The Vermilion Gates Fled as Though on an Outing, While the Starving Lay Worthless as Grass

The seven Daoists sensed something amiss and wasted not a moment. They moved in perfect unison, as though they were one person, then each formed a different Hand Seal: seven men, seven seals.

In an instant, Dao Patterns appeared beneath them and traced a circular Formation Diagram. A faint glow immediately enveloped the great ship.

Without pausing, they stirred their Magical Artifacts into action!

Clouds and mist billowed up from the lower hold!

The Daoists vanished into the mist and rose into the air!

The soldiers and servants aboard noticed at once, and a commotion broke out. Fortunately, several stewards stepped forward.

"Don't panic! Didn't you see this happen when we left Huainan?"

"Quiet, everyone. The immortals are casting spells to protect us!"

"Didn't you all see this when Wu Mingche of the Chen Kingdom attacked Liuhe? Why are you so frightened? Keep calm!"

After the stewards had reassured everyone, they hurried into the cabin to report.

Inside, a blind woman was playing music and singing softly.

Amid the elegant melody, a scholarly man knelt on a mat. He was handsome and fair-skinned, his broad robe open at the chest, and he was lifting a teacup for a leisurely sip.

When the stewards arrived in a rush and gave their report, he smiled. "There's no need to worry. The Immortal Adepts in the lower hold are casting spells."

He set down his cup, frowned slightly, and sighed. "My mind wandered just now. Those stray thoughts tainted the water from Qingxi Creek, fouling both the water and the cup. Throw it away."

A maid immediately came over, carried the cup to the window, and tossed it into Transoxiana, water and all.

The stewards' eyelids twitched at the sight.

They had not served this man before and knew him only by reputation,