Thick fog covered the sea, concealing the stars in the sky.
When Ling Luo followed Yun Shouxi to the ship’s ladder, she suddenly withdrew her hand and said, “Master, I just remembered there’s something I need to do. You go up first, I’ll join you shortly.”
Yun Shouxi was slightly taken aback and didn’t have time to ask what it was before seeing her turn around and trot back.
Yue Liangze knew Ling Luo wouldn’t greet him in front of Yun Shouxi, so he continued walking with the cargo box. After a few steps, he heard someone calling from behind: “Senior Brother!”
“Senior Brother Yue!”
Yue Liangze paused in surprise and looked back to find she had returned.
Ling Luo glared at him huffily and said, “Why are you walking so fast!”
Yue Liangze was speechless.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I’m going down the mountain for training now and won’t be back for two months,” Ling Luo said. “I wanted to find you for sword practice before leaving, but you weren’t there… What are you doing here anyway!”
Yue Liangze answered good-naturedly, “Uncle Chang’s son injured his foot, so I’m filling in for him with the cargo.”
Ling Luo: “…”
You truly are a do-gooder.
“Are they paying you?” she asked.
Yue Liangze: “No need for payment.”
“…You’re too kind!” Ling Luo said irritably. “If anyone gives you trouble while I’m gone, tell that adopted son of yours.”
“If they beat you, remember their names, and I’ll challenge them when I get back.”
She wasn’t concerned about Yue Liangze.
The only one who could defeat Yue Liangze was her, Ling Luo—no one else.
Yue Liangze said, “I’m not so easily bullied.”
Do you even believe that yourself?
Ling Luo looked at him skeptically.
“Chang Fei and the others will often come to freeload, so remember to have them steal more rice for you, otherwise you’ll run out again,” Ling Luo muttered. “You still haven’t made me that teriyaki chicken rice you promised!”
“I’ll make it for you when you return from training,” Yue Liangze said.
“Finish your work and head back early. The hanging clouds and thick fog tonight aren’t good for staying at the foot of the mountain,” Ling Luo said as she turned to leave. “I’m going now. See you when I return.”
Yue Liangze: “Be careful on your journey.”
He watched silently as the young girl departed. The cargo workers separated them, and the departing sea vessel carrying her grew increasingly distant.
The sea vessel moved much faster than other ships, taking very little time to travel from Tianji East Island to East Sea City.
They arrived when the night scene in East Sea City was at its most magnificent. The vast city displayed the prosperity and liveliness of the mortal world. As soon as they disembarked, city guards came to welcome them.
The city commander, General Guan Chen, approached respectfully and said, “Immortal Master San Xi, upon learning of your intention to investigate the Bai Linglong matter, the City Lord has specially dispatched me to assist you.”
“Much appreciated,” Yun Shouxi responded with a warm smile.
Ling Luo looked up toward the highest point in the city.
That was the East Sea City Lord’s Mansion.
The cultivation world and the mortal realm had an inseparable relationship.
Some cultivation clans had even served various royal families for generations.
But cultivators were forbidden from becoming involved in state affairs and grudges.
Among the Twelve Great Immortal Sects, some strictly prohibited their disciples from interfering in court matters. Serious offenders were considered to have betrayed their sect and might even face elimination.
Both sides needed to maintain a balance of power.
Yet this balance was delicate.
Undeniably, the relationship between the mortal realm and the Twelve Great Immortal Sects was good, especially with the four-thousand-year-old great clans, which maintained subtle exchanges of interests.
East Sea City was closest to Tianji. A single word from the Tianji Sect Leader could cause the East Sea City Lord to anxiously ponder for days.
The status difference between the two was thus apparent.
To enter or leave Tianji, East Sea City was the only route.
Yun Shouxi took Yu Xiu to investigate Bai Linglong in East Sea City, while Chu Yi was to take Ling Luo out of East Sea City for training.
“Powerful and troublesome demons usually cause mischief in rural villages and small towns. Such places are secluded with few passersby, suitable for hiding after causing havoc.”
Chu Yi led her through the bustling night market streets, surrounded by dazzling lights from shops and restaurants that overwhelmed the senses.
While Chu Yi was talking about demons, Ling Luo stopped at a roadside stall, bending down curiously to examine various trinkets laid out on the ground.
“What’s this?” she asked, pointing at a small black gourd.
The vendor, a middle-aged man with a mustache, replied, “This is a jade gourd that can hold the moon from the sky.”
Ling Luo couldn’t help but burst into laughter upon hearing this.