On the morning of the third day, everyone arrived at the agreed place on time. The weather was good and the vast sea was calm, like a blue, smooth silk cloth. The sun was shining down, and the blue silk set off the gold fragments, creating a noble and mysterious beauty.
A dark ship was moored at the shore. It looked like a fish with its back arched high. It was not a very pretty ship. The boatman was waiting at the dock. When he saw everyone, he smiled and bowed to them. He handed a scroll to Gu Pinglin and said, "This is the map that Gu Daxiu wanted. The ship is also here. Daxiu, take a look. Are you satisfied?"
Jiang Ruoxu and Leng Xu were older and often went out on missions, so they were very experienced in selecting boats. They checked everything and nodded to Gu Pinglin to indicate that it was okay. Gu Pinglin then readily paid a deposit of 5,000 feather coins. The clerk smiled and said something auspicious like "Bon voyage" and then took the feather coins back to report. Yao Feng felt a little embarrassed when he saw that the boat fare was expensive. The Yao family practiced seclusion outside the mountain and had no concept of money. He had less than 300 feather coins on him, so he repeatedly said that he would make up the money until Bu Shuihan changed color and became angry.
Gu Pinglin was inviting everyone to board the ship when suddenly, a sneering sound came from above his head.
“Finally here!”
Like falling stars, the dazzling sword light flashed by. The young man stood firmly on the sword, with a golden crown on his hair, a red brocade robe on the outside, white sleeves with golden patterns on the inside, and a golden wristband glittering in the sun.
This sword-controlling technique was truly superb, and Bu Shuihan couldn't help but praise it with a "good" comment.
Qi Wan'er ignored him and paced lightly. The Jade Emperor Sword on her feet emitted two sword energies, aiming directly at Duan Qingming: "I knew you would go out to sea, humph!"
Unexpectedly, he attacked right away and no one had time to react. Only Yao Feng's eyes fixed. He instinctively bent his fingers and made sword gestures, as if he wanted to help. Seeing this, Gu Pinglin put his hand on his shoulder. Yao Feng was stunned for a moment, then he understood and retracted his true energy.
Seeing that Duan Qingming did not move, Qi Wan'er really stopped her attack: "What do you mean?"
"With so many eyes watching, you just came up and started fighting without asking the reason. This is a violation of family etiquette," Duan Qingming gently rebuked him, and then introduced to everyone, "This is my cousin from my mother's family, Qi Wan'er."
Everyone looked excited.
The seven followers arrived at the right time. They bowed their heads silently and retreated behind Qi Wan'er. Qi Wan'er gritted her teeth and said, "My name is Qi Shisan! Stop talking nonsense. Do you want to fight or not?"
Duan Qingming said calmly: "I said before, my swordsmanship is not perfect yet, even if you defeat me, it is not a fair victory."
"Excuse!"
"You are so unreasonable to question me without any evidence, cousin," Duan Qingming said angrily, "Well, since you want to win so badly, I can admit defeat now."
After all the talk, she became the unreasonable one. Qi Wan'er was so angry: "Who asked you to admit defeat!"
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "Then what do you want?"
Qi Wan'er didn't know how to answer for a moment. He didn't want to win unfairly, but he was also unwilling to let Duan Qingming go. His handsome face turned half red and half white, which made everyone laugh.
Yao Feng suddenly took two steps forward and said, "I am Yao Feng, and I would like to learn swordsmanship from you."
Qi Wan'er hummed softly, without even looking at him, and asked Duan Qingming, "When will you be able to complete your swordsmanship?"
Seeing that he looked down on him, Yao Feng felt a little embarrassed and returned to his original position in silence. Bu Shuihan did not expect Qi Wan'er to be so arrogant. His face immediately darkened and he comforted Yao Feng in a cold voice: "He is such an arrogant person. Why bother with him?"
Duan Qingming said: "I said that Junior Brother Gu's swordsmanship..."
Gu Pinglin immediately interrupted him: "Mr. Thirteen's swordsmanship is extraordinary. I admit defeat."
Perhaps she was satisfied with Gu Pinglin's understanding, Qi Wan'er smiled and raised her eyebrows: "Anyway, I won't fight him. I can avoid it today, but I can't avoid it tomorrow. I advise you not to play tricks."
"My cousin, you are overly suspicious," Duan Qingming said, "I am as kind to you as I am to Qing Hou. Such suspicious words are too hurtful."
