Accompanied by several disciples, Chen Ming followed Divine Wind Island's main road toward the harbor. Cultivators and island residents crowded both sides of the streets along the way. As he approached, they bowed in greeting, their eyes filled with awe and admiration. Chen Ming returned their greetings with nods, never slowing his steady, unhurried stride.
Yet thoughts raced through his mind.
Ling Feng's visit was no coincidence. The last time Ling Feng had represented the Star Palace in mediating the dispute between Divine Wind Island and Tianxing City, he had privately hinted that the Star Palace intended to support Divine Wind Island as a counterweight to Tianxing City. He had also left Chen Ming with those meaningful words: "Take one step back so you can take three steps forward." Now that Chen Ming had broken through to the nascent soul stage, Divine Wind Island's strength and standing had undergone a qualitative leap. The Star Palace's decision to send someone at this moment likely meant it was preparing to make another move.
Were they trying to win me over? Test me? Or did they have something else in mind?
Chen Ming had no definite answer, but he was not flustered. He had now entered the nascent soul stage, and Wan Yao'er, his Dao companion and a fellow nascent soul cultivator, was also stationed on the island. Divine Wind Island's strength could no longer be compared to what it had once been. Even against a behemoth like the Star Palace, he now had enough confidence to maneuver and contend with it.
Before long, the group reached the harbor.
A silver-white spirit boat lay moored there, its hull sleek and slender. Intricate star patterns were engraved across its surface, shimmering with a faint silver glow beneath the sunlight and lending it a noble,