Ein Reisender, der alle Himmel und unzählige Welten durchquert

Kapitel 56

Those emerald eyes were truly captivating. Mingluo pressed her hand to her pounding chest.

After exchanging greetings, it's time to get down to business.

"Seventh Young Master, that is Dongming Island," Lan Long said, pointing into the distance.

At the bow of the ship, Ming Er and Lan Qi gazed into the distance, but even with their limited eyesight, they could only see a tiny patch of dark gray in the sea, vaguely resembling many islands, demonstrating just how far away it was.

“We have been here for three days, but the ship cannot get any closer, otherwise it will alert the scouts on Dongming Island,” Mingluo said. “They send ships around the island to scout at all times, and they are on high alert.”

"Is Dongming Island like that?" Lan Qi squinted at the dark gray expanse in the distance that seemed to float on the sea.

"The last time the people from Dongming Island appeared, 'Shahun' was ordered to follow them. In the end, Yun Wuyai, the young master of Dongming Island, led his people back here," Lan Tong replied.

"Hmm." Lan Qi nodded and looked at Ming Er.

Receiving Lan Qi's gaze, Ming Er looked at Ming Ying.

Mingying clasped his hands and reported, "Young Master, our people have discovered that this place is Dongming Island."

Having received the answer, Ming Er and Lan Qi exchanged glances and discussed their opinions.

"Seventh Young Master and I will swim over when it gets dark. You all follow orders," Ming Er instructed calmly.

From the moment he met with his subordinates, the Second Young Master resumed his usual composed, elegant, and otherworldly demeanor. If Lan Qi hadn't witnessed the chaotic scene on the island with her own eyes and never doubted her own, she would have truly thought it was a dream.

"Go and prepare for me," Lan Qi waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes." Mingying, Mingluo, Lantong, and Lanlong bowed and withdrew, carrying out their masters' orders.

When the sea and sky were pitch black, Ming Er and Lan Qi confirmed their direction and plunged into the icy seawater.

In the darkness, they swam through the water, sometimes diving, sometimes floating, carefully avoiding reefs and scouts, struggling towards their target. With their skills, it would have been easy for them to evade detection, but even with their abilities, it took them almost an hour to reach the shore. By then, their bodies were numb with cold, their lips purple and faces blue. But in order not to alert the scouts on the shore, the two had no choice but to abandon the land lights within reach and, using the faint light from the shore, climb the steep and treacherous cliff that stood unguarded by the sea.

After climbing to the top of the cliff, the two took a short breath and then each chose a secluded spot to take off their wet and cold clothes, dry their hair, and change into clean clothes and hats wrapped in oil paper.

Ming Er always preferred blue robes, though the style and accessories differed. The simple, clean blue robes best complemented his elegant and refined air. Standing in the wind, he was graceful and ethereal, like a celestial being transformed from a blue lotus. Lan Qi, on the other hand, favored robes in deep purple, light green, and pale yellow, colors that best suited her charm. Deep purple accentuated her bewitching allure, light green made her eyes appear even deeper and more serene, and pale yellow added a bright and warm touch to her fearsome and eerie aura.

When they reappeared, Ming Er was still wearing his blue robe, while Lan Qi was dressed in a light yellow men's suit.

Judging from the sky, there was still some time before dawn, so the two found a sheltered spot to regulate their breathing, both to rest and to recover their energy.

As dawn broke, the two opened their eyes and rose, standing atop the high cliff. Looking out, they discovered they were on a small island, while across a strait stood an even larger island, vast and boundless. Distant hills and rivers, nearby villages and towns—all were visible, with wisps of smoke rising from chimneys and faint sounds of people—a scene of peace, no different from any other land in the imperial empire, not the desolate, icy wilderness they had imagined.

“It looks like a small kingdom in the middle of the ocean,” Lan Qi said.

“Perhaps it really is another paradise outside the imperial dynasty.” Ming Er’s gaze swept across the many small islands scattered around the sea, where fields, houses, and people could be seen.

