"Imperial Preceptor, just how much farther is it to the White Gull Kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, Nine-Wan Island is roughly thirty thousand li from the White Gull Kingdom. At our ship's speed, the journey will take a little over a month."
"Why so long? When we traveled with Mother before, even journeys of a million li were nothing out of the ordinary."
"Your Majesty, Old Ancestor Mu has already reached Core Formation, and she has a Mystic Traversal Talisman. Traveling back and forth is effortless for her."
"I have heard of treasure ships that can cover ten thousand li a day at sea. Why hasn't the sect assigned us one?"
"You mean treasure ships of sturgeon class or higher. Covering ten thousand li a day puts them nearly on par with Foundation Establishment cultivators. The sect is currently supporting the war in the East Sea, so there aren't many to spare.
"Of course, the more important reason is that the Old Ancestor specifically instructed us not to requisition any.
"From the moment you leave to take up your fief, you must learn to be a king of the mortal world. You cannot always rely on immortal methods."
"Ah, well..."
On the boundless sea, a treasure ship cleaved through wind and waves, sailing swiftly onward.
A young king dressed in splendid robes stood on the foredeck with several subordinates, gazing into the distance as they discussed the many matters involved in taking up his fief.
This young king was Li Ling's newly born eldest son, now fifteen years old and the King of the White Gull Kingdom.
Although he had shown no particular potential for Foundation Establishment or Core Formation, his origins were undeniably profound, setting him apart from ordinary mortals.
Since ancient times, records and histories had attributed wondrous traits to