163: Farewell! Entering Kuixing City!

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Three: Parting! Entering Kuixing City!

On this day, a gentle sea breeze blew, and sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting countless golden rays that made the azure sea surface shimmer with sparkling waves.

In the upper-class cabin of the 'sea whale,' however, the atmosphere was quite solemn and focused.

Lu Qiu and Xin Ruyin sat facing each other, with an intricate Formation model composed of dozens of Formation Flags placed between them, spiritual light flowing and faint runes appearing.

These Formation Flags were not physical objects but rather illusions condensed by Xin Ruyin's magic power, used to deduce changes in Formation techniques.

After staying on the ship for several days, aside from studying the language and observing the outside world, there was inevitably some leisure time.

Lu Qiu had a thought, and after obtaining True Person Ling Yun's consent, he formally introduced the existence of this 'pocket old grandpa' to Xin Ruyin.

Upon hearing that Lu Qiu had actually befriended the remnant spirit of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator from Great Jin, Xin Ruyin was naturally extremely shocked.

Nascent Soul Cultivators were legendary beings who could establish sects and become revered ancestors; even if it was just a wisp of a remnant spirit, its knowledge and Realm were far beyond what she could imagine.

Beyond shock, there was more curiosity and a respectful attitude toward a Senior expert.

As for the Remnant Spirit of Ling Yunzi, after 'hearing' Lu Qiu's description of Xin Ruyin's talent in Formations, especially after personally 'seeing' the Formation Plates of the Inverting Five Elements Array and the Four Symbols Demon Slaying Array, he had long been itching to meet this unseen Formation genius.

Now that they could communicate, he was naturally delighted.

At this moment, Xin Ruyin was using her magic power illusions to demonstrate a concept regarding the spiritual power circuit of 'Four Symbols Rotation, Endless Regeneration' in the 'Four Symbols Demon Slaying Array.' Her fingertips traced spiritual light, and the illusory Formation Flags shifted positions accordingly, giving rise to dozens of subtle variations.

'Senior, please look. If we use 'Li Fire' as the guide here, connect it to 'Xun Wind,' and supplement it with 'Kan Water' for harmony, can we further reduce the magic power consumption of the Formation's continuous operation without weakening the power of the demon-slaying thunder patterns?' Xin Ruyin softly inquired, her eyes shining with a thirst for knowledge.

A faint, nearly transparent old man's illusion hovered above the Formation model—it was True Person Ling Yun.

He observed intently for a moment, his remnant spirit fluctuations carrying approval: 'Marvelous! Little girl, your thinking is ingenious and not bound by ancient methods. Using fire to guide wind, wind aiding fire's momentum, and then moistening it with water to prevent spiritual outbursts can indeed form a small cycle, saving about half a percent of spiritual power. However...'

He changed the topic, his illusory finger pointing as a faint green spiritual light was injected into a certain part of the model: 'The connection at this 'Kan Water' node, if we use the 'Overlapping Waves' pattern instead of the 'Gushing Spring' pattern, although it requires three more strokes of runes, it can expand the moisture and control range of the water vapor by thirty percent, making that small cycle more stable and lasting. Overall, the saved spiritual power might approach one percent.'

Xin Ruyin's beautiful eyes lit up as she carefully pondered the subtle structure and spiritual power flow of the 'Overlapping Waves' pattern, then showed a look of realization and admiration: 'So that's how it is! The Overlapping Waves pattern advances layer by layer, better fitting the continuous, unending nature of water, and harmonizing wind and fire forces more delicately! Thank you for your guidance, Senior!'

Lu Qiu listened quietly nearby, occasionally interjecting a few words.

Having accompanied Xin Ruyin for a long time, studied the Heavenly Derivation Array Codex and the profound mechanism array canon, and received occasional pointers from True Person Ling Yun, he was not completely ignorant of Formation techniques. The questions or insights he occasionally raised could hit the mark and spark new discussions.

