The flying ship tore through the air.
Qing Shuang, Xiao Yuankui, and Gou Yi sat around a wooden table, chatting.
In truth, Xiao Yuankui did nearly all the talking. His words poured out in an endless stream as he tried to win Qing Shuang's favor.
Gou Yi had no interest in the conversation. Her gaze swept over Qing Shuang and Song Wen from time to time, while her spiritual sense probed the ship and the space beyond it.
As for Qing Shuang, she showed no response to Xiao Yuankui's attentions. She occasionally answered with a word or two, cool and distant.
Xiao Yuankui took no offense and kept talking.
Time passed slowly.
At last, the ship entered the Spirit-Devouring Mountains.
Here, towering mountains stretched on without end. Traces of high-level demonic beasts appeared now and then, along with a scant few members of the Human Race.
They had come for cultivation resources, whether to slay demonic beasts or search for spiritual treasures.
The thousand-zhang-long ship made no attempt to hide as it entered the Spirit-Devouring Mountains. It drew plenty of attention from humans and demonic beasts alike. But the pressure it radiated kept any foolhardy human or beast from coming to cause trouble.
"Fellow Daoist Wang, openly entering the Spirit-Devouring Mountains aboard such a large ship may be unwise," Gou Yi said to Song Wen.
"You make a good point, Fellow Daoist Gou Yi," Song Wen replied. "Shall we travel through the air from here?"
"Excellent," Gou Yi said.
Song Wen nodded. With a thought, the enormous ship became a streak of light and vanished into the storage ring on his finger.
The four of them were left suspended in midair.
"I'll lead the way from here," Xiao Yuankui said. "Elder Gou Yi, sorry for the trouble, but please guard