A Knock at the Door

Dongfang Yueming looked at the remaining points on the panel.

[Points:867]

"Breaking through to the Qi Refining Initial Stage consumed 200 points, leaving 867." He calculated in his mind, "With these points, I can either upgrade the [Crimson Swirl Qi Refining Method] to Minor Accomplishment, or upgrade the [Crimson Flame Fist Technique] to Minor Accomplishment as well, further enhancing my combat power..."

After a moment's thought, he decided to hold onto the points for now. "I've just broken through, and my foundation isn't stable yet, so there's no need to rush to improve. Besides, being on this giant ship, the situation is uncertain, so it's safer to save the points for unforeseen circumstances. Point Allocation only when needed, depending on the specific situation."

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door.

Dongfang Yueming was somewhat surprised. Who would be looking for him at this time?

"Who is it?" he called out.

A slightly unfamiliar middle-aged man's voice came from outside the door. "Brother, my name is Shi Tao. I'm passing by with two companions and would like to make your acquaintance. Would that be convenient?"

Dongfang Yueming got up and opened the door.

Three people stood outside the door. The one in the lead was a middle-aged man who looked to be around forty years old. He had an ordinary face but shrewd eyes; it was Shi Tao who had spoken earlier. Behind him were a man and a woman. The man was tall and had an arrogant face, with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes. The woman was beautiful and had a graceful figure. Her large, watery eyes were curiously sizing up Dongfang Yueming.

Shi Tao saw that the person who opened the door was the young Dongfang Yueming, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Ye Yingying, the woman behind him, couldn't help but show a hint of admiration in her eyes when she saw Dongfang Yueming Yueming's handsome face and composed demeanor.

"What brings you three here?" Dongfang Yueming asked calmly.

"Boy, where's your elder? Tell him to come out and talk!" Before Shi Tao could speak, Gao Feng, the arrogant young man behind him, spoke first, his tone quite unfriendly. Clearly, he didn't believe that the young Dongfang Yueming could be the owner of this room belonging to the Blood Replacement Realm martial artist.

Dongfang Yueming frowned slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Shi Tao quickly smoothed things over, giving Gao Feng a wink, then smilingly said to Dongfang Yueming, "Young brother, please don't take offense. My companion is a bit impatient. We're both planning to venture into the Central Continent Central Continent, a long and perilous journey. What are your plans once you arrive?"

Dongfang Yueming thought to himself, "I'm new here and know nothing about the situation in the Central Continent. I have no concrete plans. I can only take it one step at a time."

Shi Tao seemed to read his mind, smiled, and took the initiative to introduce himself, "I am Shi Tao, this is Gao Feng, and this is Miss Ye Yingying. The three of us are all rogue cultivators, and we thought that after arriving in the Central Continent, we could look after each other and have company."

He paused, then continued, "How about... we go upstairs to the cafeteria for a few drinks, and chat while we eat? I have some knowledge of the Central Continent, and perhaps I can answer some of your questions, young man. Maybe we can travel together and overcome difficulties in the future?"

Ye Yingying gave Dongfang Yueming a charming smile, which could be interpreted as a sign of agreement.

Seeing how polite Shi Tao and Ye Yingying were to Dongfang Yueming, Gao Feng felt even more displeased. "What makes a mere brat like him worthy of their favor? Does he deserve it?" He was about to speak again, asking Dongfang Yueming to call out the "elders."

Dongfang Yueming had already nodded in acceptance of Shi Tao's invitation, and introduced himself, "Very well. My name is Dongfang Ri."

When Gao Feng heard Dongfang Yueming state his name and acknowledge that he was the owner of the room, he suddenly realized that the young man before him was actually a Blood Replacement Realm expert! His heart was instantly filled with shock! Reaching the Blood Replacement Realm at such a young age?! This talent... was simply astonishing! After the initial shock, an even stronger surge of jealousy and resentment welled up in his heart!

Shi Tao clapped his hands and laughed, "So it's Brother Dongfang! A pleasure to meet you! Shall we set off now? Perfect timing, I'll go invite a few more like-minded friends, there's strength in numbers!"

Dongfang Yueming nodded noncommittally.

Gao Feng snorted coldly, turned his head to the side, and stopped talking, but the jealousy in his eyes grew even stronger.

Shi Tao didn't mind and led the group to continue along the corridor, knocking on another door not far away.

Squeak--

The door opened, and a little girl who looked about thirteen or fourteen years old, with a delicate and exquisite appearance, peeked out. She had her hair in pigtails, wore an adorable pink dress, and had a pair of big, bright black eyes that blinked like black gemstones, making her look exceptionally lively and cute.

"Who is it? It's so noisy!" The little girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and muttered in annoyance.

However, when her gaze fell on Dongfang Yueming, her eyes widened instantly, as if she had discovered some new and exciting toy! The next moment, she rushed over, grabbed Dongfang Yueming's arm, and said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Wow! What a handsome young man! I've decided! From today onwards, you're my boyfriend!"

"..." Dongfang Yueming was speechless, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Shi Tao, Gao Feng, and Ye Yingying exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions strange, and for a moment they were speechless.

Just then, a sprightly old man with white hair and beard walked out of the room, shaking his head helplessly. "Ahem, please excuse my rudeness. I am Hong Bai, and this is my granddaughter, Hong Ling. I've spoiled her rotten; she's very unruly."

"Hmph!" Hong Ling made a face at her grandfather, still clinging tightly to Dongfang Yueming's arm.

Gao Feng glanced at Hong Bai, sensing the slightly weakened aura of the Blood Replacement Realm emanating from him, and a hint of disdain flashed in his mind. "An old guy, his strength has probably been declining for a long time, he's useless."

Shi Tao then stepped forward with a smile, introduced everyone to each other, and reiterated his idea of uniting and supporting each other in the Central Continent.

After listening, Hong Bai stroked his beard, a look of hesitation on his face.

"Grandpa! Please say yes! Please say yes!" Hong Ling shook Hong Bai's arm and pleaded, her big eyes constantly glancing at Dongfang Yueming.

"You silly girl..." Hong Bai glared helplessly at his granddaughter, and finally sighed, "Ah, well then. Since Ling'er has spoken, then this old man will..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

"Mr. Hong, you are truly virtuous! Welcome to join us!" Shi Tao immediately smiled and cupped his hands in welcome.

Hong Ling proudly raised her head, then clung to Dongfang Yueming again, blinking her big eyes as she said, "Brother Dongfang, I'm an adult now! You should really consider giving me a chance!"

Dongfang Yueming felt a headache coming on. Helplessly, he pulled his arm away from hers and said tactfully, "Miss Hong Ling is joking. This kind of thing... still needs careful consideration."

He was secretly on guard, thinking, "What does this little girl want from me? Besides, the aura she exudes doesn't seem as harmless as she appears..."

Seeing this, Hong Ling pouted in dissatisfaction.