Qi Wan'er's scalp tingled when she heard this: "That's enough, who is friendly with you!" He glanced at the fish-bone boat next to him and said with some disdain: "You want to go to the sea?"
Without waiting for Duan Qingming's response, Gu Pinglin said, "Since he is Senior Brother Duan's cousin, he is not an outsider. Why don't we all go together and take care of each other? What do you think, Mr. Thirteen?"
"Oh?" Qi Wan'er's heart moved.
In the past, Qi Zhen, the patriarch of the Qi family, fought a battle with the old master of Penglai Island, Donghai, but was defeated. Since then, the Qi family has been ashamed in front of Penglai Island. Qi Wan'er is Qi Zhen's grandson. To go to the sea this time, she must pass through Qizi Reef and inevitably have to deal with Penglai Island. Qi Wan'er is arrogant and naturally does not want to be bullied. She originally planned to take a detour, but she did not expect Gu Pinglin to take the initiative to invite her. Qi Wan'er was overjoyed. It was a good idea to blend into the Lingxin faction's team. Moreover, she would have the opportunity to see Duan Qingming take action along the way and find out his true ability. It was simply killing two birds with one stone.
"In that case, then we'd better obey your command." Qi Wan'er accepted it gladly, landed on the ground, and took the lead to stride onto the boat, followed by seven followers.
Bu Shuihan frowned again and again, and couldn't help but ask Gu Pinglin in a low voice: "This man is so arrogant and disgusting. Why did you ask him to go with you? What's more, he is a member of the Qi family. Junior Brother Duan..."
"Brother Duan is certainly not that stingy," Gu Pinglin said cheerfully as he tapped the scroll on his palm. "He treats his cousin like a real brother. Besides, we should always be courteous when doing things."
"Reciprocity?" Bu Shuihan was puzzled.
Duan Qingming glanced over here with a smile and also went on board.
The Fishbone ship is a medium-sized ship. Excluding the bottom cabin and the front cabin, there are eight passenger cabins on board. With the addition of Qi Wan'er and seven followers, it seems a little insufficient. Gu Pinglin had already made plans for this and arranged the rooms directly.
Yao Feng was the guest, and was most familiar with Bu Shuihan, so they lived in one room. Jiang Ruoxu lived in one room with Leng Xu, and Gan Li lived in one room with Xin Ji. Originally, Gan Li had a low level of cultivation, so he shouldn't have come with them. However, there was a small opportunity in the Sea Realm, so Gu Pinglin decided to bring him along. Xin Ji had reached the eighth level of Qi Transformation, and was the one with the highest level of cultivation among them. Protecting Gan Li shouldn't be a problem. Even if he had any ideas, Gan Li was smart and wouldn't be easily fooled. Xin Ji had no objection to this arrangement. He was being hunted by the Demon Realm, and he didn't want to have much contact with people, lest his identity be discovered. It would be easier to fool a child.
Qi Wan'er has a spoiled temper and is prone to conflicts when living with others. Gu Pinglin said calmly, "There are four extra rooms. Please ask the Thirteenth Young Master and the Seventh Brother to allocate them among yourselves."
But Qi Wan'er said, "No need, I'll live with Duan Liu." The aristocratic family attaches great importance to etiquette. He couldn't call Duan Qingming by his name in front of so many people, but he was unwilling to call him cousin, so he simply called him "Duan Liu".
"My master has told me something when I go to the sea. I must discuss this with Senior Brother Duan. Please forgive me, Thirteenth Young Master." Gu Pinglin did not agree. He had indeed asked Qi Wan'er to come to contain Duan Qingming. In order to understand Duan Qingming's strength, he would definitely keep an eye on Duan Qingming's movements. However, it was too unrealistic to really expect him to monitor Duan Qingming. With his personality, if he got close to Duan Qingming, it would be strange if he was not used thoroughly. If he was not careful, it would be bad, and he would be the one who would have a headache in the end.
Qi Wan'er was a little unhappy that her request was rejected, but when she thought that she could cross the Qizi Reef under the guise of the Lingxin Sect and that it was all because of Gu Pinglin's invitation, she didn't say anything.
"My cousin and I have known each other for a short time, so we should improve our friendship," Duan Qingming patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "But my junior brother is too clingy, please don't be offended, cousin."
Do you think I really want to live with you? Qi Wan'er frowned and tried hard not to say it.
