gaze was always fixed on his face, which greatly annoyed Xu Qing, who mostly responded with silence. Yet, the more he remained silent, the more enthusiastic Senior Sister Ding became. This prompted Xu Qing to involuntarily speed up his Dharma Boat, wishing to complete the journey as quickly as possible.

As for Zhao Zhongheng, his state of mind was on the verge of exploding throughout the journey. The flames in his eyes merged with the fire in his heart, seemingly becoming tangible. He was particularly enraged thinking about how he had exerted so much effort, even having his grandfather intervene and communicate with the other party's elder, just to secure this chance for private interaction and self-display. He never imagined... that she would be snatched away by a disciple from the mountain's base. This drove him mad, causing his entire body to tremble, and countless indignations welled up in his chest, ready to erupt at any moment.

"That hateful woman! She wouldn't come on my boat even for free, but she'll pay to board that pretty boy's boat? She's clearly smitten with him. Is she blind? Am I, Zhao Zhongheng, not infinitely stronger than that brat?!" "In terms of spirit stones, I have countless. In terms of status, I'm a core disciple. In terms of background, my grandfather is the Seventh Peak Elder. How can that boy compare to me? He's not even worth a hair on my body!!" "What does he have? Besides a Forbidden Sea Dragon Whale, he's useless. A poor bumpkin from the mountain's base, isn't he just good-looking? Can good looks feed him?!"

As Zhao Zhongheng's jealousy surged in powerful waves, the sun set, and dusk faded. The evening sea, deeper and more mysterious, reflected the burning red twilight clouds on the horizon. These clouds, like spreading flames, shimmered and rolled across the rising and falling waves, each higher than the last. Until the fire in the sky slowly extinguished and the sea's flames gradually dimmed, and the world became shrouded in darkness.

From a distance, the dim sea surface shimmered with countless ripples, and the sea breeze softened, as if the entire world was gradually settling into tranquility. Nighttime navigation was forbidden due to the significantly increased dangers compared to daylight. Thus, Xu Qing chose to anchor. Senior Sister Ding sat beside him, taking out some food and, with her sweet smile, offered it to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing didn't eat. After thanking her, he returned to his cabin, activated the inner protective barrier, and entered seclusion. "Is Junior Brother going to cultivate? I'll stand guard for you." Senior Sister Ding didn't mind Xu Qing's indifference. After speaking with a smile, she actually sat cross-legged outside the cabin.

This scene drove Zhao Zhongheng on the Phoenix Bird crazy once more. Yet, gazing at Senior Sister Ding's beautiful face, he suppressed his rage and whispered from his Dharma Boat. "Senior Sister, I have some sea fish here. Shall we…"

"Not interested," Senior Sister Ding replied flatly.

"Senior Sister, I…"

"No need."

"I…"

"Please be quiet and don't disturb Junior Brother's cultivation," Senior Sister Ding said, looking up and casting an impatient glance at Zhao Zhongheng.

Zhao Zhongheng's face darkened. Gritting his teeth, he glared intently at Xu Qing's cultivating cabin, feeling utterly furious but helpless. He could only sit down in a huff and meditate.

Time slowly passed, and soon it was deep into the night. As Xu Qing and the other two meditated, an unusual change quietly began in the deep, dark sea beneath the night sky, unnoticed by anyone.

In the depths of the sea, specks of starlight gathered, slowly forming tendrils of ethereal shadows that drifted gently upwards from the surface. These spectral figures seemed like mysterious, profound dreams woven by the black Forbidden Sea for those traveling upon it. However, as these shadowy figures ascended, they constantly transformed into various grotesque forms, becoming vengeful spirits: drowned individuals, decaying beasts. In the next instant, their former tranquility gave way to piercing screams, soul-shaking shrill cries that tore through the air and reverberated in all directions. The sounds were exceptionally mournful, sending shivers down one's spine.

Suddenly, this dream… became a nightmare!

Xu Qing and the other two instantly opened their eyes. Zhao Zhongheng's pupils constricted, and Senior Sister Ding's expression turned serious, her right hand resting on her storage bag. Xu Qing stepped out of the cabin, his gaze sharp. Looking around, countless evil spirits rose from the entire sea the moment night fell, as if summoned, flying madly towards the edge of the dark sky. In groups, in swarms. Sinister, eerie. This was… the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.

Xu Qing looked up, gazing at the scene. As the vengeful spirits ascended with piercing, mournful cries, a description of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts from a sea chronicle appeared in his mind.

"In the boundless sea, there is a wondrous melody unheard by mortals. It accompanies the Crimson Sun Golden Crow, a hundred notes forming a tune, called the Celestial Harmony Welcoming the Moon."

"A deity, pleased by it, cast a half-closed gaze. The boundless sea became forbidden, and the hundred notes turned into shadows."

"Should disciples of our sect encounter it, do not move, do not touch, do not disturb…"

The words in the sea chronicle described a story. The story informed all Seven-Blood Eyes disciples venturing out to sea that the ocean surrounding the Southern Phoenix Continent was originally named the Boundless Sea. In ancient times, before the arrival of the Divine Fragment Face in the sky, a peculiar melody would occasionally echo across this Boundless Sea. This music was extraordinary; ordinary people, even when at sea, could never hear it. Only cultivators at sea could occasionally catch fragments of this drifting melody.

The story also explained the origin of this music. The sun in the sky was not a star, but a colossal divine bird called the Crimson Sun Golden Crow. Every morning, it would fly out from its palace deep within the Boundless Sea, returning each night, a cycle that continued without interruption, as if fulfilling a sacred mission. Each night, upon its return to the palace, musicians would play a melody for it. This music, containing hundreds of notes, created a dreamlike sensation and was called the Celestial Harmony Welcoming the Moon. Every time the music played, the bright moon would ascend, taking Crimson Sun's place to patrol the world.

Until one day, the Divine Fragment Face arrived. Floating beyond the world's firmament, it heard this music, was greatly pleased, and cast a half-closed gaze upon it. The moment its gaze descended, the Boundless Sea boiled, and an unimaginably dense burst of anomalous energy erupted, transforming the Boundless Sea into the Forbidden Sea, permeated with potent anomalous forces. And the hundred notes that formed the melody were also corrupted in that instant. The notes became shadows, transforming into ghosts, like death itself.

Thus, the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts came into being.