"This place is clearly a country of its own, so why would we try to seize 'Lan Yin Bi Yue' and provoke the martial arts world of the imperial dynasty?" Lan Qi asked, playing with the jade fan in his hand, quite puzzled.

“This is the question on everyone’s mind in the martial arts world of the imperial dynasty.” Ming Er withdrew his gaze from the distance and turned to look at the nearby exit.

“According to Lan Tong and the others, Senior Ming and the others have also disappeared since the storm. You say…” Lan Qi’s green eyes moved from the jade fan in her hand to Ming Er’s face, “Could they have met the same fate as those three thousand masters? After all, the East Sea is a man-eating abyss for the imperial martial arts world, but for the people of East Sea Island, it is the cradle that nurtures them.”

“I think that as long as we can find that Young Master Yun, we will definitely find the answer. Isn’t that also the purpose of our trip?” Ming Er glanced at Lan Qi.

"Heh, our purpose is not just this one thing." Lan Qi smiled meaningfully.

"Let's go scout out the situation first." Ming Er took the lead and stepped down the cliff. Lan Qi put away her jade fan and followed behind.

The island wasn't large, so the two of them walked for about an hour after descending the cliff and crossed it. Ahead was the coast, with several boats moored along the shore, and a small, simple restaurant, presumably just a place for travelers and boatmen to eat and rest. It wasn't mealtime, so there weren't many customers, just a few travelers drinking tea and resting, and some boatmen waiting for customers.

As soon as the two entered, Ming Er had a bad feeling.

Given their striking appearances, they would be the center of attention even in the elite gathering of Yingshan, let alone in this humble little shop far overseas. From the owner to passersby to the boatmen, everyone stared at them with wide eyes, as if in a dream. Lan Qi, in particular, needed no words or gestures; her naturally alluring blue eyes alone were enough to captivate everyone. Even more so, a young boatman, his eyes filled with infatuation, couldn't help but walk towards her.

Ming Er reflexively raised his hand to cover Lan Qi's eyes.

"You..." Lan Qi was stunned.

"Shut up! Close your eyes!" Ming Er said coldly.

Taking advantage of the crowd's dazed state, he grabbed Lan Qifei and pulled him backward, disappearing in a few leaps. The people in the shop, seeing the immortal vanish, snapped out of their daze, their first reaction being to grab someone and ask if they had seen two immortals. Could it have been the Sea God appearing?

Ming Er dragged Lan Qi to a secluded spot before stopping.

"Seventh Young Master's eyes are truly unique. I reckon he's already found us before we even found Yun Wuyai," Ming Er said, his voice laced with anger. This was a first for the elegant, almost ethereal Second Young Master, but looking at the person before him, he deeply felt that this was indeed a truly monstrous and enchanting being!

"The Second Young Master is so handsome, he's admired wherever he goes," Lan Qi said, her words laced with sarcasm. She couldn't afford to suffer even the slightest verbal loss at the hands of her arch-rival.

"My name is not comparable to Seventh Young Master; they are unforgettable at first glance."

"Oh, Second Young Master, don't be modest. We're on the same level."

The two men each snorted coldly, mocking each other while inwardly regretting their actions. If it weren't for the reactions of the people in the restaurant earlier, they would have truly overlooked the fact that their appearance was so striking.

They each took out bottles and jars from their pockets, preparing to disguise themselves.

The two elderly men in their sixties reappeared in the shop. Their hair and beards were completely white, but they had ruddy complexions and were dressed in fine clothes. It was clear at a glance that they were gentlemen from wealthy families.

Most of the original customers had left the shop, leaving only the shop owner, who was over fifty years old and had gray hair.

As soon as the two entered the shop, before they could even make a move, the shop owner, who was wiping the tables, looked them up and down and spoke first, saying, "You two aren't from Dongming Island, are you?"

Huh? The two were taken aback. Could this little shop also be a hidden lookout post?