The three of them immersed themselves in the mysterious world of Formation techniques as time quietly passed.

Just as they were discussing an idea about using earth vein Evil Qi to enhance the killing power of the 'White Tiger' position, the ship suddenly transmitted a dull and continuous vibration, accompanied by a sudden increase in noise, cheers, and various work chants from outside.

'...We've arrived! It's the port of Kuixing Island!' Faintly, the excited shouts of sailors could be heard.

The discussion came to an abrupt halt.

Lu Qiu and Xin Ruyin exchanged a glance, stood up, and walked to the porthole.

They saw the giant ship 'sea whale' slowly sailing into a port of unimaginable scale!

On both sides of the port were sturdy gray breakwaters extending into the distance like the arms of giants. On the breakwaters stood several towering lighthouses. Although it was not night and the lighthouses were not lit, their majestic structures were already imposing.

The docks and piers were densely packed, like countless ribs extended by a giant beast, neatly arranged in the vast waters.

Beside each pier, ships of varying sizes were moored.

Looking around, there were no fewer than six or seven giant ships like the 'sea whale,' over thirty zhang long and pulled by sea beasts!

As for cargo ships, passenger ships, and uniquely shaped fishing boats that were ten to twenty zhang long, they were countless, probably truly in the thousands, filling the vast port waters to the brim, with masts and sails like a forest.

On the docks, crowds surged, and the noise was deafening. Bare-chested laborers shouted rhythmic chants, carrying heavy goods back and forth between ships and shore like ants; vendors pushed carts, hawking food, water, and sundries; travelers in various clothes jostled shoulder to shoulder, either boarding ships or disembarking; and there were port guards in uniform leather armor, holding spears or harpoons, maintaining order, their eyes scanning the crowd vigilantly.

The air was mixed with strong smells of fish, sweat, spices, inferior oil, and the eternal salty dampness of the sea, forming a unique scent full of vitality and restlessness that belonged to port docks.

Lu Qiu's Divine Sense quietly swept over and immediately detected dozens of spiritual power fluctuations of varying strengths among the crowd, all basically Qi Refining Stage Cultivators. They either mixed among the guards or disguised themselves as ordinary merchants, clearly responsible for the port's daily security and handling some special matters.

'So... such a big port! So many people! So many ships!' Xiao Mei leaned against another porthole, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes full of amazement, as if Granny Liu had entered the Grand View Garden.

Such a bustling, noisy, and vibrant giant port scene was indeed hard to see in the inland areas of Tiannan.

Zhao Wen also showed surprise, silently observing these customs so different from Tiannan.

At that moment, a respectful knock came from outside the cabin door, along with Li Guihai's voice: 'Several Immortal Masters, we have arrived at the port of Kuixing Island. According to this island's rules, all Cultivators visiting the island for the first time need to register at the Port Management Office to obtain temporary identity tokens, to avoid being mistaken for malicious intruders by patrol teams or causing unnecessary trouble. Please follow me, Immortal Masters.'

Lu Qiu responded and walked out of the cabin with Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, Zhao Wen, and Hei Sha.

Han Li also emerged from the neighboring cabin, and everyone gathered.

Led by Li Guihai, they descended the high gangway and stepped onto the solid yet slightly damp wooden planks of the dock.

Standing on solid ground, the awe was even greater.

The scale of the dock was more direct than when viewed from above on the ship.

The ground paved with huge bluestones was worn smooth, bearing the endless flow of people and goods.

In the distance, warehouse buildings stretched continuously, with flagpoles standing like a forest.

In the sky, several giant birds with wingspans of several zhang, resembling sea eagles but with silver-gray feathers, circled. There seemed to be figures on their backs, clearly some kind of tamed flying mounts or patrol spirit birds.

Li Guihai led the way, guiding everyone through the bustling, noisy crowd.

Wherever they passed, the crowd consciously made way, their gazes falling on Lu Qiu and the others with reverence.

