บท 160: Stars Keep Turning
After leaving the ferry terminal of Yutai Mountain, the ferry was bound for the Star River.
To reach the Dead Star Region, it had to make a long detour around the territory of the Azure Sky Sword Sea. There was simply no other option, as all these detours were essential to avoid that formidable region.
Even if it were someone other than Cao Gao, a mere cultivator at the Mountain Moving Realm, say, even if the headmaster of Yutai Mountain himself were here, he wouldn't dare to pilot the ferry straight across the Azure Sky Sword Sea.
Though the Azure Sky Sword Sea had seen better days and was in a state of decline now, it still retained an intimidating presence. As the old saying goes, "A lean camel is bigger than a horse."And compared to the Azure Sky Sword Sea, Yutai Mountain was hardly more than a slightly larger pup.
This was the profound heritage that the Azure Sky Sword Sea had amassed over countless epochs. Forget about saints and immortal arts for a moment; just that colossal immortal sword lying horizontally at its very heart was enough to send shivers down the spines of many mighty beings.
In ancient times, this sword had even achieved the remarkable feat of slaying emperors, a glorious chapter in its long history. Such was the power and prestige it held, making it a force to be reckoned with in the star region.
Sometimes, Cao Gao would gaze at the Azure Sky Sword Sea for what seemed like an eternity, a look of awe and a touch of melancholy in his eyes. He'd sigh softly, "This is truly the apex of power in the star region. Even after passing by it so many times, it still makes my heart skip a beat. I can't help but wonder if the real powerhouses of the star region reside within."
To Chen Xia, seated in the back of the attic, listening to Cao Gao's musings, he had a different perspective. He didn't see the Azure Sky Sword Sea as a haven of all-powerful beings. Instead, in his mind, it was more like a realm teeming with rare and exotic beasts, such as Di Du and Qiong Qi.
"We've got another seven years of sailing ahead,"Cao Gao said, turning to Chen Xia with a warm smile. After three years of traveling together, he'd come to realize that Chen Xia was an easygoing companion, and so, his speech had lost some of its initial formality, though respect always lingered.
Chen Xia rose with a languid grace, the flask of wine he'd purchased at the Yutai Mountain market still dangling from his waist. He leaned casually against the railing, tilting his head slightly as he peered out into the vast expanse of the starry sky.
"How long have you been captaining this ferry?"he asked.
Cao Gao paused for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. "To be honest, I can't quite recall the exact number of years, but it's been close to two millennia,"he replied.
"Two thousand years dedicated to one pursuit. Doesn't it ever get tiresome?"Chen Xia inquired with a gentle chuckle. "I mean, piloting a ferry doesn't exactly sound like the most thrilling occupation."
"Perhaps it might seem dull to you,"Cao Gao responded with an equally light-hearted tone, "but for an old cultivator like me, with limited talents and stuck at the Mountain Moving Realm, it's been a source of endless fascination."
"What makes it so fascinating?"Chen Xia pressed.
"The infinite expanse of the starry sky, the twinkling stars, and the diverse people I meet along the way,"Cao Gao said, straightening his sleeves as he spoke.
Chen Xia nodded in understanding. Everyone has their own path, and it was best not to impose one's own judgments on others. He'd always held this belief close to his heart, though he knew there were exceptions. If someone was truly being foolish, it wasn't speculation; it was certainty.
The ferry continued its unhurried voyage through the cosmos, gliding across the Star River and weaving through the constellations.
Onboard, the cultivators had little to occupy their time. Apart from their daily cultivation routines, they'd gather in the lounge area to swap tales of their home planets and sects, sharing anecdotes and laughter.
Among them, one young master stood out. His name was Lu Hua, and he cut a dashing figure with his opulent attire and an air of undeniable privilege. He was the eldest grandson of the second elder of the Everlasting Life Sect. His cultivation was nearing a breakthrough, hovering at the peak of the Mahayana Realm, on the cusp of entering the Mountain Moving Realm.
The Everlasting Life Sect held a comparable status in the star region to that of Yutai Mountain. In fact, the two were relatively close, separated by just a few million miles. Lu Hua was aboard the ferry, making his way back to the sect's ferry terminal.