Just as they were wondering whether to make a move, the shop owner spoke up again, "Don't be surprised, you two. I've been running this shop for over twenty years and have seen many people come and go. I can tell at a glance that you two are not from our island."

"Boss has a good eye for profit," the old man in blue said politely, clasping his hands in greeting.

"Hehe..." The shop owner chuckled contentedly. "There are boats right outside the shop on the main island. It will only cost three coins to take you there. Once you're on the island, just ask anyone, and they'll tell you the way to Beique Palace. It'll be very easy to get there."

Huh? The two were taken aback again. They hadn't asked for directions yet, nor had they mentioned that they were going to Beique Palace.

Seeing the expressions on their faces, the shopkeeper said, "Don't be surprised, young master has already given the order that anyone who doesn't look like someone from Dongming should just point the way to Beique Palace."

"Is your young master... named 'Yun Wuyai'?" asked the purple-robed old man with long, thick eyebrows that covered his eyes.

"Yes." The shop owner nodded.

Bang! The table the shop owner was wiping shattered and scattered on the floor.

"You...you..." The shop owner stared in horror at the old man in purple robes, whose eyebrows and hair were completely white and who looked like he was about to be buried. How could he be so strong? He smashed the table with one palm. His table had been used for twenty years and was very sturdy.

"I'll compensate you." The old man in purple smiled and handed over a silver leaf.

"Ah...this is too much." The shopkeeper trembled slightly as he took the silver leaf. Although the old man in purple had a smile on his face, it was inexplicably chilling, and the eyes beneath his long eyebrows seemed to gleam with a demonic light.

"Please accept this, sir," the old man in blue said with a gentle smile. He glanced at the old man in purple, then turned his gaze back to the shop owner. "My friend here has been incredibly strong since childhood. He accidentally damaged your table earlier, so I apologize on his behalf." He bowed slightly as he spoke.

"Ah...no need, no need," the shop owner hurriedly stopped him. The old man in blue robes had a refined and scholarly air about him, and his smile was like a gentle breeze; being around him was much more comfortable and pleasant.

The old man in blue looked at the shop owner with a kind and amiable expression. "When did your young master give these instructions? Is there anything else?"

"That was explained three months ago, and that's all," the shop owner replied.

"Thank you, boss." The old man in blue clasped his hands in thanks.

"No need, no need." The shop owner tried to imitate him by clasping his hands in a fist salute, but he couldn't quite capture the elegance, so he gave up.

The two said goodbye and left the store, their smiling faces suddenly turning cold.

Hmph! Yun Wuyai!

The two exchanged a glance, finding each other's attire utterly ridiculous! All their efforts had been in vain, little did they know it was all part of Yun Wuyai's plan; their efforts had been for nothing!

How hateful! How infuriating!

Clouds have no bounds!

The two of them gritted their teeth in secret.

The old man in green and the old man in purple crossed the strait by boat. As soon as they stepped onto the main island, they saw a carriage parked on the shore. There were ten attendants beside the carriage, and two young men stood in front of it. One was dressed as a scholar with smiling eyes, and the other was dressed in fine clothes with a handsome face. He was tall and dashing, but there was a fierce look between his brows.

Looking at the carriage and the people ahead, the old man in purple put his hand on the old man in green's shoulder and sighed, "Oh dear, this boat is rocking my old bones so much, it's really suffering." Looking at the carriage, he said, "Second brother, I really can't walk anymore, shall we ride in the carriage?"

The old man in green helped the old man in purple up and said helplessly, "Seventh brother, have you forgotten that we don't have much money left? After paying for the boat fare, we only have enough for one meal. How can we afford to hire a carriage?"

Two young men stepped forward, dressed like scholars, and greeted the two elderly men with smiling eyes, saying, "I am Qu Huailiu. I am here to greet you both on the orders of the young master. This carriage was prepared especially for you. Please get in."

The old man in purple and the old man in green looked at the carriage ahead, then exchanged a glance. The old man in purple pouted and said, "Second brother, I don't want to ride in such a dilapidated carriage."