In this port, Cultivators were not rare, but the appearance of several Cultivators with calm Auras and obviously not low cultivation levels at once still drew attention.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour, they arrived at a relatively quiet stone house at the edge of the port area.

The stone house was built with gray-white rocks, plain and unadorned in appearance, even somewhat old. A nondescript dark wooden sign hung at the door, inscribed with a few twisted, snake-like runes in a special dark red cinnabar that emitted faint spiritual power.

Lu Qiu and the others already recognized that it meant 'Port Management Office.'

'Immortal Masters, this is the place. This humble one is of low status and should not enter; I will wait outside,' Li Guihai said with a bow, his attitude respectful.

Lu Qiu nodded, pushed open the heavy wooden door, and walked in first.

Han Li, Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, Zhao Wen, and Hei Sha followed closely behind.

Inside the stone house, the light was somewhat dim, and the furnishings were extremely simple, even crude.

There was only a worn wooden table with shiny edges, a slightly crooked-backed chair, and an old man in a gray cloth robe with a withered, sallow, and thin face, who was leaning back in the chair with his eyes closed, seemingly dozing.

The room was filled with a faint, musty smell of old ink and dust.

As soon as Lu Qiu stepped into the room, his foot landed.

The sallow old man, like an old cat startled, trembled slightly and slowly opened his eyes.

They were eyes completely different from his face; though slightly turbid, they held shrewdness and sharpness deep within.

When his gaze fell on Lu Qiu at the front and his Divine Sense habitually swept over, sensing that unconcealed, deep and steady Late Stage Foundation Establishment Spiritual Pressure, his drowsy, lazy expression instantly vanished, and his eyes became clear and focused.

Immediately after, he also sensed Hei Sha's similarly deep and slightly bloody, Evil Qi-tinged Late Stage Foundation Establishment fluctuations behind Lu Qiu, as well as the Auras of Han Li (Middle Stage Foundation Establishment), Zhao Wen (Early Stage Foundation Establishment), and the others.

The sallow old man's heart shook!

Six Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators!

Two of them were even at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment!

Such a lineup, while not top-tier on Kuixing Island, was certainly not ordinary!

It was rare to see so many unfamiliar Foundation Establishment Cultivators arriving at once.

He immediately stood up, forcing a polite yet cautious smile, and clasped his hands: 'This humble one is Huang Li, serving as one of this island's port duty officers. May I ask how you Fellow Daoists are addressed? Where do you come from?'

His gaze quickly swept over everyone, lingering a moment longer on Lu Qiu and Hei Sha's faces, privately speculating about this group's origins and purpose.

'Lu Qiu.'

'Han Li.'

Lu Qiu and Han Li each reported their names, their voices calm.

In this completely unfamiliar Chaotic Star Sea, no one knew their roots or past, so there was no need to use aliases to conceal anything.

Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, and Zhao Wen also briefly stated their names in turn.

'So it's Fellow Daoist Lu, Fellow Daoist Han, Fairy Xin, and Fellow Daoists. A pleasure to meet you,' Officer Huang Li said quite politely, even with a hint of barely detectable flattery.

If it were just ordinary Qi Refining Stage Cultivators arriving, he probably wouldn't even bother to lift an eyelid, leaving it to his subordinate Disciples to handle.

But facing several Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, especially two at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, this was enough to make him, also a Foundation Establishment Stage officer, put in full effort to receive them.

He didn't ask further about their origins.

This was a preset rule in the Chaotic Star Sea: unless the other party voluntarily explained or it involved major security issues, the roots of visiting Cultivators would not be deeply investigated.

Huang Li took out six palm-sized, warm, smooth-edged white jade tokens from under the table, along with a talisman brush shimmering with faint silver light.

