"Senior, head this way and we'll soon reach Immortal Gourd Island."
Huang Yueru pointed ahead, a trace of delight in her voice.
Ji Yuan brought the Blazing Heaven Boat to a stop in midair. After a moment's thought, he decided against landing on the island.
Whatever Great Shaman Sea-Devouring's connection to Immortal Gourd Island, landing unannounced would only alert his quarry.
"I won't be visiting Immortal Gourd Island."
Ji Yuan, standing at the bow of the Blazing Heaven Boat, spoke without warning.
He turned and placed a Third-Tier healing pill in Huang Yueru's hand.
The pill was emerald green and the size of a longan fruit. Three pale-gold lines ran across its surface, and it gave off a crisp medicinal fragrance.
It was a Third-Tier Spring-Rejuvenation Pill. Its quality was not particularly high, but it was more than enough to heal the Dantian of a Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator.
"This pill will heal your father's injury." Ji Yuan withdrew his hand, his tone even. "But you must promise me one thing."
Huang Yueru cupped the pill in both hands. Though bewildered, she nodded at once. "Please tell me, Senior!"
"Tell no one where I've gone." Ji Yuan stood with his hands behind his back and glanced toward Immortal Gourd Island. "I'm evading enemies who seek my life. If they learn where I am, it won't just bring trouble upon me. Immortal Gourd Island will be dragged into it as well."
Huang Yueru's expression turned solemn.
She gathered her skirt and knelt once more on the Flying Boat's deck, bowing deeply to Ji Yuan.
"Rest assured, Senior! If I breathe so much as half a word, may heavenly lightning strike my head and a Heart Demon devour my soul!"
Wang Mingdao and Zhou Ruhai hurriedly knelt beside her and swore