Chapter 170: Fishing Boat and Half Moon

The sixth-order spiritual energy cultivated by a martial artist in the Five Seas Realm could rival the purity of spiritual energy possessed by a martial artist who had just entered the Dao Seed Realm.

The Ghost Flag was wide and felt chilling to the touch. After Jiang Ning infused her sixth-order spiritual energy into it, the flag billowed and rustled in the wind over the sea. Its strange patterns writhed, resembling an underworld map with flowing lines.

A whooshing sound arose as dozens of torrents of dark, chilling mist surged forth, swirling around her before rapidly engulfing the entire sea.

Mie Di and Dao Di exchanged glances, both sensing the extraordinary nature of Jiang Ning’s aura. The flag in her hand seemed otherworldly; the Feathered Fairy appeared to have transformed into a Ghost Mother.

With Qi Jin present, they felt no fear. Even Jiang Ning at her peak might not be her match.

*Swish! Swish!* The two charged forward, their bodies enveloped by the shimmering light of a golden tiger and a Buddha, respectively. Each unleashed extraordinary combat techniques.

The golden tiger claws tore through the dark mist, pinpointing Jiang Ning's true location. The five-zhang-tall Buddha figure pointed a finger that resembled a burning golden pillar. Within this radiant Buddha, Dao Di's body, appearing as if cast from gold, flew above the sea, moving in tandem with the golden pillar-like finger.

*Boom!* A ten-zhang-tall ghost general, radiating immense power, emerged from the dark mist. Its armor and the battle-halberd in its hand were almost fully materialized, displaying a distinct metallic texture. Its head resembled a ram's, with eyes that glowed intensely. Within its abdominal cavity, a cluster of green fire blazed.

A single step forward created a shockwave strong enough to cause ripples, like surging waves, in the light-shadow projections of Dao Di and Mie Di's combat techniques. The five-zhang-long golden tiger and the five-zhang-tall Buddha figure, though already massive and radiating destructive energy, instantly lost all their imposing presence when confronted by the Dark Mist Ghost General.

The Ghost General unleashed a punch, tearing through Mie Di’s and Dao Di’s combat technique projections as if bursting two golden bubbles. The force of the punch, accompanied by green flames, struck them directly.

*Thud!* Dao Di’s arm fractured and tore, sending flesh and bone flying. Protected by the Nine-Thought Zen Bead and his enchanted monk’s robe, his physical body remained intact, though he was sent tumbling head over heels across the surface of the sea.

“It’s the Turin Cold Fire… it has Turin Cold Fire inside it…” Mie Di, struck by the green flames carried in the punch’s force, burst into fire, his body riddled with burning holes. Like Dao Di, he was sent flying backward into the sea, letting out a horrific scream.

The Dark Mist Ghost General’s punch unleashed massive waves over two meters high, which surged towards Qi Jin. As her small boat was carried to the crest of a wave, Qi Jin ascended like an arrow shot skyward, leaping ten zhang above the water, reaching eye level with the Dark Mist Ghost General.

Jiang Ning was secretly astonished by the terrifying might of the Ghost Flag. Her confidence and resolve transformed into boundless fighting spirit as she advanced swiftly. The Dark Mist Ghost General strode ahead of her, its battle-halberd, over ten zhang long, wielded like a divine pillar stabilizing the sea, its blade as vast as a celestial saber. When swung, it felt like a million-jin heavy weapon, exuding immense oppressive force.

Qi Jin’s gaze remained steady, undaunted by the Dark Mist Ghost General’s imposing aura. She formed hand seals, and surges of spiritual energy, accompanied by bright sparks, erupted, filling the surrounding space.

"Ever-Shining Divine Moon Mirror!" Her unique combat technique manifested as a crimson divine moon, five zhang in diameter, rising from the sea, glowing with incredibly bright radiance. Yet, it was not a divine moon but a mirror, capable of reflecting the Dark Mist General's offensive techniques.

*Whoosh… crack!* Qi Jin's combat technique projection was shattered by the immense battle-halberd, making a crisp sound like a mirror fracturing. The Divine Moon Mirror combat technique could replicate an opponent’s techniques and power, turning their own methods against them. However, the Dark Mist General, wielding Dao Seed Realm power, forcibly breached it, tearing apart all techniques.

A mark appeared on Qi Jin’s snow-white neck, from which sparks emanated. She touched the mark with a finger, let out a frustrated huff, then turned and fled swiftly. Skipping lightly over the wave crests like an immortal flying over the sea, she declared, "Today's defeat was due to the artifact. Once I retrieve the Divine Moon Mirror, we shall fight again!"