He channeled his magic power, the brush tip flowing with silver light, quickly engraving the names 'Lu Qiu,' 'Han Li,' 'Xin Ruyin,' 'Xin Xiao Mei,' 'Zhao Wen,' and 'Hei Sha' on the front of the jade tokens. On the back, he uniformly engraved a complex mark, seemingly the emblem of Kuixing Island and the characters for 'temporary.'

After engraving, he handed the jade tokens to everyone respectively.

Fellow Daoists, these are the temporary identity tokens of Kuixing Island. Please be sure to keep them safe. While on the island, especially within the city and at important locations, you must carry them with you at all times for inspection. If lost, please come here promptly to have them replaced. Of course, if they are picked up by someone with ulterior motives, it might lead to some minor trouble.

Steward Huang Li explained the rules in detail with a calm tone: "If any of you decide to settle on this island long-term or join the island's forces in the future, this temporary token will be reclaimed and replaced with a corresponding permanent residence token or identity jade tablet. The benefits and permissions you enjoy will also differ."

The procedures were simple and quick, without any deliberate obstruction.

Lu Qiu took the jade tablet. It felt slightly cool to the touch. With a sweep of his Divine Sense, he could sense a faint but unique identifying Spiritual Qi contained within it, which had a vague connection to himself—indeed impossible to forge.

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Huang." Lu Qiu gave a slight cupped-hand salute.

"It's part of my duty, Fellow Daoist Lu. You're too kind." Steward Huang Li responded with a smile.

After completing the procedures, Lu Qiu and the others did not linger further. They turned and left the stone house.

Watching the six figures disappear into the bustling crowd at the port, the smile on Steward Huang Li's face gradually faded. He sat back down in the old chair, his brow slightly furrowed, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table as he muttered to himself: "Six Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators at once, two at the Late Stage... Judging by their attire and demeanor, they don't seem like scattered stragglers, but rather like they have some background. Well, I'll just report it. It's up to the higher-ups to worry about it."

He shook his head, took out a Sound Transmission Talisman, whispered a few words into it, and then activated it.

Outside the stone house, Li Guihai, who had been waiting respectfully, watched as Lu Qiu and the others emerged. His face was full of awe, and his heart was filled with even more reflection.

He had witnessed the courteous attitude Steward Huang Li showed towards Lu Qiu and the others.

Even Steward Huang, who was specifically responsible for receiving high-level visiting Cultivators on the island and was himself a Foundation Establishment Immortal Master, was so polite. How could he still harbor any illusions of "hiring" them?

He knew that Immortal Masters of this level were absolutely not someone his Li family could recruit. Even befriending them would require great Opportunity and cost.

He hurried forward, his posture even more humble: "Immortal Masters, were the procedures smooth? What are your plans next? If there is any way this old man can be of use, please do not hesitate to command."

Lu Qiu glanced at him and said indifferently: "Proprietor Li, there's no need for such courtesy. We will make our own arrangements. Thank you for your hospitality during the voyage."

As he spoke, he took out a small jade bottle from his Storage Pouch and flicked it towards Li Guihai: "This is 'Qi-Boosting Pill.' It has a slight effect on strengthening the body and prolonging life for Mortals. Consider it a token of gratitude."

Li Guihai fumbled to catch the jade bottle. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, with a faint medicinal fragrance wafting from the mouth. Although he did not recognize immortal cultivation pills, he knew that anything gifted by an Immortal Master was certainly no ordinary item. Instantly, his face flushed with excitement, and he bowed repeatedly: "Thank you for the reward, Immortal Master! This old man will never forget your great kindness!"

Lu Qiu gave a slight nod and said no more, leading the group as they walked away from the port.

Li Guihai held the jade bottle, standing in place, watching them leave. His heart was filled with both excitement and a sense of melancholy...

Leaving the port area, they walked along a broad main road paved with bluestone towards the inland. Gradually, shops, inns, and taverns appeared around them. The crowd remained dense, but unlike the docks, which were filled entirely with laborers and merchants, there were now more local residents and traveling merchants.

