Wuji's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the ship, his heart stirring with a mix of awe and curiosity. The cultivation world never ceased to amaze him. Though it lagged far behind Earth in terms of technology, its unique marvels often left him speechless. This leaf-shaped flying artifact, an elegant fusion of craftsmanship and spiritual energy, was yet another example. The sight tugged at his memories, bringing back flashes of his previous life as a scientist. A familiar longing surged within him—the desire to unravel the mysteries of this world and uncover the principles behind its wonders.
Lost in thought, Wuji barely noticed Bai Xuanfeng’s commanding voice slicing through the murmurs of the gathered disciples.
“Board the ship in an orderly manner,” Bai Xuanfeng instructed, his tone calm yet authoritative.
With a graceful leap, Bai Xuanfeng ascended to the ship’s deck, his robes billowing as he landed effortlessly. The disciples quickly obeyed, forming a line to board. Wuji shook himself from his reverie and joined the procession, his steps steady as he ascended the stairs onto the ship.
The older disciples—ten in total, recognizable by their confident demeanor followed after the newcomers, their movements disciplined and precise. Wuji noted their presence, their experience evident in their composure, contrasting with the eager yet nervous energy of the newly initiated.
The flying artifact was a true masterpiece, a perfect fusion of elegance and utility. Spanning nearly fifty feet in length and twenty feet at its broadest point, its design resembled a sleek, gently curved leaf. Every detail reflected meticulous craftsmanship, from the intricate vein-like patterns etched into its surface that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy to the smooth, polished exterior that shimmered under the sunlight. The artifact exuded an air of sophistication, its beauty matched only by the ingenuity behind its construction.
The ship was divided into three levels, each serving a distinct purpose. The top level was an open deck, offering passengers an unimpeded view of the skies and the vast landscape below. The middle floor housed private rooms, providing comfort and privacy for those aboard. The lowest level featured a spacious dining area and a dedicated training hall, thoughtfully designed to accommodate both relaxation and cultivation. The layout of the ship was a testament to the practicality and creativity of its creators, seamlessly integrating functionality with an undeniable sense of luxury.
Once all were aboard, Bai Xuanfeng moved to the center of the deck, placing his hand on a raised, circular formation array. With a steady infusion of spiritual energy, he activated the ship’s mechanisms.
First, a transparent barrier shimmered into existence, enveloping the ship. It provided protection from the wind while ensuring optimal ventilation, allowing everyone on the deck to enjoy the open view without discomfort. The artifact hummed softly as it began to rise, ascending gracefully into the air.
For five awe-inspiring minutes, the ship floated vertically, offering a panoramic view of Silverbrook City and the surrounding landscape. From this height, the bustling streets appeared like a mosaic, and the rolling hills and rivers beyond stretched endlessly toward the horizon. Conversations among the disciples hushed as they took in the breathtaking vista.
Wuji couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity behind the artifact. The seamless interplay of spiritual formations and aerodynamics hinted at principles he longed to decipher. Yet, he forced himself to remain composed, quietly observing instead of voicing his amazement.
With a subtle shift in the formation’s hum, the ship began its journey, accelerating smoothly. Its speed was remarkable, covering nearly 200 li per hour, the scenery below blurring as they soared toward the Thousand Path Pavilion. The disciples settled into their places, some chatting in subdued tones, while others remained silent, lost in their thoughts.
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After delegating the task of navigation to the senior disciples, Elder Bai turned to the newly joined disciples and said, “It will take two days to reach the sect. Feel free to choose any room on the ship.” He paused briefly before adding, “There are plenty of rooms available, and they’re all the same, so decide among yourselves—and no quarreling.”
After giving the command, Elder Bai smiled warmly at Wuji before turning to leave for his private quarters. Wuji returned the smile, a subtle yet confident acknowledgment. The other disciples stood respectfully aside, allowing Wuji to choose his room first. As Elder Bai’s personal disciple, they dared not risk offending him. Wuji, ever composed, offered them a polite nod of thanks before selecting a room.
The room Wuji entered radiated understated luxury. Dominating the space was a grand king-sized bed, its frame carved from Jadeplume Birch, a rare wood prized for its smooth green tint and natural sheen that exuded elegance and purity. A matching table and chair stood to the side, their surfaces polished to perfection, showcasing delicate engravings that seemed to shimmer faintly in the soft light.
The floor was adorned with a plush carpet, its design harmonizing seamlessly with the room’s aesthetic—a blend of refinement and comfort. A large window framed one wall, offering a breathtaking view of the sky and the world below, while a silver lantern cast a warm, steady glow throughout the space, illuminating every corner with a serene ambiance.
Wuji set his belongings neatly on the jadewood table, then approached the window. The sight before him was mesmerizing—the endless expanse of the heavens stretched out in every direction, the clouds rolling like waves on an ethereal sea. A gentle breeze swept in, carrying with it the faint hum of spiritual energy from the ship.
Realizing moments like these were rare, Wuji decided to savor the tranquility. He stepped outside onto the ship’s deck, leaning against the railing as the landscape below shifted and transformed. Mountains rose and fell in the distance, rivers glittered like silver threads, and the horizon seemed to stretch infinitely.
Time slipped away unnoticed, and it wasn’t until the sun hung high in the sky that Wuji returned to his room. With a contented sigh, he made his way to the dining area. The enticing aroma of roasted duck and freshly prepared noodles greeted him. The meals were complimentary, a perk of their status as disciples aboard the ship, and Wuji ordered a generous portion.
The roasted duck was succulent, its skin perfectly crisp, and the noodles were tender with a savory glaze that balanced the flavors exquisitely. Wuji ate in contemplative silence, enjoying the meal as he gathered his thoughts.
Once finished, Wuji returned to his room. With two full days aboard the ship, he resolved not to waste time. Retrieving his training gear, he headed to the ship’s training area. The space was well-equipped, designed to accommodate disciples of varying skill levels.
Wuji began his daily routine with focused precision—meditation to stabilize and calm his mind, followed by rigorous exercises that honed both body and mind. His left-hand sword techniques, in particular, demanded utmost concentration, and he relished the challenge. Each movement was deliberate, a step closer to perfecting his craft.
As he trained, the distant hum of the ship and the occasional murmurs of other disciples created a backdrop of calm yet purposeful energy. Wuji immersed himself fully in the moment, his determination unwavering as he worked toward strengthening himself for the trials ahead.
After two days of smooth sailing, the ship finally came to a halt. Wuji, resting in his room, felt a pang of reluctance. He had grown fond of the flying vessel’s serene ambiance and the rare moments of peace it afforded. The thought of not boarding such a magnificent ship again anytime soon filled him with a tinge of disappointment. However, excitement quickly replaced his melancholy as he reminded himself of the destination—the sect that would be the foundation of his journey toward greatness.
Curious, Wuji glanced out of the window, only to be greeted by an impenetrable wall of mist. The thick fog seemed to envelop the entire ship, reducing visibility to barely five meters. A sense of mystery hung in the air, and Wuji couldn’t help but feel an odd mixture of anticipation and unease.
Intrigued, he made his way to the deck. There, he found many of the disciples already gathered, their faces a blend of curiosity and nervousness. His master, Elder Bai, stood at the forefront, his demeanor calm and composed as always.
Approaching the elder, Wuji inclined his head respectfully before asking, “Master, what is happening?”