Sweet-Smelling

After some searching, Shi Tao finally managed to gather several people, forming a team of ten.

The group arrived at the dining hall on the upper deck of the giant ship in a grand procession. The dining hall was already bustling with activity and noise. Looking around, most of the martial artists from various dynasties had gathered in twos and threes, forming distinct small groups, clearly preparing for their upcoming trip to the Central Continent.

"Luckily, we formed an alliance beforehand, otherwise it would be difficult to survive alone there," someone in the group said thankfully.

Shi Tao wore a warm smile as he scanned the cafeteria, quickly finding an empty table. He then greeted everyone, "This way, everyone."

After everyone was seated, Shi Tao cleared his throat and began his introduction. "The destination of this ' Wave-Breaking Divine Vessel ' is the Cloud Water Dynasty in the Central Continent. Within the Cloud Water Dynasty, the power dynamics are complex, with three organizations being the most powerful: the Cloudwater Sect, the Heaven-Surging Alliance, and the Cloud-Overturning Gate. It is said that each of these three has Innate Realm expert surpassing the Grandmaster level! The Cloudwater Sect represents the royal family of the Cloud Water Dynasty and has the deepest foundation. The Heaven-Surging Alliance acts domineeringly and ruthlessly, with a less than stellar reputation, and has committed many despicable acts. The Cloud-Overturning Gate, on the other hand, is the relatively weakest of the three."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened, and they gained a clearer understanding of the Central Continent they were about to set foot on.

Shi Tao paused, his tone becoming more sincere. "To be honest, I... am actually here on behalf of the Cloud-Overturning Gate to recruit like-minded people. If you don't mind, you can join the Cloud-Overturning Gate with me after arriving in the Cloud Water Dynasty, so that you will have a place to stay and can support each other."

Just as Shi Tao was speaking eloquently, at another table not far away, a Blood Replacement Realm elder from the Xi Family was asking Xi Zhenyue in a low voice, "Zhenyue, what exactly is the arrangement you mentioned earlier?"

Xi Zhenyue picked up his wine glass, took a slow sip, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face, "You'll know when the time comes."

Seeing this, the elder of the Xi Family dared not ask any more questions, but his mind began to wander, and a hint of anticipation even appeared on his face.

Xi Zhenyue glanced at him, sneering inwardly, "Hmph, old man, you'll get what's coming to you!"

Just then, Dongfang Yueming keenly caught the name Xi Zhenyue. "Zhenyue? Could he be Xi Lang's uncle, the one who's a general at Black Stone Fortress?"

"Brother Dongfang, what are you thinking about?" Shi Tao noticed that Dongfang Yueming seemed a little distracted.

Dongfang Yueming came to his senses and was about to speak.

At the next table, Xi Zhenyue's heart skipped a beat when he heard the name "Dongfang," and his sharp gaze swept over. "Dongfang? Could it be..."

"Dongfang Ri! Brother Shi is asking you a question! What are you daydreaming about?" Gao Feng immediately scolded impatiently upon seeing this, his tone full of superiority.

Dongfang Yueming frowned slightly, somewhat displeased with Gao Feng's attitude.

Upon hearing the name "Dongfang Ri," Xi Zhenyue's eyes narrowed instantly! "It really is him! The brat from Black Stone Fortress who killed my nephew Xi Lang! How come he's on this ship too? Could it be... that he possesses some extraordinary treasure to dare to act like this?" A greedy thought quietly grew in his heart, but he didn't make a sound, not wanting Gao Long to know about it.

Seeing that Dongfang Yueming remained silent, Gao Feng became even more smug and said imperiously, "Dongfang Ri, Brother Shi thinks highly of you and has allowed you to join the Cloud-Overturning Gate. That's an honor for you! Why don't you quickly agree?"

Dongfang Yueming glanced at him, her tone indifferent. "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Shi, but I am used to traveling alone and I'm afraid I will have to disappoint you."

He thought to himself, "Gao Feng's attitude is so arrogant, Shi Tao's way of recruiting people seems rather deliberate. The Cloud-Overturning Gate... is probably not a benevolent place."