After walking for a while, Han Li suddenly stopped and said to Lu Qiu: "Senior Brother Lu, since we have successfully arrived at Kuixing Island and obtained temporary identities, I think... it would be best for us to separate for now and each familiarize ourselves with the environment here. A large group draws attention, and the information each of us needs to inquire about may also differ."

His nature was inherently cautious and suspicious, accustomed to acting alone and operating in the shadows.

Now that he had arrived in this completely unfamiliar new environment with unclear rules, he wanted even more to explore freely, observe covertly, and gradually establish his own information channels and foothold, rather than being constantly tied to the powerful and equally deep-thinking Lu Qiu.

Moreover, he carried the secret of the little green bottle. Traveling closely with anyone for an extended period was a potential risk.

Lu Qiu had anticipated this and was not surprised upon hearing it. He nodded: "Very well. This place seems quite prosperous, and the trade of cultivation resources should be active. Junior Brother Han, you may first wander around on your own, familiarize yourself with market prices, and gather some basic intelligence. We'll stay in touch."

He did not insist, well aware of Han Li's personality.

"Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother."

Han Li cupped his hands in salute, then turned and chose a side road, quickly merging into the crowd and disappearing around a street corner.

Watching Han Li depart, Lu Qiu withdrew his gaze.

"Husband Lu, your Junior Brother Han seems... to maintain distance and wariness towards everyone." Xin Ruyin said softly. Being perceptive, she naturally noticed Han Li's aloofness.

Lu Qiu smiled, his tone calm: "That's just how he is. Cautious to the bone. Apart from himself, he probably doesn't truly trust anyone. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. In this cultivation world, sometimes suspicion is what keeps one alive longer."

Xin Ruyin nodded thoughtfully and asked no more, instead saying: "Then what are our plans next?"

"Let's go take a look at Kuixing City first." Lu Qiu had already planned ahead.

Back on the 'sea whale,' he had obtained a simplified map of Kuixing Island from Li Guihai and had studied it carefully.

Kuixing Island was quite vast, comparable to a medium-sized country in the Tiannan region. It was dotted with dozens of Mortal cities of varying sizes and countless villages and towns. However, the most core and prosperous area was undoubtedly Kuixing City, located in the north-central part of the island!

It was not only the absolute center of Mortal commerce, politics, and culture for the entire island but also the main area for Cultivators' activities, trade, and residence on the island.

Lu Qiu summoned the flying boat again. He boarded with Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, Zhao Wen, and Hei Sha, and sped towards the center of the island.

As the flying boat rose to a high altitude, the view became more expansive. Below, the land undulated with mountains and rivers, fields crisscrossed like ribbons, and towns and villages were scattered like stars, displaying the abundant vitality and level of development of Kuixing Island.

After flying for about an hour, the distant horizon began to show the outlines of continuous, towering mountain ranges shrouded in clouds and mist. The Spiritual Qi here was noticeably denser than in the coastal and plain areas.

As the distance rapidly closed, three majestic, towering peaks, like pillars holding up the sky, piercing the clouds with imposing grandeur, clearly came into view!

The three peaks were arranged in a triangular Formation, each steep and precipitous, reaching straight into the sky. On their slopes, faint streams of radiant light flowed, Spiritual mist swirled, and waterfalls and springs dotted the landscape. The distant cries of cranes and apes could faintly be heard, presenting an Aura of an Immortal Realm.

"That must be the core of Kuixing Island's Spiritual Vein." Lu Qiu understood in his heart.

Familiar with the original plot, he naturally knew that these three giant peaks were the foundation upon which Kuixing Island was established—Tian Zhu Peak, Tian Xiao Peak, and Tianmen Peak!

Beneath these three super main peaks lay a medium-grade Spiritual Vein of quite good quality, supplying the cultivation needs of the island's high-level Cultivators.

