The Sea God had suffered grievous injuries. His face was as pale as paper—the backlash from that mysterious, nameless book was terrifying beyond imagination, like a maggot gnawing at his very soul, tormenting him endlessly.
Deep fear welled up in his heart toward that nameless manual. Even as blood seeped from his eyes, they shone with an overwhelming dread. Enduring the searing agony that pierced deep into his soul, he waved his sleeve, sealing the temple doors shut.
The once solemn and sacred hall instantly dimmed, the air turning heavy with tension and oppression.
His steps faltering, the Sea God stumbled toward the inner sanctum.
Upon entering the secret chamber, he immediately sat cross-legged, quickly forming hand seals. Ancient chants of prayer echoed through the room as he summoned the power of faith to mend his damaged soul.
However, the backlash was too severe. Even with the aid of the faithful's strength, recovery was impossible in a short time.
"Hmph... It seems this will require a long-term plan..."
Beads of sweat dotted the Sea God's forehead. He gritted his teeth, suppressing pained groans that escaped his throat from time to time.
"Before anything else, I must retrieve the Sea God Heart."
With this thought, the Sea God endured the tearing agony and sent a divine message to Sea God Island in the lower realm.
—
On Sea God Island, a majestic palace stood tall, solemn and sacred. Within the quiet Sea God's Hall of Worship, a white-haired woman stood gracefully atop a high platform, her back facing the grand entrance.
Her hair was a smooth cascade of silver-white, falling naturally behind her. Her deep blue eyes, filled with wisdom and majesty, seemed to see through everything.
(TL/N – Note (for manhua readers): the author uses the donghua as reference here, which is why she has white hair.)
She had delicate features, porcelain skin, and a tall, slender figure. Every movement exuded an air of nobility and elegance—an aura that combined the dignity of a powerhouse with the softness of a woman.
She wore a long gown of blue and white, adorned with patterns resembling fish scales and rolling waves, accented with golden embellishments that further highlighted her noble and unique presence.
This woman was none other than Bo Saixi, one of the three ultimate beings of the Douluo Continent. Her strength was unparalleled in the seas, and on Sea God Island, she could draw directly from the Sea God's divine power, rendering her virtually invincible.
Suddenly, a faint disturbance rippled through the air.
Bo Saixi's long eyelashes quivered slightly. Her gaze shifted, a touch of inscrutable mystery flickering in her deep blue eyes.
"I understand, my Lord Sea God."
Her crimson lips parted slightly, her expression turning solemn. Without the slightest hesitation, a blue glow surged around her, spreading out in ripples like waves on water.
In the next instant, Bo Saixi transformed into a brilliant blue streak of light, tearing through the silence of the hall like a bolt of lightning, leaving behind only a faint blue afterimage before vanishing from sight.
The streak of blue raced across the skies above Sea God Island, the sea breeze howling past her.
Before long, she disappeared beyond the horizon where sea and sky met.
—
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
As the first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the window, Gu Han's eyelashes fluttered slightly before he slowly opened his eyes.
The dramatic events of last night had left no lingering traces in his consciousness.
He nimbly flipped out of bed, quickly freshened up, and pushed open the door to be greeted by the crisp morning air.
With a soft creak, the door to the neighboring room also opened, revealing Bibi Dong's delicate figure.
Today, she wore a pale pink outfit. Her long hair was neatly draped over her shoulders, with a few loose strands dancing lightly in the breeze.
Bibi Dong stretched languidly, her slender white arms reaching up as a sweet smile lit up her face.
"Good morning, Junior Brother."
She raised her hand and waved to Gu Han with a lively greeting.
Seeing her lively appearance, a gentle smile tugged at the corners of Gu Han's lips.
"Good morning, Senior Sister."
With lighthearted steps and cheerful conversation, the two made their way to the secluded courtyard where Chen Xin resided.
The courtyard was serene and elegant, surrounded by lush greenery, with bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, emitting soft rustling sounds.
As soon as they entered, they saw Chen Xin seated at a stone table. As usual, he wore a simple pale robe that accentuated his ethereal presence.
At the moment, Chen Xin appeared completely at ease, quietly savoring a cup of tea.
The teacup tilted slightly in his hand, releasing wisps of fragrant steam that slowly filled the air.
Bibi Dong, still brimming with lively energy, waved enthusiastically upon entering.
"Good morning, Uncle Sword!"
Gu Han, on the other hand, respectfully cupped his hands and greeted clearly,
"Master."
Hearing the voices, Chen Xin lifted his gaze. Seeing Bibi Dong's lively spirit and Gu Han's respectful demeanor, a warm smile naturally appeared on his face.
He gently set down his teacup and nodded slightly.
"Good morning. You're new to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. How was your rest last night?"
"Uncle Sword, neither I nor Junior Brother are so delicate! Besides, the clan's environment is so comfortable—how could we not sleep well?"
Bibi Dong approached the stone table with a grin, tilting her head playfully. Her bright, expressive eyes seemed almost capable of speaking.
"Haha, you little rascal."
Chen Xin chuckled and shook his head, his gaze filled with fond indulgence.
"All right, you two, come with me to have some breakfast. I've already sent word to Heaven Dou City. Fengzhi and the others should be returning soon."