The two brothers were often together, and those who didn't know the inside story just laughed it off. Bu Shuihan had always been straightforward, and now that he had eliminated his prejudice against Duan Qingming, he liked whatever he did and didn't think it was wrong.
Being called "clingy", Gu Pinglin didn't care: "Since we are destined to travel together, we should stick together. There are sixteen people on the boat, and we will take turns to steer the boat in pairs, every half a day. The Qi family members are guests, so they will be on duty during the day, and we, the Lingxin Sect, will be on duty at night. Do you have any objections?"
Qi Wan'er said impatiently: "What's wrong? Just follow your arrangement. Why bother talking so much?"
Two followers stepped forward: "Let's do it today."
Although the Qi family's people should be trustworthy, Gu Pinglin still arranged for them to be on duty during the day just in case. With so many people watching during the day, they couldn't easily do anything. Seeing that they agreed, Gu Pinglin nodded and said, "Then it's settled. Everyone go to your room and settle down first, and come back in two hours to discuss the next step."
The top of the fish-back boat is equipped with a wind array, which can gather wind power. As long as someone is at the helm, it can sail normally and is extremely easy to operate. The two Qi followers are both experienced and quickly activated the wind array and moved forward according to the route on the map.
Everyone went to their rooms. Gu Pinglin waited until most people had left, then turned around and saw Qi Wan'er standing sideways facing the sea, standing against the wind, holding the railing with one hand. The morning sun shone obliquely on her face, making her look even more youthful and spirited.
Gu Pinglin walked over and said, "This trip will not be peaceful. If the Thirteenth Young Master is interested, he will definitely be able to see Senior Brother Duan's swordsmanship."
Qi Wan'er glanced at him and hummed, "I don't necessarily want to see him, but I heard my great-uncle and a few old guys from the Duan family praise him for his genius, so I'm a little curious."
Gu Pinglin laughed: "I am also curious. Brother Duan was using a pen instead of a sword in his room the other day to make up for the shortcomings of a move. It was quite ingenious."
"Use a pen instead of a sword?" Qi Wan'er turned around, obviously interested.
"Yes, it's a pity that I didn't understand it clearly. If you can get a glimpse of his new sword moves, please let me know." Gu Pinglin bowed and left. He walked a few steps and looked back, but there was no one by the railing.
Give him a taste of his own medicine. In the end, it was a matter of mutual restraint. For the safety of Bu Shuihan, Jiang Ruoxu and others, he had to keep a close eye on Duan Qingming. Gu Pinglin did not feel ashamed. He walked around the boat and secretly checked everywhere. He turned back to the room after making sure there was no problem. As soon as he reached the door, he met Duan Qingming coming out.
"Where is Senior Brother Duan going?" Gu Pinglin looked around and indeed did not see Qi Wan'er. He thought she had been sent away by Duan Qingming.
Duan Qingming said casually: "It's rare to go out to sea, the scenery on the sea must be different, I want to take a look."
The sun was already high in the sky. The boat had been sailing for nearly half an hour and was already far away from the shore. The sea was no longer calm, and the sea breeze was blowing, with golden light jumping on the water, which was a little dazzling.
Duan Qingming walked to the bow and stood by the railing.
The white robe flutters in the wind, and although he is not gentle, he still exudes a sense of superiority. His sword points to the world, and no one can match him. This is the style of the former sword king.
A familiar figure.
For a moment, Gu Pinglin actually had the illusion that he had returned to his previous life and instinctively took a half step back.
"Hmm?" Duan Qingming turned around suddenly, "Murderous intent."
The killing intent disappeared instantly, and Gu Pinglin regained his composure: "Wrong person."
“You know too many people.”
"oh?"
"For example, the young master of Penglai."
"So what?" Gu Pinglin did not deny it.
Duan Qingming looked at him for a while and didn't continue the topic: "Junior brother, aren't you going back to your room to rest?"
"I suddenly want to see the scenery. The scenery on the sea is really different." Gu Pinglin turned sideways to look at the sea. He was telling the truth. In his previous life, he was bullied by Gu's family as a child, and then he fought with him for the rest of his life. He was blinded by hatred for the rest of his life. How many scenery could he see? Now that he has found his heart of Taoism, he knows that the world is full of beautiful scenery, the power of nature is infinite, and the Tao is endless.
Upon hearing this, Duan Qingming put his hands behind his back and said, "You want to follow me to see the scenery?"
Gu Pinglin glanced at him and said calmly, "Of course, I am very clingy."