The days spent worrying passed slowly.
Chen Lin had no inclination to cultivate. After finishing the refinement of the Tianyi Divine Water, he sat quietly in his room, pondering every possibility.
Occasionally, he crafted a few items.
Several more months passed like this.
One day.
Chen Lin was studying a pill formula when Ge Jinxiu knocked and entered.
"Fellow Daoist Yu, the elder wants to see you."
Those few words made Chen Lin's heart sink.
It seemed they were about to reach their destination.
He asked no questions, silently following Ge Jinxiu all the way outside.
At the bow.
Jin Ruhua still stood with her hands behind her back, gazing into the distant void.
It seemed she had never left.
Now, stars shone all around them, and she looked as though she were about to merge into the starry sky.
The sight confirmed Chen Lin's suspicions.
This spirit boat had indeed been flying upward the whole time. They were now in the Upper Void.
Fortunately, the spirit boat's protective barrier was active. Otherwise, his cultivation would never have allowed him to withstand the corrosive energy here.
"How is the refinement of the divine water coming along?"
Jin Ruhua spoke slowly without turning around, her back to Chen Lin.
"Elder, I have finished refining all of it. The secret method's power has increased considerably."
"Try using it on me."
Jin Ruhua turned around.
"Well..."
Chen Lin hesitated.
He feared injuring her. Though the possibility was slim, there was always that chance.
She was now the sea-calming pillar holding the entire spirit boat steady. This high in the void, even the slightest mishap on her part could affect everyone's survival.
His own included.
"What, afraid you'll hurt me?"
Jin Ruhua arched a delicate brow.
Seeing Chen Lin nod, she sighed softly.
"If