Apart from these three super main peaks with the densest Spiritual Qi, which were occupied by the island lords, there were also hundreds of mountains, caves, and valleys of varying sizes in the surrounding area, all more or less touched by branches of the Spiritual Vein, suitable for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators to open Immortal Caves for cultivation.

Based on the information he had gleaned from Li Guihai and Steward Huang Li, combined with his memory of the original work: Tian Zhu Peak, Tian Xiao Peak, and Tianmen Peak were respectively occupied by Kuixing Island's three island lords: Island Lord Wood Dragon (Middle Core Formation Stage), Deputy Island Lord True Person Yuan Jun (Early Core Formation Stage), and Deputy Island Lord Kanqin Zhenren (Early Core Formation Stage).

On the surface, the entire Kuixing Island had only these three Core Formation Stage experts.

The thirty-six peaks next in line, with the highest concentration of Spiritual Qi after the three main peaks, had become the focal point of contention among the island's Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Kuixing Island had established a rule: every ten years, a 'Spiritual Land Challenge Conference' would be held.

Any Foundation Establishment Cultivator who believed themselves sufficiently powerful could challenge the current peak lord of any of these thirty-six peaks.

The victor would then take possession of that peak, enjoying the ten-year usage rights to the peak's Spiritual Land and its affiliated resources. After ten years, they would need to accept challenges again.

Therefore, the lords of these peaks were generally among the top experts among Middle and Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators, with considerable strength.

With Lu Qiu's current False Core cultivation, he could almost be said to have no match within the Foundation Establishment Stage. If he wanted to compete for a Spiritual Peak, it should not be difficult.

But he was new here. He had not yet fully grasped the situation in the Chaotic Star Sea, the intricate power dynamics on Kuixing Island, or the specific rules and potential risks of the challenges.

The primary goal of this trip was to establish a foothold, gather information, and accumulate resources.

The flying boat was extremely fast. After flying over several sizable Mortal cities, finally, a massive entity surrounded by tall, thick city walls appeared ahead!

The city walls stretched and undulated, extending as far as the eye could see. They were estimated to be over fifteen zhang high, entirely constructed from neatly cut, massive bluish-gray stones. The walls were thick, with imposing battlements.

Banners fluttered on the city walls, and the figures of patrolling armored guards could be vaguely seen.

Inside the city, the pointed roofs and upturned eaves of countless pavilions and halls protruded above the walls, row upon row. Wisps of cooking smoke rose, and the sounds of people, carriages, and horses faintly drifted over. A grand, prosperous, Heavy, and vibrant, Magnificent Aura rushed towards them.

Although he had never been here before, based on the map's markings and the city's majestic presence, Lu Qiu was certain that this was the core of Kuixing Island—Kuixing City!

He piloted the flying boat, intending to fly closer, pass over the city gates, and find a suitable landing spot.

However, just as the flying boat was still several li away from the city walls, Lu Qiu suddenly felt the boat beneath his feet sink heavily!

It was as if it had instantly been burdened with a weight of ten thousand jun. The flying speed plummeted, becoming sluggish and difficult. The further they flew forward, the greater the resistance, and the circulation of Spiritual Qi was also subtly suppressed.

"No-Fly Restriction!" Lu Qiu instantly understood.

For an important city like Kuixing City, powerful No-Fly Formations covering the entire city and a certain surrounding area were certainly deployed. These prohibited Cultivators from flying freely within the city and nearby airspace to maintain order, safety, and secrecy within the city, while also serving as a display of authority.

This Restriction was evidently quite sophisticated. It did not completely prohibit flight but created a powerful resistance field, making flying extremely taxing on mana and very slow. This was enough to deter the vast majority of Cultivators, prompting them to choose to enter the city on foot or by designated transportation.

"It seems we can only enter the city on foot." Lu Qiu slowly landed the flying boat at the edge of a secluded, uninhabited forest outside the city and stored the Magical Artifact.

Everyone stood on solid ground, looking up at the majestic city crouching like a primordial beast on the earth not far away, each lost in their own thoughts.