The port of Redwater City was a sight to behold. Ships of all sizes lined the crimson-stained waters, their masts rising like a forest of spears. The air was filled with the shouts of dockworkers, the creak of wooden hulls, and the cries of gulls circling overhead.
Ling Fei stood at the pier, his gaze drawn to the unusual color of the sea. The water shimmered a deep, almost otherworldly red beneath the afternoon sun, as if the ocean itself carried a secret.
"First time seeing it?" a sailor nearby asked, his voice rough but friendly.
Ling Fei nodded. "It's... unique. Why is it red?"
The sailor chuckled, leaning on a post. "Ah, the lore. They say a gigantic beast was slain here centuries ago, one so massive it could swallow mountains whole. Its blood poured into the sea, staining it forever. Some say the essence of that beast lingers in the waters, giving the city its name—and its luck."
As Ling Fei listened, a faint chime sounded in his mind.
[Sign-In Successful! Reward: Legendary Beast Blood]
The system's interface shimmered before his eyes, displaying the details of his reward.
[Legendary Beast Blood: A potent essence that can enhance cultivation, refine beast bloodlines, and improve body tempering. Compatible with Beast Path and supplementary for other paths. Warning: Requires careful use to avoid overwhelming one's foundation.]
Ling Fei's eyes gleamed with interest. This reward was valuable beyond measure. He carefully stored the vial in his spatial ring, resolving to study its properties more when the time was right.
---
The Azure Monarch loomed ahead, a majestic ship built with reinforced wood and glowing with faint runes etched along its hull. It was far larger than most vessels, its three-tiered design a testament to its prestige.
As Ling Fei ascended the boarding ramp, a crew member directed him to the upper deck—a section reserved exclusively for cultivators.
The difference was immediate. The private section was lavishly designed, with spacious cabins, serene courtyards for meditation, and a small hall for communal dining. Array formations buzzed softly in the background, regulating temperature and shielding the area from disturbances.
The lower decks were bustling with common travelers and merchants, but up here, it was quiet. Only the occasional hum of conversation or the sound of footsteps broke the silence. The Azure Monarch clearly valued its cultivator passengers, treating them as distinguished guests.
Ling Fei booked a modest cabin for himself, trading a few spirit stones for privacy and comfort. Once settled, he headed to the railings to watch the ship's departure.
---
As the ship sailed, the crimson waters glowed under the setting sun, turning the waves into a rolling field of molten ruby. The reflection of the sky above merged with the red below, creating a surreal, dreamlike landscape. Ling Fei couldn't help but marvel at the beauty.
The ship glided smoothly over the waters, its protective formations humming as they cut through the gentle waves. Cultivators from various paths gathered at the deck, drawn by the scenery and the promise of conversation.
A young woman with clawed gauntlets leaned against the railing nearby, her aura unmistakably Beast Path. She exuded confidence, her sharp gaze scanning the horizon.
Further along, a group of Land Path practitioners stood in a tight circle, their dark robes blending with the shadows. They were deep in discussion, their voices low but intense.
Not far from them, a Sky Path cultivator sat cross-legged on a cushioned mat, his eyes closed in meditation. His robes shimmered faintly, catching the light as if stars themselves adorned the fabric.
The mix of personalities and paths aboard the ship was as intriguing as the scenery. Ling Fei noted their subtle interactions, each cultivator respecting the invisible boundaries dictated by power and purpose.
---
That evening, Ling Fei retreated to his cabin. Xiao Yin lay curled by his side, its silver fur reflecting the faint light of the jade lamp.
He retrieved the vial of Legendary Beast Blood, holding it up to the light. The liquid shimmered with a golden-red hue, each ripple within exuding a faint pressure.
"The uses are endless," Ling Fei murmured to himself. The blood could refine Xiao Yin's beast core, enhance its latent abilities, or even be used to temper his own body. However, its potency came with risks—overuse or improper handling could harm more than help.
For now, he decided to bide his time and gather more information before committing to its use.
The hum of the ship and the gentle rocking of the waves lulled him into a meditative state. As he closed his eyes, he focused on the energy around him, letting the tranquility of the crimson sea seep into his thoughts. Emerald Edge lay ahead, a land of opportunities and dangers.