The rain had turned the fog filling the sky a murky gray.
On the docks of Mist-Flow Island, Qin Xuanji stood in the mist, gazing out to sea in eager anticipation.
The cold wind stirred her black dress, its fluttering folds like a black lotus in bloom. Paired with her flawless face, she looked alluring and mysterious, beautiful and captivating.
The Heaven-Swallowing Whale and Gyuki had both been sent out to search for Cao Jinxing.
Xuan Yuan Fourteen and Yinghuo, who had stayed behind, were also waiting on the rocks.
Both had absolute confidence in Cao Jinxing. They thought their master was the greatest, invincible in battle and unstoppable in attack, so they were not worried at all.
Yinghuo guarded a plate of pork belly, eating with relish.
Fourteen was eating grilled fish, occasionally casting sidelong glances at the pork belly on the neighboring plate and reaching over to scoop up a few slices without the slightest ceremony.
"..."
Yinghuo felt terribly wronged. Yinghuo wanted to snatch Fourteen's fish but feared getting beaten, and could only endure it like a bullied young wife.
Qin Xuanque and the Three Island Masters had wanted to persuade Qin Xuanji to wait inside the inn, but she refused, so they could only keep her company in the cold wind.
After an unknown length of time, an exuberant whale cry suddenly rang out from the thick fog.
Qin Xuanji was overjoyed. He was back!
Qin Xuanque, the others, and Tushu all breathed heartfelt sighs of relief and hurried forward.
The thick fog parted, revealing glimpses of the Heaven-Swallowing Whale's immense body. Qin Xuanji leaped onto its back, urgently scanning for Cao Jinxing. The moment she spotted him, she threw herself at him and hugged him tightly, tears brimming in her eyes as she laughed and