Above the East Sea, an Encounter with Provocation

The spatial rift silently closed, leaving no trace behind.

The next moment, Lin Feng and Qiong Xiao's figures appeared above the vast, jade-green waves.

Beneath them lay the boundless azure East Sea. The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, rushed towards them, making their robes flutter.

Qiong Xiao's body was still a little stiff.

A warm, strong hand was still wrapped around her waist, transmitting a temperature that made her heart tremble through her thin immortal robes.

From being embraced to stepping into that indescribable, pitch-black rift, and then appearing here, the entire process took less than the flick of a finger.

Yet, for Qiong Xiao, it felt like an experience from a bizarre, fantastical dream.

She lowered her head slightly, her peripheral vision catching sight of the hand holding her. Its fingers were distinct, long, and powerful, exuding an irresistible dominance.

A sense of security she had never felt before, like a warm tide, instantly engulfed her entire being.

Her cheeks, beyond her control, flushed a captivating crimson, spreading from her cheeks all the way to her snow-white neck.

Is this Master's power?

Treating space as nothing, crossing billions of miles with casual steps.

This is no longer the work of a Sage.

Qiong Xiao's suspicions about her Master's identity were once again overturned, soaring infinitely in a direction that was even more unbelievable, even more capable of making her soul tremble.

Perhaps, Master is truly a reincarnation of some unspeakable Chaos Demon God?

No, that's not right.

Even a Chaos Demon God couldn't do it so effortlessly.

Master's realm has already surpassed the limits of my understanding.

Just as Qiong Xiao was lost in thought, her mind in turmoil, a clamorous sound of breaking air approached from afar, interrupting her thoughts.

In the distance, at the edge of the sky, a resplendent and extravagantly decorated Immortal Boat was speeding towards their location.

The entire Immortal Boat was crafted from some rare fire-bronze jade, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. Its hull was inlaid with various precious gems and pearls, making it look like a moving treasure vault, as if its owner was desperate for everyone to know how rich they were.

On the deck of the Immortal Boat stood several young cultivators dressed in luxurious attire. They all exuded an ostentatious aura and carried arrogant expressions, clustering around a young man in a crimson brocade robe, engaged in lively conversation.

"Huh?"

One of the sharp-eyed cultivators suddenly noticed Qiong Xiao, who was hovering on the surface of the sea. He was instantly struck by her beauty, his eyes widening.

"Young Master Huo, look quickly! There's an unparalleled beauty over there!"

He quickly nudged the crimson-robed youth beside him, his voice filled with undisguised amazement.

The youth called Young Master Huo raised his eyelids lazily upon hearing this and followed the direction of the man's finger.

His gaze was immediately captivated.

The woman, dressed in a simple and elegant palace gown, possessed a graceful figure, standing between the blue sea and sky. She was as beautiful as a painting.

Especially her face, which could topple cities and nations. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn water, her skin fairer than snow. Without any makeup, she was enough to make heaven and earth lose their color.

Huo Teng's heart skipped a beat.

As the Young Master of the Fire Spirit Immortal Sect and an honored guest of the East Sea Dragon Palace, he considered himself to have seen countless beautiful female cultivators. But compared to the one before him, they were all merely common women.

A strong sense of possessiveness instantly surged from the depths of his heart.

"Turn around, let's go take a look."

Huo Teng's lips curved into a conceited smile as he gave a faint order.

"Yes, Young Master!"

The followers beside him eagerly activated the Immortal Boat, changing its direction and speeding towards Lin Feng and Qiong Xiao.

The magnificent Immortal Boat broke through the clouds and stopped steadily about a hundred meters in front of them.

Huo Teng's gaze swept unscrupulously over Qiong Xiao, his eyes filled with aggression, as if he wanted to strip her clothes off, greedy and fervent.

As for Lin Feng beside Qiong Xiao, he was completely ignored.

A mortal with no trace of magical energy fluctuation.

An ant.

How could he be worthy of standing beside such a peerless beauty? It was an insult to her.

Qiong Xiao felt the nauseating gaze and subtly frowned, instinctively leaning closer into Lin Feng's embrace.

This slight movement further fueled Huo Teng's jealousy.

How dare a mortal?

Huo Teng adjusted his robes, striking a pose he thought was elegant and charming, and spoke loudly.

His voice was not loud, but it was projected with magical power, clearly reaching Qiong Xiao's ears.

"Esteemed immortal maiden, I am Huo Teng, an honored guest of the East Sea Dragon Palace and the Young Master of the Fire Spirit Immortal Sect. May I know your esteemed name? Would you be willing to come aboard for a chat and a drink?"

He wore a confident smile. In his opinion, no female cultivator would be unmoved upon hearing his illustrious identity.

However, Qiong Xiao merely glanced at him coldly before withdrawing her gaze, not even bothering to utter a single word in response.

Her look was as if she were watching a buzzing fly, filled with disgust and disdain.

The smile on Huo Teng's face froze instantly.

He... he was being ignored?

He, the Young Master of the Fire Spirit Immortal Sect, was actually being ignored in public by a woman?

A surge of anger rushed straight to his head.

"Fairy, I am sincerely inviting you, why must you reject me so resolutely?"

Huo Teng suppressed the anger in his heart and lowered his voice.

Seeing this, the few followers behind him immediately jumped out, chattering in unison to support him.

"Indeed, Fairy, our Young Master Huo is a prodigy among the younger generation of the East Sea. It's your good fortune that he fancies you!"

"Fairy, do you even know what the Fire Spirit Immortal Sect is? That's a top ten major sect in the East Sea!"

"Come with our Young Master, and your path of cultivation will be smooth sailing, with endless spiritual pills and elixirs!"

Amidst the noisy flattery, Huo Teng's expression improved considerably, and he regained his condescending demeanor.

His gaze finally fell upon Lin Feng, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt and scorn.

A mortal, daring to lay claim to such a fairy?

Truly a toad wanting to eat swan meat.

He let out a sneer, his tone laced with heavy mockery.

"Fairy, you are a goddess from the heavens, why must you associate with a mere mortal and lower yourself?"

"Look at his shabby appearance, not a trace of Spiritual Energy fluctuation on him. It seems he hasn't even stepped through the door of cultivation, has he?"

"How can such an ant be worthy of a fairy? Why not abandon him early and cultivate with me, comprehending the Great Dao together? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Huo Teng's voice was filled with a sense of superiority, as if asking Qiong Xiao to leave Lin Feng was a tremendous favor.