The old man in blue nodded and said, "That's true. The horses that pull this carriage aren't the finest steeds that can travel a thousand miles a day. This carriage has neither golden eagle gates nor jade curtains; it's not impressive at all and is really unworthy of you, Seventh Brother."

The young man in brocade robes walked over with a sword in his hand, a hint of disdain in his eyes. He said, "Young Master Ming and Young Master Lan are the heads of martial arts families in the imperial dynasty. You must be used to living in luxurious mansions and drinking fine wines. However, Dongming Island is a remote and impoverished place. We only have this kind of dilapidated carriage. So please make do with it."

"Second brother, don't you think this kid's eyes are disgusting?" The old man in purple glanced sideways at the young man in brocade and asked the old man in green.

"Hmm." The old man in blue nodded again. "And he's very boastful; he's probably good at bragging."

*Clang!* The sound of a sword being drawn.

“Wan Ai, you mustn’t be rude.” Qu Huailiu stepped forward to stop Wan Ai, the young man in brocade robes who was glaring coldly at the two old men, Zi and Qing. He clasped his hands in greeting again. “Second Young Master, Seventh Young Master, we are here on the orders of our young master to welcome you both.” As he spoke, he beckoned, and an attendant brought over two cups of wine. “These two cups of fine wine are prepared by our young master to express his respect for you both. Please drink them, so that we can escort you to the Northern Palace as soon as possible. Our young master has been waiting for you.”

After saying that, the attendant brought wine to the two of them.

The old man in purple, Lan Qi, sighed, "Second Young Master, I hate drinking toasts the most."

The old man in blue, Ming Er, also sighed, "Seventh Young Master, whether it's a toast or a penalty drink, the wine from Dongming Island is not good."

“So…” Lan Qi looked at Ming Er.

Ming Er shook his head, "I won't drink."

"Do you think you can have your way?"

With a cold shout, Wan Ai's sword flashed like a bolt of lightning, sweeping straight at Ming Er, while at the same time Qu Huailiu lunged at Lan Qi.

However, the sudden attack from the Dongming master was ineffective. The Second Young Master Ming calmly raised his sleeve and swept it aside, the sharp sword that was approaching his neck. After that, no matter how fast or fierce Wan'ai's sword was, he could cut off the sword's momentum with a casual finger or palm. No matter whether Wan'ai's sword attacked like a whirlwind or poured down like a rainstorm, his body was like a fallen leaf, swaying and flying with the wind, and the sword was always a little bit away from his body.

In stark contrast to Ming Er, Lan Qi drew her jade fan from her sleeve, as if it were a short blade in her hand, its white light dazzling. Yet, every move she made only aimed at Qu Huailiu's eyes. No matter how he dodged or countered, the jade fan never strayed more than three inches from him.

After a brief exchange, Lan Qi's mocking voice rang out, "Second Young Master, are your muscles loosening up?"

"That's about it," Ming Er replied gently.

"Then let's not play."

"good."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ming Er's elusive figure stopped moving with the sword wind. Wan Ai felt as if a towering mountain stood before him, and the sword move he made was unbreakable and impenetrable, with a pressing force pressing down on him.

At the same time, Lan Qi raised a jade fan in his hand, and Qu Huailiu felt as if snow was falling all around him, with nothing but white. There was no way to avoid it. He knew that these two people were indeed as the young master had said, and he was no match for them. So he shouted, "Retreat!" He waved his left and right hands at the same time, and a point of dark light shot straight at Ming Er, while a glittering object covered Lan Qi.

Ming Er swept away the dark light with a wave of his sleeve, while Lan Qi spun his jade fan, absorbing all the crystalline light onto the fan surface. Meanwhile, Wan Ai and Qu Huailiu took advantage of the moment to fly away, and the followers also left quickly, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"We invited you two with open arms, but you two are ungrateful." Qu Huailiu's voice came from afar.

The Second Young Master Ming didn't chase after them. He flicked his sleeve and smiled gently, "It seems things will be done in the shadows from now on."