Chapter 52: Scenery at Sea

On the morning of the third day, the group arrived at the designated location on time. The weather was splendid—the vast sea was calm, resembling a smooth, azure silk cloth. Sunlight scattered across the water like shattered gold atop blue satin, creating a scene of noble and mysterious beauty.

A pitch-black ship was moored by the shore, its shape resembling the arched back of a fish. Admittedly, its appearance was far from elegant. A crew member waited at the dock and, upon seeing the group, hurried forward with a bow, handing a scroll to Gu Pinglin. "Esteemed Cultivator Gu, here is the map you requested. The ship is ready as well. Does it meet your satisfaction?"

Jiang Ruoxu and Leng Xu, being older and experienced in selecting vessels, boarded first to inspect thoroughly. After confirming everything was in order with a nod to Gu Pinglin, Gu Pinglin promptly paid a deposit of five thousand feather coins. The crew member smiled obsequiously, offering auspicious wishes like "smooth sailing" before departing with the payment.

Yao Feng, however, seemed uneasy about the expensive fare. The Yao Clan Beyond Mountains practiced reclusive cultivation and had little concept of wealth. He carried less than three hundred feather coins on him and repeatedly insisted on reimbursing his share—until Bu Shui'han's expression darkened with anger, forcing him to relent.

As Gu Pinglin ushered everyone aboard, a cold laugh suddenly rang out from above.

"Finally, you've arrived!"

Like a falling star, a dazzling sword light flashed and vanished. A young man stood steadily atop his sword, his golden crown securing his hair. He wore a red brocade robe over white and gold-patterned archer sleeves, his embroidered golden wrist guards gleaming under the sun.

This display of sword control was truly masterful, earning an involuntary "Impressive!" from Bu Shui'han.

Qi Wan'er ignored him. With a light step, two sword qi shot from the Jade Emperor Sword beneath his feet, aimed directly at Duan Qingming. "I knew you'd take to the seas. Hmph!"

No one had time to react to his sudden attack—except Yao Feng, whose fingers instinctively formed a sword seal as if to intervene. Gu Pinglin, noticing this, pressed a hand on Yao Feng's shoulder. Yao Feng paused, then withdrew his energy in understanding.

Seeing Duan Qingming remain motionless, Qi Wan'er retracted his attack. "What's your meaning?"

"Attacking without reason in front of so many witnesses—such behavior hardly befits a noble scion," Duan Qingming chided gently before introducing him to the group. "This is my maternal cousin, Qi Wan'er."

The group's expressions turned colorful.

Seven attendants arrived just in time, silently lowering their heads and retreating behind Qi Wan'er. Qi Wan'er gritted his teeth. "I am Qi Thirteen! Enough nonsense—will you fight or not?"

Duan Qingming replied leisurely, "As I've said, my sword art remains incomplete. Even if you defeat me now, it would be an unfair victory."

"Excuses!"

"Baseless accusations—how unreasonable of you, dear cousin." Duan Qingming feigned offense. "Very well. If you're so eager for victory, I concede now."

Somehow, Qi Wan'er ended up looking like the unreasonable one. "Who wants your concession?!"

Duan Qingming smiled. "Then what would you have me do?"

Qi Wan'er was at a loss. He neither wanted an unfair win nor could he bear to let Duan Qingming off the hook. His handsome face flushed red and white by turns, amusing the onlookers.

Yao Feng suddenly stepped forward. "I am Yao Feng. I would gladly spar with you in swordplay."

Qi Wan'er snorted dismissively, ignoring Yao Feng entirely. "When will your sword art be complete?"

Snubbed, Yao Feng retreated awkwardly. Bu Shui'han, never one to hide his feelings, scowled and consoled Yao Feng coldly. "An arrogant fool. Pay him no mind."

Duan Qingming began, "As I mentioned, Junior Brother Gu's sword art—"

Gu Pinglin cut in smoothly. "Young Master Thirteen's swordsmanship is extraordinary. I concede defeat."