Li Weiyi was astonished. There were two moons on the sea: one in the sky, one in the water. This Lord Qi Jin was immensely powerful, undoubtedly an Inheritor-level figure.

Li Weiyi knew Jiang Ning sought a decisive battle with Qi Jin because of Zhuang Yue. He transmitted a message: "Zhuang Yue is still alive; don't fight. You are very weak now. There's no need to kill her today."

"I must retrieve Zhuang Yue's eyes… Tonight, the Ancestral Soldier’s Lake will be a bloodbath, and everything began because of me. I cannot be absent from this battle."

Jiang Ning landed on the Dark Mist Ghost General’s shoulder. White feathers circled her delicate form. Her slender, elegant finger picked up one, flicking its tip. The white feather floated down, landing on Li Weiyi’s head.

"You should return to the shore first; I will find you using this white feather. I still need to borrow this flag again!"

The radiant white wings on her back unfurled, slicing through the air as she pursued Qi Jin. Just before disappearing from sight, she glanced back at the man on the sea behind her.

Li Weiyi removed the white feather from his hair. It was remarkably soft and delicate, feeling like a real down feather rather than something conjured from spiritual energy. He transformed Ma Wu back to the size of a cat and fed it a precious medicinal herb. Having continuously traversed the sea, its spiritual energy was almost entirely depleted. Not only Ma Wu, but Li Weiyi’s own spiritual energy was also depleted, requiring constant breathing exercises and the simultaneous surge from his Ten Springs to replenish it. Combat at sea, whether propelling a boat or walking on waves, demanded an immense amount of energy.

Only peak masters who had cultivated the Sixth Sea Wind Mansion and Seventh Sea Ancestral Field could sustain themselves with relative ease. Li Weiyi’s first Qi Sea measured ten ‘fang’, and his second measured sixty-three ‘fang’. Within the same realm, the size of his Qi Seas far surpassed those of the Nine Springs Supreme Beings and the impressive Inheritors. However, once they cultivated the Fourth Sea, their Qi Sea capacity instantly increased tenfold or more. An ordinary Nine Springs Supreme Being’s Fourth Sea could reach at least a thousand ‘fang’. The Fifth Sea was even larger. These were two primary seas! Due to this vast difference, the power level of each stage within the Five Seas Realm varied dramatically, making it extremely difficult for Nine Springs Supreme Beings to fight across realms.

The Sixth Sea Wind Mansion and Seventh Sea Ancestral Field, though very small in the Springing Fountain Realm with negligible spiritual energy storage, were living internal worlds. Through continuous cultivation, they could expand, potentially even far exceeding the size of the two primary seas. Top-tier prodigies dedicated considerable time to cultivating and expanding these seas, with some even choosing to remain in a realm for several years just to lay the most solid foundation for their future.

Jiang Ning possessed the confidence to pursue Qi Jin even in her weakened state. Beyond the Ghost Flag, the most crucial factor was that she had cultivated her Ancestral Field to over ten thousand ‘fang’, still having spiritual energy at her disposal.

Li Weiyi searched the surrounding waters but found no trace of Dao Di or Mie Di’s bodies. After falling into the sea with severe injuries, neither of them resurfaced. The Ancestral Soldier’s Lake held too many masters, so Li Weiyi, unwilling to linger, headed for the shore. Yin Shi San had escaped aboard the Hundred-Character Sutra artifact jade boat. As long as he reached the chaotic battlefield area, Yin Jiu, Yin Shi, and the others would naturally intervene to save him. Even if Li Weiyi rushed there now, he wouldn’t be of much help.

Upon returning to the shore, Li Weiyi chose not to go to Juzhe City. Instead, he settled on a nearby coastal islet, brought out the still unconscious Zhuang Yue, intending to entrust her to Jiang Ning later. He then began to meditate, recovering his energy.

All night, waves crashed and roared at the foot of the mountain. Dawn broke over the sea with a vibrant glow, and the red sun pierced through the winter morning mist.

Jiang Ning, clad in soft armor, returned from the shimmering sea. Her long hair swayed in the wind, and a heavy scent of blood clung to her. Reaching the peak of the coastal islet, she saw Zhuang Yue, who had lost her eyes, sitting beside Li Weiyi. A shimmering light flickered in Jiang Ning’s slightly tired eyes. Last night, when Li Weiyi told her Zhuang Yue was alive, she had not entirely believed him, dismissing it as a well-intentioned lie.

Jiang Ning walked over. "I couldn't do it… Zhuang Yue, I will find you another pair of the brightest and most beautiful eyes in the world!"

“Miss… it’s you, it’s really you…” Hearing Jiang Ning’s voice, Zhuang Yue was overcome with joy. She quickly rose and embraced her.

