Cai Weiwei, about twenty-five or twenty-six, was at the early Four Symbols Heaven stage, weaker than Leng Mei and Ximen Bo but far stronger than Ling Xiao.
Her intent was clear, if Leng Mei was after her man, she’d take Leng Mei’s.
Her goal was to pursue Ximen Bo, whom she saw as superior to Ling Xiao in every way, her ideal husband.
“Thanks for your kindness, miss, but I’m stubborn and don’t take advice well,” Ling Xiao said with a faint smile, “Could you two step aside? I have private matters to discuss with Leng Mei, it’s inconvenient with you here.”
“Please, Brother Ximen,” Leng Mei added.
Ximen Bo, though displeased, complied to avoid souring Leng Mei’s opinion of him.
Stepping aside, Cai Weiwei said with a hint of jealousy, “Brother Ximen, you’ve changed your heart so quickly, falling for that woman.”
Ximen Bo pulled her into his arms, laughing, “Silly, we’ve been betrothed since childhood, how could I abandon you? That woman is just a target, her body holds a power that excites me.”
“Really?” Cai Weiwei asked, skeptical.
“Of course, with that power, I could break through to Cave Heaven Realm, maybe even Yin-Yang Realm! Then I’d dominate the Mysterious Realm, and you, Weiwei, would be my most beloved,” Ximen Bo said excitedly.
“You’ll succeed, Brother Ximen, you’ve never failed,” Cai Weiwei’s eyes sparkled, smitten.
Women adorn themselves for those they love.
All women want their men to stand at the pinnacle, famed, even immortalised in history.
This was their glory too, and Cai Weiwei was no exception.
“But Brother Ximen, that woman’s cultivation is close to yours, and she has that man protecting her, it won’t be easy,” Cai Weiwei, now aware of his true aim, dropped her jealousy.
“That guy’s nothing, not worth mentioning. As for Leng Mei, her cultivation may be close, but her foundation is weak, clearly from a power transfer, meaningless against me,” Ximen Bo said confidently.
Cai Weiwei nodded eagerly, “Brother Ximen, you’re flawless, brilliant. If I can help, just say, I want to see you rule the Mysterious Realm one day.”
“Thank you, Weiwei,” Ximen Bo hugged her tighter, but his face twisted grimly.
He thought, “This foolish woman, I want Leng Mei’s power, true, but you can’t compare to her in looks or aura. I’ll take her power and her body! As for you, stay obedient as my maid, or you won’t live.”
Cai Weiwei, naive and malicious, was lost in her dreams, unaware of his thoughts.
“Prepare to disembark!”
An hour later, a horn sounded on the ship, followed by the captain’s shout.
Ling Xiao and the others left the cabin, seeing Pixiu Island in full view.
The island was vast, hard to take in at a glance.
No wonder it was one of the seven major martial sect islands, equal to the Divine Phoenix and Black Crow Empires.
“Listen up, Pixiu Island is a restricted area, no unauthorised entry. Those above Five Elements Heaven can get identity tokens to enter, others must use the underwater smuggling passage. If you’re unwilling, leave now. Once underwater, you follow my orders!” said the first mate beside the captain.
His cultivation, like Ximen Bo’s, was at peak Four Symbols Heaven.
His companions were at peak Three Talents Heaven, not to be underestimated.
Though unclear why, those above Five Elements Heaven took tokens and boarded.
Qin Huo, at Ling Xiao’s hint, left too.
Splitting up was wise, aiding in finding the enslaved soldiers and uncovering the Tianyuan Crystal secret.
“They’re gone, now it’s our turn? Even the smuggling passage is fine, just don’t get us killed, or we’ll drag you down with us!” said another peak Four Symbols Heaven cultivator.
Among the remaining martial artists, only he and Ximen Bo were at this level, the rest weaker.
“You won’t die, as long as you don’t do anything stupid!” the first mate said coldly, “Let’s go, it’s late. The smuggling passage is riskier than official routes, better to reach Pixiu Island soon.”
He turned, heading toward another part of the island.
Heavenly Human Realm cultivators struggled to fly but could glide tens or hundreds of metres.
“Let’s go,” Ling Xiao glanced at Leng Mei and followed.
Soon, they reached a coastline.
The first mate pointed below, “This current leads to Pixiu Island’s interior, but there may be trouble. Stick with the group, don’t wander, and it won’t be a big issue. If you die, don’t blame me.”
“We’re not here to die,” the group, seeking Tianyuan Crystals, would heed him.
Ximen Bo looked at Leng Mei, “Your master’s weak, better stay with us. I guarantee he’ll reach the destination safely.”
His attitude toward Ling Xiao softened slightly, not from a change of heart but to build rapport with Leng Mei through him.
“Thanks, Brother Ximen, but danger is the same for all. Look after yourself, I’ll be fine,” Ling Xiao said calmly.
“You’re so ungrateful, can’t you see Brother Ximen’s trying to help?” Cai Weiwei said, annoyed.
Ling Xiao smiled coldly, saying nothing. He saw through Ximen Bo’s intentions clearly.
Despite his youth, his experience with people was vast, and Ximen Bo was no saint.
Though unsure of his exact plans, staying cautious was wise.