His presence on the ship was magnetic, and before long, he'd become the de facto leader of the young masters. When boredom struck, they'd engage in high-stakes card games in the lounge, stacks of spirit stones piled beside them. Some of the less fortunate ones could lose their entire fortunes in a single afternoon.
Chen Xia, too, had wandered over during one of his idle moments. But after just half an hour of observing, he found himself quickly losing interest. It was clear to him that most of the young masters were deliberately losing to Lu Hua, currying his favor in a blatant display of social maneuvering. It was less a game of cards and more a game of politics.
Deciding it wasn't worth his time, Chen Xia left the lounge, preferring the simple pleasure of chatting with Cao Gao.
The ferry, small but sturdy, bobbed along in the vastness of space. Encounters with other vessels or beings were few and far between. There were times when they wouldn't cross paths with another ferry for an entire year. This was the nature of a long and solitary journey.
When Cao Gao had a moment to himself, he'd retreat to his cabin and tinker with wooden sculptures. He didn't aim for perfection; it was more a pastime, a way to while away the hours.
Chen Xia pushed open the door and entered, his movements as fluid as ever.
Cao Gao immediately set aside his work and greeted Chen Xia with a smile. "After we dock at the Everlasting Life Sect's ferry terminal at the next stop, we'll be just two years away from the Dead Star Region,"he said.
"Good to know. I'm in no rush,"Chen Xia replied, pulling up a bench and making himself comfortable. He glanced at the wooden sculptures on the table and smiled. "These are from the stars you've seen on our journey?"
Cao Gao nodded. "I carved them because they caught my eye. It's become a little hobby of mine during these long voyages."
"Looks like fun. If the opportunity arises, I might give it a shot myself,"Chen Xia said, propping his head up on one hand.
"You'd make a great captain,"Cao Gao said with a grin.
"Maybe not,"Chen Xia countered with a shake of his head. "I'm a bit lazy. I might lose interest after a few years and park this thing for good."
"As you wish. You and I are different in that regard,"Cao Gao said with a soft chuckle. "I captain the ferry to find my freedom, while you, when you take the helm, would probably already be free."
"Perhaps,"Chen Xia murmured, his eyes gazing out into the unending cosmos.
The stars outside continued their eternal dance, oblivious to the passage of time.
———
On the second peak of Yutai Mountain, the young acting headmaster sat in his chair, his brow knitted in consternation.
"Do we really need a hundred thousand spirit stones to acquire these pills and treasures?!"he exclaimed.
Beside him, an old man in purple robes nodded solemnly. "If anything, you'll need more,"he replied in a measured tone.
The young acting headmaster gritted his teeth, his frown deepening. "Is it truly necessary? What if we pass on them, or just take one?"
"Pass on them?"the old man in purple raised his voice slightly, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "If you choose to do so, I'll waste no time in switching my allegiance to Bai Ji and joining the First Elder's camp."
"And if we take just one..."the old man in purple's voice softened. "You'll be evenly matched with Bai Ji, and nothing will change. You won't gain the upper hand. So I strongly advise you to secure both."
"Only then will you have the wherewithal to vie for the position of the next headmaster of Yutai Mountain."
"But... But I don't have a hundred thousand spirit stones. You know my father. He made a pact with the First Elder that he would never show partiality in the headmaster competition."
The old man in purple nodded. "Your father was groomed by the First Elder. It's only natural that he respects him."
"Moreover, Yutai Mountain has never been about nepotism. Success here is based on merit. In the race for the next headmaster, only you and Bai Ji, the First Elder's prized disciple, stand a chance. The others pale in comparison."
"The First Elder won't be sneaking in any favors for Bai Ji either. So it's a fair fight. Securing both the pills and the treasures would be a testament to your capabilities."
"But where on earth can I find a hundred thousand spirit stones?"the acting headmaster lamented.
"Don't you remember?"the old man in purple said, his tone taking on a sinister edge as he smiled. "You've got a few 'loyal servants'."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง