Chapter 382: One Man and Four Women Going to Sea?
After obtaining the Asura Demon Sword, Tang Chuan did not head directly to Sea God Island. Instead, he returned to Heaven Dou City and only set off for Sea God Island after picking up Xiao Rui'er, Ye Lingling, and the others.
On the day of departure, outside a quiet manor in the western suburbs of Heaven Dou City.
A large and sturdy carriage had already been prepared, arranged in advance by Dugu Bo. The four steeds pulling the carriage were extraordinary, their hooves tapping lightly yet appearing very steady and powerful.
Far more people came to see them off than expected.
Not only were the core members of the Spirit Hall, such as Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, present, but even the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, as well as Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong, had come.
The atmosphere was solemn, carrying a thick sense of parting sorrow.
"Hall Master, the overseas is different from the continent. Be careful in everything!"
Yang Wudi cupped his fists, his words concise and his eyes filled with undisguised concern. Niu Gao and the others chimed in one after another; they had already tied the future of their clans largely to Tang Chuan.
Ning Fengzhi's gentle gaze swept toward Tang Chuan, then immediately landed on his daughter, Ning Rongrong, whose eyes were slightly red. He lightly patted her shoulder and then spoke warmly to the former:
"Little friend Tang Chuan, I leave Rongrong in your care."
"Though she has a bit of a temper, she never falters at critical moments. On this trip... safety must be the priority. Finding an Opportunity is good, of course, but returning safely is what's most important."
Bone Douluo Gu Rong grinned, patted the solid wall of the carriage, and said:
"Kid, this carriage was personally supervised by that old freak Dugu; it's very sturdy. The winds and waves by the sea are strong; with this, you all can suffer a bit less. Go and return quickly!"
Dugu Bo pulled Tang Chuan aside, his green pupils full of solemnity as he lowered his voice and said, "Kid, Sea God Island is no small matter. I'm entrusting Yan Yan to you; you must ensure her safety!"
Saying this, he paused and stuffed an extremely detailed parchment map into Tang Chuan's hand. "This is a map of the safest and fastest route to the west coast of the continent, with several reliable contact points marked. Once you reach the coast, someone will naturally meet you to take you onto a ship."
Hearing this, Tang Chuan could feel the deep-seated worry of this Old Poison, who was both a mentor and a friend. He nodded solemnly and said, "Don't worry, Yan Yan is also my friend. I will definitely do my best to keep everyone safe."
On the other side, the sadness of parting was even thicker.
Dugu Yan eventually couldn't hold back and threw herself into her grandfather Dugu Bo's arms, her tears falling like pearls from a broken string. She had depended on Dugu Bo since childhood, and her heart was full of reluctance and unease.
Though Dugu Bo was usually very aloof, at this moment, he only gently patted his granddaughter's back. His graying hair moved slightly in the sea breeze, and his eyes revealed a rare softness and concern.
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After a long time, he finally brought the red-eyed Dugu Yan before Tang Chuan and urged again in a raspy voice, "Yan Yan, I leave her to you."
Ning Rongrong's eyes were also brimming with tears as she looked at the few strands of white hair that had appeared at her father Ning Fengzhi's temples at some unknown point, as well as his still gentle yet tired smile. Her heart felt an indescribable bitterness.
Ning Fengzhi comforted her softly, telling her that this was an experience, a growth, and the responsibility of the future successor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Under the consolation of her father and the two grandfathers, Sword and Bone, Ning Rongrong finally boarded the carriage, looking back with every step.
Tang Chuan noted down everyone's instructions one by one, then cupped his fists toward all those seeing them off, saying:
"Everyone, please rest assured. I have my own sense of propriety for this trip."
"As for the matters of the continent, I will rely on all of you. Once we return, we shall drink and talk merrily with everyone!"
Finally, everyone boarded the carriage.
The carriage interior was spacious, simple, and comfortable, clearly prepared with care.
Ning Fengzhi had specifically assigned a shrewd, capable Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Disciple who was familiar with long-distance travel to serve as the driver. The driver bowed to everyone and skillfully took command of the four horses.
"Jia!"
The carriage slowly started moving, heading toward the West Gate of Heaven Dou City along the bluestone official road.
Once the carriage passed the West Gate of Heaven Dou City, it followed the wide official road all the way west without stopping.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
The sadness of parting had not yet fully dissipated, and the weight of the unknown future pressed heavily on their hearts.
Inside the carriage, Tang Chuan opened the map given by Dugu Bo. The mountains, rivers, towns, and passes of the western Heaven Dou Empire were marked in great detail. A route marked with a red line wound westward, reaching directly to a port named Vast Sea City on the continent's west coast.
Beside it were small annotations from Dugu Bo.
He had marked several secret outposts along the way where they could replenish supplies and obtain help.
"The journey ahead is long. According to the map and Old Poison's calculations, just traveling by carriage to the west coast will take over a month. After that, we'll switch to a sea vessel to head to Sea God Island, which will likely take another month. All in all, it'll be at least two months," Tang Chuan said to the four women.
He looked up, his gaze sweeping over the four young faces, each with their own thoughts but all becoming resolute.
"This is a long journey and a difficult test."
"On the trip to Sea God Island, opportunities and dangers coexist. From today on, we are a single unit. I hope everyone can adapt as quickly as possible and support one another."
"For now, let's settle our minds, take a good look at the scenery along the way, and... prepare well for the upcoming sea journey."
The carriage sped steadily along the official road, heading west toward that mysterious and vast sea, beginning a long and unknown expedition.
Their story would shift from the continent to the broader stage of the ocean. Meanwhile, the people in Heaven Dou City could only entrust their thoughts and blessings to the wind, silently waiting for the day of their return.
A week's time passed quietly amidst the sound of wheels and horse hooves.
Tang Chuan's group crossed the rolling hills and vast plains of the western Heaven Dou Empire. The scenery along the way gradually changed from the lush greenery of the interior to a coastal landscape carrying a salty, damp atmosphere.
When the fishy, salty smell in the air became more obvious, and even the wind carried the unique strength of the ocean tides, they knew their destination was near.
Inside the carriage, Tang Chuan once again spread out the detailed map. Xiao Rui'er, Ye Lingling, Dugu Yan, and Ning Rongrong naturally gathered around.
After a week of being together day and night, the fatigue of the journey and the initial parting sorrow had been replaced by anticipation for their destination and a hint of excitement for the adventure. The team's atmosphere had also become much more harmonious.
Tang Chuan's slender fingers moved across the map, finally pointing to a prominent mark on the western coastline. "We're about to arrive at Vast Sea City. It's the only large port city on the Empire's western coast and one of the largest coastal and port cities on the entire Douluo Continent. It's built by the sea—or rather, on the cliffs by the sea. The terrain is precipitous, making it difficult for tides to invade."
His fingertip drew a circle on the sea chart over a vast area of water east of Vast Sea City.
"To go to Sea God Island, we must rent or hire a sea vessel from this city's port that is sturdy enough and familiar with the shipping routes."
"According to the sea charts and the estimates of our Seniors, setting out to sea from here will take about ten days of sailing if the wind is favorable to reach the general area where Sea God Island is located."
"Ten days..." Ning Rongrong repeated softly, looking at the blue area representing the endless ocean on the map. Her eyes held both a bit of fear of the long sea voyage and a longing for the mysterious island.
"We're finally going to see the ocean!" Dugu Yan, on the other hand, seemed quite excited. Her Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul made her not at all averse to damp environments.
Ye Lingling and Xiao Rui'er looked at the map seriously, silently noting the information Tang Chuan had provided.
During their conversation, the carriage paused slightly and its speed slowed down.
The driver's voice came from the front, saying:
"Everyone, we've arrived at Vast Sea City. A routine inspection is required ahead."
Hearing this, everyone straightened their clothes and got out of the carriage one after another.
The first thing that met their eyes was that towering and magnificent giant city built against the mountains and the sea!
The walls of Vast Sea City were over twenty meters high, constructed entirely of massive blue rocks bearing the marks of seawater erosion. They were incredibly thick, definitely a main-city-level defensive structure.
The city walls were not straight but wound along the rising and falling terrain of the coastal mountains, like a giant blue dragon crouching by the sea. No matter how the white lines of the surf rolled where the sea met the sky in the distance, it remained immovable.
Before even entering the city, the faint, salty, fishy scent of the ocean blew toward them. It was completely different from the air of inland cities and made one's Martial Soul feel refreshed.
There was a constant stream of people lining up at the city gate for inspection—merchant caravans, travelers, and local residents of all sorts, making it very lively.
The guarding soldiers wore unique armor with ocean patterns. Although the inspection was strict, they didn't make things too difficult. Tang Chuan's group had an extraordinary aura, and although the carriage wasn't luxurious, it was of high quality. After the driver showed the credentials of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they were quickly allowed through.
Passing through the deep gateway and officially entering Vast Sea City, the scene changed again.
The streets inside the city were not laid out in a grid but rose and fell with the mountain terrain. Stone steps and slopes interlaced. The buildings were mostly made of stone and wood, with a rugged and practical style. Many rooftops were covered with thick seagrass or special salt-resistant Materials.
