The port of Redwater City was a spectacle. Ships of all shapes and sizes crowded the crimson waters, their tall masts reaching skyward like the spears of a great army. The air buzzed with the sounds of dockworkers shouting orders, the creak of wooden hulls shifting in the tide, and the sharp cries of gulls soaring above.
I stood at the pier, my eyes drawn to the deep red hue of the sea. The water shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, almost as though it held a secret beneath its surface, a mystery that only the ocean knew.
"First time seeing it?" a sailor asked nearby, his voice rough but warm.
I nodded. "It's... unique. Why is the water red?"
The sailor chuckled, leaning casually on a nearby post. "Ah, the tale. They say a colossal beast was slain here centuries ago, one so massive it could devour entire mountains. Its blood flowed into the sea, turning it this color. Some say the essence of that beast still lingers in the waters, blessing the city with fortune."
As I listened, a faint chime echoed in my mind.
[Sign-In Successful! Reward: Legendary Beast Blood]
The system's interface shimmered before me, displaying the details of my 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.]
A smile tugged at my lips. This was a prize beyond measure. I carefully stored the vial in my spatial ring, my mind already racing with possibilities. I'd need to study its properties before using it, but it would undoubtedly prove invaluable.
---
The Azure Monarch loomed before me, a magnificent ship made of reinforced wood and adorned with glowing runes along its hull. Its three-tiered structure was a testament to its prestige, towering over the smaller ships in the harbor.
I ascended the boarding ramp, following a crew member who guided me to the upper deck, a section reserved for cultivators.
The change in atmosphere was immediate. The private section was lavish, with spacious cabins, peaceful courtyards perfect for meditation, and a small hall for communal dining. Array formations buzzed softly in the background, regulating temperature and shielding the area from disturbances.
Below, the lower decks were lively with merchants and travelers, but here, it was calm. Only the occasional murmur of conversation or the soft tread of footsteps disturbed the silence. Clearly, the Azure Monarch treated its cultivator passengers with the utmost respect.
I secured a modest cabin for myself, exchanging a few spirit stones for privacy and comfort. Once settled, I made my way to the railings, watching the ship set sail.
---
As the ship glided smoothly over the crimson waters, the setting sun cast a golden-red glow across the waves. The sea seemed to merge with the sky, creating an otherworldly landscape of molten ruby. I couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
The protective formations hummed softly as they cut through the gentle waves, and cultivators from various paths gathered on deck, drawn by the beauty of the view and the chance to converse.
A young woman with clawed gauntlets leaned against the railing nearby. Her aura was unmistakably Beast Path, exuding confidence and strength. Her sharp eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the vast expanse of the sea.
Further along, a group of Land Path practitioners huddled together, their dark robes blending with the shadows as they engaged in a low conversation, their words heavy with intensity.
Not far from them, a Sky Path cultivator sat cross-legged on a cushioned mat, eyes closed in deep meditation. His robes shimmered faintly in the light, as if the stars themselves were woven into the fabric.
The mix of personalities and cultivation paths aboard the ship intrigued me. I observed their interactions, noting how each cultivator seemed to respect the invisible boundaries created by their power and purpose.
---
Later, I retreated to my cabin. Xiao Yin lay curled at my side, its silver fur reflecting the faint light of the jade lamp. I retrieved the vial of Legendary Beast Blood, holding it up to the light. The liquid shimmered with a golden-red hue, each ripple seeming to carry a faint pressure of its own.
"The uses are endless," I murmured, contemplating the possibilities. I could use this blood to refine Xiao Yin's beast core, enhance its abilities, or even temper my own body. But the potency of this essence came with risks—misuse could overwhelm my foundation and cause more harm than good.
For now though, I decided to wait.
The gentle rocking of the ship and the soft hum of its protective formations lulled me into a meditative state. I closed my eyes, focusing on the energy around me. The tranquility of the crimson sea seeped into my thoughts, calming my mind and sharpening my focus. Ahead lay Emerald Edge, a land brimming with opportunity and danger, where the next chapter of my journey awaited.