Dark clouds closed in from all sides. A storm was coming.
While every faction made its preparations, Cao Jinxing watched Gyuki carry Qin Xuanji and the others away. Using his true body, he employed the Hidden Origin Art to conceal his aura and quietly reached a small, uninhabited island not far from Cangming Island.
Although troubled waters made for easy fishing, anyone who dared-and was able-to fish in a battle of this caliber had to be at least at the false Faxiang realm.
Qin Xuanji understood that staying would not help him and would only distract him. No matter how worried she was, she said nothing more.
"I'll wait for you on Mist-Flow Island."
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
Gyuki swiftly departed.
Once they were far away, Cao Jinxing slipped around to the island's shaded side, facing away from Cangming Island, and settled down to wait for nightfall.
Dark clouds blanketed the sky, and a chill wind suddenly rose over the sea. Cao Jinxing waved a hand, commanding the earth and soil to excavate a spacious cave.
Then he drew over dry branches and scattered leaves from nearby, lit them with the force of his Pure Yang Palm, and sat warming himself by the fire.
"Island Lord Qin, it's windy outside. Come in and wait."
Cao Jinxing took fine wine and meat from his Qiankun Bag. As he ate and drank, he set some beside him. "You've just emerged from seclusion. Your spirit and energy may be full, but seclusion is an austere life. Eat more so you'll be ready for action."
"You certainly don't stint yourself, carrying all this around..."
Qin Zhaonan emerged from behind a thick tree a hundred paces away and casually removed his bamboo hat.
He carried an ancient zither on his back. With refined