Li Weiyi remained in meditation but had opened his eyes. They conversed softly for a moment, then, one leading and one following, approached Li Weiyi.

Jiang Ning stood tall and proud, imbued with an indomitable spirit. She took out the Ghost Flag and handed it over. "Now I somewhat understand why you asked me then if I was trustworthy. This treasure is indeed extraordinary, its value immeasurable. Even Eternal Life Realm magnates would likely find it very interesting."

Li Weiyi stood up, taking back the Ghost Flag. "You said you'd pay me. Go on!"

A smile appeared on Jiang Ning’s determined face as she shook her head. "Not yet."

"I knew you were just making empty promises," Li Weiyi said.

"I will definitely pay you."

Jiang Ning gazed at him, and after a moment’s consideration, said, "Hiding at the bottom of the sea, the enemy’s search area was shrinking. With thousands of water ghosts and Yin soldiers joining, exposure was only a matter of time. To escape, we had to split up. Your senior brother, Chen Chuan, fleeing towards that battlefield was his only path to survival; people from the Zuo Qiu Sect and the Jiuli Tribe would save him. By drawing away strong enemies, he also created an opportunity for me to escape. In that situation, it was the only viable strategy."

Chen Chuan was Yin Shi San’s alias within the imperial court.

Li Weiyi was surprised, noting how faint Jiang Ning’s usual arrogance and coldness seemed. He smiled, "Are you explaining yourself to me?"

Jiang Ning replied, "I want to explain myself! I don’t want to lose you as a friend because of some misunderstanding."

"Friend..." Li Weiyi echoed.

Zhuang Yue interjected enthusiastically, "My young lady has never considered any man a friend. You are currently the only one."

"I have no desire to be friends with anyone from the imperial court. Let's just stick to business and money!" Li Weiyi stated.

Zhuang Yue clenched her fists in annoyance, her face slightly puffed up.

Jiang Ning’s brow furrowed slightly, then she nodded. "I understand! But Li Weiyi, do you realize you often say one thing and mean another? Zhuang Yue told me that you saved her and bought the Core Lantern Flowers to help her heal and regrow her skin. Last night, you clearly risked great danger to save me, yet you attributed all the credit to those seven little ones."

"You’ve been like this ever since we met."

"You clearly possess empathy and righteousness, yet you pretend to be solely driven by profit. Why? Does being a moral, humane, upright, and compassionate person make you so ashamed?"

"If people in this world are ashamed to be good, fearing criticism, inexplicable suspicion, and ridicule, then this world must truly be ailing!"

"I have ideals: to bring order to this chaotic world and heal its twisted hearts. Would you consider walking with me hand in hand?" Her eyes were filled with expectation.

Li Weiyi said seriously, "Your three invitations clearly demonstrate your sincerity. I will now tell you a few honest truths from my heart."

"From your perspective, all your pursuits and visions are understandable to me. However, the prevailing current of the world is irreversible. In this surging torrent, what are juniors like us? Even the transcendent beings and magnates can only go with the flow."

"Given your talent and influential background, if you had a century, perhaps you could slightly resist this prevailing trend. But do you have that much time?"

"Of the twenty-eight prefectures in the world, are there even ten left under the imperial court’s control?"

"The grand edifice is on the verge of collapse; I advise you to withdraw early… Never mind, consider that a foolish remark. Your Jiang family is already inextricably linked with Ling Xiao Palace, sharing its prosperity and decline, with no way out."

"As for saving or killing, good or evil, right or wrong, I have my own moral compass. The difference between us is that I understand how to act within my means and am clearer about what I can and cannot achieve."

Jiang Ning said, "In your eyes, I am merely an idealistic person from a prominent family, self-righteous and unaware of my own limitations. However, the prevailing world trend you speak of actually hinges on a single thought from the Grand Palace Master. If she returns to normal and resumes her duties, the entire situation could instantly reverse."

Sensing that Li Weiyi was pragmatic and uninterested in lofty discussions, she said, "Accompany me for half a month."

"..." Li Weiyi responded.

Jiang Ning said, "I am severely injured and need to find a place to recuperate. But Zhuang Yue has lost her eyes; she can barely care for herself, let alone me."

"Juzhe City is unsafe; there are certainly barbarian bandit magnates stationed within it."

"You probably intend to go to Qiu Province City for next year’s Lantern Festival and the Hidden Dragon Lantern Fair, right? But right now, the Zuo Qiu Sect has mobilized the full strength of the seven southern provinces and is clashing with various forces, led by the Extreme West Ash Region, from the Ancestral Soldier’s Lake all the way to the mainland. Traveling to Qiu Province City now would be extremely dangerous. I suspect young masters from the imperial court, as well as the Eastern, Western, and Northern Regions, will all converge there."

