The island lay far in the Eastern Sea. The Tang Clan’s fleet approached from the southwest, while Xia Chichi and Hai Pinglan came from the northwest. The two parties came from two separate directions, unlikely to meet.0

Throughout the journey, Xia Chichi sat cross-legged with her eyes closed, diligently cultivating, something that even earned Hai Pinglan’s respect. He could tell that, at first, this young lady had not wanted to travel alongside him. Anyone could sense that she was being used as bait. It seemed she had considered jumping ship and fleeing but ultimately decided against it.1

If Hai Pinglan truly intended to use her as bait, any attempt to escape would have been futile, only changing her status from an apparent ally to an obvious prisoner, so why bother?0

Instead, she chose to cultivate openly on the ship, unashamedly asking for resources and pills when needed, which Hai Pinglan generously provided.0

She could not be more than twenty years old this year, yet she carried herself with such calm poise. Hai Pinglan could not help but think of his...2