Pleased by Gu Pinglin's deference, Qi Wan'er smirked. "Regardless, I won't fight him today. But you can't evade me forever. Don't think you can scheme your way out."

"Cousin, you overthink things." Duan Qingming sighed. "I treat you with the same affection as Qinghou. Such distrust wounds me."

Qi Wan'er's scalp prickled. "Enough! Who shares affection with you?" He glanced disdainfully at the fishback ship. "You're heading to the Sea Realm?"

Before Duan Qingming could respond, Gu Pinglin interjected, "Since you're Senior Brother Duan's cousin, you're hardly an outsider. Why not travel together? We can watch out for one another. What do you say, Young Master Thirteen?"

Qi Wan'er's interest was piqued.

Years ago, the Qi Clan's Elder Qi Zhen had dueled the old Island Master of Penglai in the Eastern Sea, only to suffer a narrow defeat. Since then, the Qi Clan had struggled to hold their heads high before Penglai Isle. Qi Wan'er, as Qi Zhen's grandson, would inevitably cross paths with Penglai disciples at Chess Piece Reef en route to the Sea Realm. Proud as he was, Qi Wan'er had no desire to subject himself to their disdain and had originally planned to detour. Gu Pinglin's invitation was a pleasant surprise—traveling under the Lingxin Sect's banner would spare him humiliation. Moreover, observing Duan Qingming's abilities firsthand was an added bonus.

"Very well. I graciously accept." Qi Wan'er landed gracefully and strode aboard, his seven attendants following.

Bu Shui'han frowned repeatedly, unable to hold back. "That man's insufferably arrogant. Why invite him along? And he's from the Qi Clan—Junior Brother Duan..."

"Senior Brother Duan is hardly so petty," Gu Pinglin tapped the scroll against his palm, smiling. "He treats his cousin as kin. Besides, reciprocity is only proper."

"Reciprocity?" Bu Shui'han was baffled.

Duan Qingming glanced their way with a smile before boarding.

The fishback ship was mid-sized, with eight guest cabins aside from the hold and foredeck. Qi Wan'er's entourage made quarters tight. Gu Pinglin had already planned the arrangements.

As a guest and Bu Shui'han's closest companion, Yao Feng shared a cabin with him. Jiang Ruoxu roomed with Leng Xu, while Gan Li stayed with Xin Ji. Normally, Gan Li's low cultivation would exclude him, but the Sea Realm held minor opportunities, so Gu Pinglin brought him along. Xin Ji, at the Eighth Level of Qi Transformation, was the strongest present and could protect Gan Li—though Gan Li's sharp wit ensured he wouldn't be easily duped even if Xin Ji schemed. Xin Ji, hunted by the demon realm, preferred minimal contact to avoid exposure. A young disciple was easier to manage.

Qi Wan'er's pride made sharing cabins risky. Gu Pinglin said neutrally, "With four cabins to spare, Young Master Thirteen and your attendants may arrange yourselves."

To everyone's surprise, Qi Wan'er declared, "No need. I'll room with Duan Six." Noble clans emphasized propriety. Unable to address Duan Qingming familiarly as "cousin" publicly yet unwilling to concede seniority, he settled on "Duan Six."

"Our master entrusted me with matters regarding the Sea Realm. I must discuss them with Senior Brother Duan. My apologies, Young Master Thirteen." Gu Pinglin refused. While inviting Qi Wan'er aimed to counterbalance Duan Qingming—his curiosity about Duan Qingming's skills would keep the latter under scrutiny—relying on him for surveillance was unrealistic. Given Qi Wan'er's temperament, proximity to Duan Qingming would only lead to manipulation, potentially backfiring spectacularly.

Rebuffed, Qi Wan'er frowned but held his tongue, mindful of Gu Pinglin's hospitality in bypassing Chess Piece Reef.