After saying this, he stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Shi Tao, and said, "Please enjoy your meal, everyone. I shall take my leave now."

Upon Shi Tao's expression immediately turned rather unpleasant.

Gao Feng laughed gleefully.

"Brother Dongfang! Wait for me!" Upon seeing this, Hong Ling immediately jumped up and ran after Dongfang Yueming. Hong Bai shook his head helplessly and got up to follow.

For a moment, the atmosphere at the table became somewhat awkward. The remaining people looked at each other, and some began to have second thoughts.

Seeing this, Shi Tao quickly stabilized the situation, sighing, "Alas, everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them. However..." He changed the subject, his tone becoming sincere, "Everything I have said is true, without a single falsehood! Although the Cloud-Overturning Gate is slightly weaker, the atmosphere within the sect is harmonious, and they are quite considerate of us outsiders. If you trust me, perhaps..."

Upon seeing this, one of the members of the group immediately declared, "Brother Shi, you flatter us! You have been so honest and open about the situation in the Central Continent. How could we not appreciate it? I am willing to follow Brother Shi and join the Cloud-Overturning Gate!"

"Yes, yes! We all listened to Brother Shi's heartfelt words!"

"That's right! When you're in a completely unfamiliar place, it's always good to have someone to look out for you!"

Others echoed this sentiment, gradually expressing their willingness to join.

Looking at everyone's "sincere" expressions, Shi Tao finally revealed a satisfied smile.

Just then, Dongfang Yueming hadn't gone far from the cafeteria when he heard hurried footsteps behind him, along with Hong Ling's clear and melodious voice. "Brother Dongfang! Wait for me!"

He stopped and looked at Hong Ling, who was catching up breath, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Miss Hong Ling, so... you're not planning to join the Cloud-Overturning Gate anymore?"

Hong Ling raised her chin and said matter-of-factly, "What's so great about joining that Cloud-Overturning Gate? I don't care! I just want to follow you, Brother Dongfang!"

"Follow me?" Dongfang Yueming was somewhat amused and exasperated. "What's there for me to follow? I'm all alone, and my future is uncertain."

"Hehe!" Hong Ling leaned closer to Dongfang Yueming, sniffed him with her little nose, and showed a blissful expression. "Because... Dongfang Yueming smells so good, it's so pleasant to smell!"

"Smells nice?" Dongfang Yueming was even more puzzled. What fragrance did she have on her?

Just then, Hong Bai caught up and grabbed his granddaughter, his old face full of apology. "Ahem, Dongfang, Ling'er is talking nonsense, please don't take offense."

"It's alright." Dongfang Yueming waved his hand, not minding at all.

In the days that followed, the giant ship sailed smoothly on the boundless sea. Dongfang Yueming spent most of his time cultivating in his room, occasionally going up to the deck to get some fresh air and feel the sea breeze.

Somewhat surprisingly, Hong Ling, that little girl, really did follow him around like a shadow. At first, Dongfang Yueming was a bit uncomfortable, but gradually, he got used to having such a little tail around him.

The other martial artists on the ship had mostly found their own organizations, forming gangs of varying sizes, clearly divided and rife with undercurrents.

The arrogant Gao Feng would often "bump into" Dongfang Yueming, and then seize the opportunity to boast in front of him about his status in the "Cloud-Overturning Gate Reserve" and Shi Tao's "high regard" for him, his words full of mockery and disdain for Dongfang Yueming's initial choice. Dongfang Yueming simply smiled and ignored him, too lazy to argue with him.

Before we knew it, eighteen days and nights had passed in a flash.

On this day, Dongfang Yueming once again came to the deck. The sea breeze caressed his face, carrying a slightly salty and damp scent. In the distance, the sea and sky merged into one, a vast and magnificent blue expanse, with the occasional strangely shaped seabird flying by, uttering a clear cry or two.

He gazed at the boundless sea, a sense of peace settling over him. Then, he focused his mind on his Sea of Consciousness, summoning the long-forgotten attribute panel.

[Points:4467]

After accumulating points over this period, the points surged again, reaching a considerable number.