No foolish endeavor

"...Senior Lin, perhaps you're being a little too pessimistic."

After a moment of silence, He Qingling spoke toward Li Haowen:

"Though I don't know what you've been through in the past, Senior Lin, and saying this may sound irresponsible, the departed flow away like this ceaseless river. Those still living must keep looking ahead."

This was He Qingling's advice to Li Haowen. Though the twenty-odd years of her life thus far might have been rather uneventful, that did not mean she had never formed her own thoughts about the world.

"Often, taking everything lightly can also count as looking ahead."

Li Haowen answered.

"But, Senior Lin."

As He Qingling spoke, she turned her gaze toward the two longswords at Li Haowen's waist:

"Have you really learned to take everything lightly?"

"..."

Li Haowen fell silent. He did not answer He Qingling's question directly. Only after another little while did he step away from the cabin wall:

"I'm going up on deck for some air."

Then he started walking out of the cabin.

Whether he had truly learned to let things go was something Li Haowen knew better than anyone.

Liaolong, in the Western Regions of Chenping Continent.

The largest gathering place for rogue cultivators in the world.

Traveling from Whirlwind City's ferry port to Liaolong's aboard an old, small ferry took roughly half a month.

He Qingling descended the ferry's ladder and stepped onto the ground. An immense sense of solidity welled up within her.

Even a Qi Sea Realm cultivator who could travel through the air still found having solid ground beneath her feet the most reassuring feeling.

Then He Qingling raised her head and began surveying the legendary Liaolong ferry port.

Over a hundred ferries of varying sizes hung high in the sky, roaming the heavens like