"Given your current cultivation, instead of risking it, it would be better to accompany me for half a month. After that, things should have calmed down, and we can go to Qiu Province City together."

Zhuang Yue interjected, "I truly cannot care for my young lady properly. I can pay you; name your price!"

"Are you very wealthy? You already owe me a significant amount."

After a pause, Li Weiyi said, "There's no need to pay me for my company; it wouldn't sound good. Coincidentally, I do need to undergo secluded cultivation for a while. Let’s find a place to hide for half a month."

Li Weiyi understood well that Jiang Ning wanted to keep him for half a month, perhaps to subtly influence his thinking. Or perhaps she simply didn't want him to get involved in the conflicts between top Five Seas Realm experts, believing him to be too adventurous and meddlesome, and that proceeding would be extremely dangerous for him.

Li Weiyi purchased a medium-sized fishing boat used for lodging, and the three of them settled by the Ancestral Soldier’s Lake.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

It had snowed all night yesterday. The next morning, Li Weiyi emerged from his cabin, walked to the bow of the boat, stretched, and took a long, deep breath of the crisp, cold air. Gazing into the distance, the sea was a vast white expanse, with snow and mist rendering the world hazy and indistinct. The trees and withered grass by the water were draped in white, and the ground was covered by half a foot of snow.

*Chirp! Whoosh!* Seven Phoenix-Winged Moth Emperors joyfully flew out, fluttering gracefully over the water like colorful butterflies. Over the past half-month, they had not only fully digested the millennium spirit herb but had also consumed another Xihe Flower, growing to nearly five inches in length. Their combat power was now incomparable to half a month prior; each could now challenge a martial artist of the Five Seas Realm's fifth stage, like Yuwen Chao. Consuming another millennium spirit herb with ice-cold properties should quickly allow them to reach five inches, achieving a true transformation in their cultivation realm.

Light footsteps sounded from behind him. Jiang Ning emerged in simple attire, like a fishing girl, her beautiful hair untied and face unadorned. A fairy-like beauty such as her possessed breathtaking charm, even when clothed in mere rags. Her vitality had fully recovered, and her cultivation had advanced. She walked to Li Weiyi’s side, gazing at the snow-covered sea. "I've received news that transcendent beings from the Extreme West Ash Region have arrived at Peach and Plum Mountain, the ancestral land of the Zuo Qiu Sect, and the Four-Pole Ape King has also reached the prefecture city. Transcendent beings from the Eastern, Western, and Northern Regions will also come to visit the immortal masters of the Du'e Temple."

"Zuo Qiu Ting and the Young Master ceased their battle eight days ago and entered the prefecture city together."

"In truth, after the disruptors appeared, Qiu Province City is no longer as safe. The clashes at the Ancestral Soldier’s Lake were merely a prelude; the Hidden Dragon Lantern Fair will be the true battleground. I suspect figures like the Young Master will also participate in the struggle for the Longevity Pills, Dragon Seeds, and Dragon Bones."

"If you merely wish to avoid the conflict in Li Prefecture, you could go to the Jiang family in Fu Prefecture. I will write a letter for you; upon your arrival, the Jiang family will undoubtedly treat you as an honored guest, and cultivation resources will be plentiful."

Over the past half-month, Li Weiyi’s strength had significantly improved, boosting his confidence. "Are you implying that my cultivation is too low, and I might be unable to protect myself at the Hidden Dragon Lantern Fair, making it too dangerous?"

Jiang Ning was silent for a moment, then said, "Will you go to Fu Prefecture? I sincerely hope you do."

"Why can’t I go to Qiu Province City?" Li Weiyi asked.

"Alright, since we only have questions and no answers, there’s no need to press further."

Jiang Ning said, "I will depart for Qiu Province City today, but… I may have to go back on my word. I cannot travel with you. Thank you for your companionship these past two weeks. You were right; maintaining distance from those in the imperial court is perhaps the wiser course of action."

She turned and walked towards the land at the stern of the boat, where Zhuang Yue had already packed her belongings.

Li Weiyi felt somewhat manipulated, but he quickly understood, choosing not to turn and see her off. "You're going to be a disruptor too, aren't you? Has the imperial court given you a mission?"

Stepping ashore, Jiang Ning, about to depart, said, "I don't want you to go to Qiu Province City; it's not a grand event. I can only say so much!"

Their footsteps faded into the distance as the two disappeared into the wind and snow. Li Weiyi stood alone on the boat, as the entire world suddenly felt profoundly desolate.