At this, Bibi Dong's eyes lit up mischievously.
"Great! I'm just starting to get hungry!"
Gu Han nodded with respectful gratitude.
"Thank you, Master. Let's go have breakfast first."
Chen Xin smiled warmly at the two juniors, then led the way forward. As they walked, he added,
"I had special dishes prepared for you—your favorites. But Dong'er, don't overeat, or it'll be uncomfortable during sword practice later."
"Mhm, mhm, don't worry, Uncle Sword, I'll be careful!"
Bibi Dong nodded her little head obediently.
With light banter along the way, the three of them walked under the gentle morning sun, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.
Although it was just breakfast, it was prepared with a focus on lightness and nutrition rather than oily richness, ensuring both flavor and sustenance.
Among the dishes was a soft-boned rabbit stew—a favorite of Bibi Dong's. The rabbit meat was tender, low in fat, and packed with beneficial nutrients.
The stew was rich and flavorful yet refreshingly light on the palate.
"Wow, soft-bone rabbit stew!"
Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled as she eagerly sat down, ladling bowls of stew for Chen Xin and Gu Han before serving herself and taking a delighted sip.
The savory taste exploded in her mouth, and the rabbit meat was tender and juicy, creating an exceptional flavor experience. Bibi Dong gave a big thumbs-up.
"It's delicious! Even better than what we had back at Spirit Hall!"
"Haha, if you like it, eat more."
Chen Xin laughed indulgently, seemingly forgetting that he had just warned her not to overeat.
Gu Han also took a sip and nodded approvingly.
"It's really good. Plus, the energy contained in soul beast meat greatly benefits a Soul Master's cultivation. Even for ordinary people, eating this long-term would noticeably improve their physique."
"These soul beast meats were carefully selected—not just delicious, but also highly beneficial for your bodies and cultivation."
Chen Xin nodded with satisfaction and joined them in eating.
The trio chatted as they ate, creating a cozy, heartwarming atmosphere.
—
After breakfast, in the courtyard, Gu Han and Bibi Dong sparred with long swords, their agile forms weaving intricate patterns of swordlight through the air.
Chen Xin sat leisurely at the stone table, sipping tea, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched the two juniors practice.
Just then, a familiar energy fluctuation approached. Gu Han and Bibi Dong simultaneously halted their movements and turned to look.
Out from a swirling black spatial gate stepped Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong.
Ning Fengzhi's face was ruddy with excitement, a barely restrained joy gleaming in his eyes.
Even Gu Rong, who was usually stone-faced, now wore an unabashedly delighted smile.
Ning Fengzhi quickly stepped forward, not even waiting for Gu Han and Bibi Dong to greet him before laughing aloud:
"Haha! The moment I heard about Uncle Sword's breakthrough, I rushed back with Uncle Bone as fast as I could!"
"Uncle Sword, your advancement in the sword path, and the fact that you're poised to soon break through to Rank 96, is truly a momentous occasion!"
Gu Rong also stepped forward, heavily patting Chen Xin's shoulder.
"Congratulations, old friend!"
Chen Xin smiled and nodded.
"Fengzhi, Old Bone, I'm planning to enter seclusion for a while. Maybe two or three months, half a year at most. The clan will be in your hands."
Ning Fengzhi immediately assured him,
"Uncle Sword, rest easy. With Uncle Bone and me here, everything will be fine."
Gu Rong nodded as well.
"Don't worry. Focus on your cultivation—we'll handle everything."
"Good." Chen Xin smiled again but then, with a playful gleam in his eye, turned to Gu Rong with a challenging look:
"But before that, I'd like to spar with you, old bonehead—so you can experience the wonders of my new swordsmanship!"
Gu Rong's mouth twitched. He wasn't stupid. At Rank 92, he was no match for someone on the verge of Rank 96!
Thinking quickly, he waved his hand dismissively.
"Hahaha, I'm not your match right now. Wait until I've broken through a few more levels!"
"What, scared?" Chen Xin raised an eyebrow, using the classic taunting technique.
Gu Rong snorted loudly, straightening his back.
"Scared? Me? Hmph! Just wait—once I break through, I'll show you that my Bone Dragon is no pushover!"
Truthfully, if it were any other day, Gu Rong would've never backed down, even knowing he'd lose.
But today? He wasn't about to be a fool and charge headlong into a beating!
"Haha, Uncle Sword, stop teasing Uncle Bone already."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, stepping in to smooth things over with a good-natured cough.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone's right. Once you've both made your breakthroughs, then you can have a proper, satisfying duel. Right now, your cultivation breakthrough is the priority."
Hearing this, Chen Xin didn't press the issue. His smile remained as he nodded seriously:
"Very well. Fengzhi's right. I'll focus on reaching Rank 96 first."
Standing to the side, Gu Han and Bibi Dong exchanged smiles, feeling the deep bond between these elders.
"Master, Uncle Bone, we're looking forward to your duel in the future!"
Bibi Dong chimed in playfully,
"Yeah! It'll definitely be a sight to see!"
Laughter filled the air once again, the atmosphere light and joyful.
After some more cheerful banter, Chen Xin said no more, turning to head toward the rear mountains of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to begin his seclusion.
~~~
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