"My cousin and I have only recently reunited. Bonding is overdue," Duan Qingming patted Qi Wan'er's shoulder. "Alas, my junior brother is overly attached. I beg your understanding."

As if I care to room with you! Qi Wan'er's face darkened, though he bit back the retort.

The Lingxin disciples, unaware of the undercurrents, chuckled at the "attached junior brother" remark. Bu Shui'han, now free of bias toward Duan Qingming, found nothing amiss.

Unfazed by the "clingy" label, Gu Pinglin continued, "Since fate brings us together, let's unite as one. Sixteen of us aboard means eight pairs taking turns at the helm—half-day shifts. As our guests, the Qi Clan will take day shifts; Lingxin Sect will handle nights. Any objections?"

Qi Wan'er waved impatiently. "Do as you please. Must you prattle on?"

Two attendants stepped forward. "We'll take the first shift."

Though the Qi Clan's integrity was presumed, caution dictated daytime shifts—easier to monitor. Satisfied, Gu Pinglin nodded. "Then it's settled. Everyone, settle in. We'll reconvene in two hours to discuss next steps."

The fishback ship's deck bore a wind-gathering array, harnessing natural winds for propulsion. Steering was simple. The Qi attendants, seasoned sailors, soon activated the array, setting sail along the charted course.

As the group dispersed to their cabins, Gu Pinglin lingered. Qi Wan'er stood at the rail, facing the sea, the rising sun gilding his profile with an air of indomitable spirit.

Gu Pinglin approached. "This journey won't be peaceful. If you're keen, you may yet witness Senior Brother Duan's swordsmanship."

Qi Wan'er side-eyed him. "Perhaps. Though I'm only curious because my grand-uncle and the Duan elders praised his genius."

Gu Pinglin smiled. "Speaking of which, I noticed Senior Brother Duan refining his techniques with brush strokes recently—quite ingenious."

"Brush strokes?" Qi Wan'er turned fully, intrigued.

"Indeed. Pity I couldn't grasp it. Should you glimpse his new sword art, do enlighten me." Gu Pinglin clasped his fists and left. A glance back confirmed Qi Wan'er had already vanished.

Turnabout is fair play. Mutual restraint was the game—for Bu Shui'han and the others' safety, Duan Qingming had to be monitored. Gu Pinglin felt no guilt. He inspected the ship discreetly before heading to his cabin, only to meet Duan Qingming at the door.

"Where are you going, Senior Brother?" Gu Pinglin scanned the area—Qi Wan'er was nowhere in sight, likely dismissed.

Duan Qingming answered idly, "The sea offers rare vistas. I thought to admire them."

The sun was high now. Nearly an hour from shore, the sea had grown restless. Sunlight danced on wind-rippled waves, dazzling the eyes.

Duan Qingming stood at the prow, hands clasped behind him.

His white robes fluttered, the usual gentleness replaced by an air of lofty supremacy. A sword sovereign pointing his blade at the world, peerless and untouchable—the very image of his past life's glory.

That familiar silhouette.

For a fleeting moment, Gu Pinglin was transported to his former life. He recoiled instinctively.

"Hmm?" Duan Qingming turned abruptly. "Killing intent."

The aura vanished instantly. Gu Pinglin regained composure. "Mistaken identity."

"You know too many people."

"Oh?"

"That Penglai young master, for instance."

"What of it?" Gu Pinglin didn't deny it.

Duan Qingming studied him but let it drop. "Weren't you retiring to your cabin?"

"The sea's beauty struck me. Truly unparalleled." Gu Pinglin gazed at the horizon. He spoke truthfully—his childhood in the Gu family had been fraught with torment; his later years consumed by rivalry and vengeance. How much beauty had he truly seen? Now, with his Dao heart restored, he marveled at nature's boundless wonders and the infinite Dao.

Duan Qingming clasped his hands behind his back. "Must you follow me even to admire scenery?"

Gu Pinglin met his gaze evenly. "Naturally. I'm very clingy."