The air was filled with a stronger fishy sea smell, mixed with the unique scent of fish markets, the saltiness of salt-drying fields, and the aromas of various seaside specialties.
Shops lined both sides of the streets, selling very distinctive goods.
Strings of dried sea fish, colorful shell and coral crafts, dried seaweed, all sorts of oddly shaped seafood, waterproof tarps, cables and fishing nets, and even small fishing boat models powered by spirit tools... many were things rarely seen inland.
The sounds of hawking and the rhythmic chants of dockworkers could be heard faintly, full of vitality and clamor.
Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan curiously sized up the shops on both sides. Even the more quiet Ye Lingling and Xiao Rui'er were drawn to the novel sea goods.
After walking for a while, Tang Chuan stopped. He looked at the time and then at the four women, who were clearly attracted by the novel sights and had temporarily forgotten their fatigue. He spoke:
"It's been a long journey by carriage; everyone must be hungry, right?"
"Since we've arrived at this premier coastal city, we naturally have to taste the most authentic seafood. Let's find a place to eat first, take a short break, and then go to the port to ask about ships."
This suggestion immediately received a response from everyone. After eating dry rations and ordinary food from roadside stations for many days, everyone indeed wanted a change of flavor.
After asking a passerby, the driver steered the carriage and brought them to the most prestigious large restaurant in the central area of Vast Sea City.
The restaurant was located on a gentle slope with a wide view. It was a three-story stone and wood building shaped like a giant ship setting sail, looking quite grand.
Three large characters were written in a flamboyant style on the sign—Ocean View Tower.
Stepping into the Ocean View Tower, the interior was spacious and bright, decorated with deep-sea sunken wood, shells, and coral, full of oceanic charm. It was currently the lunch hour, and the main hall was bustling with people and many diners. The air was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of seafood.
The waiter was sharp-eyed. Seeing that Tang Chuan's group, though travel-worn, had an extraordinary bearing, he warmly led them to a private booth by a window on the second floor.
Looking out from here, one could see layers of rooftops nearby and the shimmering blue sea in the distance, even the forest of masts at the port. The view was excellent.
Everyone took their seats, and Tang Chuan handed the menu to the four women, letting them choose as they pleased. The girls looked at the dazzling array of sea delicacy names on the menu, many of which they had never heard of, and were momentarily overwhelmed.
In the end, Tang Chuan ordered a sumptuous seafood feast based on the waiter's recommendations.
A moment later, the dishes began to arrive at the table.
Steamed premium red spotted fish, with flesh that was snowy white and tender, steamed only with scallions and ginger to preserve the most original fresh sweetness.
Steamed scallops with garlic and vermicelli, the massive scallop meat was plump and springy, with a fragrant garlic aroma.
Salt and pepper mantis shrimp, the shells fried golden and crispy, the inside fresh and juicy.
Poached large sea shrimp, dipped in special seafood soy sauce for the original flavor. There was also sea urchin steamed egg, stir-fried sea cucumber with scallions, seafood fried rice, and a large bowl of milky-white seafood tofu soup.
Every dish emitted the rich, fresh fragrance gifted by the sea, making one's mouth water.
The fatigue from consecutive days of travel seemed to be dispelled by the delicious food at this moment.
No longer standing on ceremony, everyone picked up their chopsticks.
Delicious flavors bloomed in their mouths. Even Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling, who paid the most attention to their poise, couldn't help but speed up their eating. Dugu Yan's eyes lit up as she ate, exclaiming how satisfying it was.
Xiao Rui'er carefully peeled the shrimp and crabs that needed it and distributed them to everyone.
Tang Chuan slowly tasted the various seafood, his gaze occasionally drifting toward that boundless blue outside the window.
Just then, the noisy discussion of a group of guests at the next table, mixed with a thick local accent and a fishy sea smell, inevitably drifted over.
Sitting at that table were several fishermen with dark skin and large hands and feet, clearly people who made their living at sea year-round. The dishes before them were relatively simple, but they had drunk quite a bit of wine.
At the moment, they were loudly discussing something with a hint of fear and indignation.
"Have you heard? Old Chen's boat just got back the day before yesterday, and they were scared out of their wits!" a man with a full beard took a gulp of wine and lowered his voice slightly, yet it was still clearly audible.
"What happened? Encountered a deep-sea Soul Beast again?" another person asked.
The bearded man's face showed a lingering fear as he said:
"It's even weirder than that! They say to the west, near Ghost Snail Island, there's a small fishing village near the shore. The whole village... dozens of people, all gone!"
"All gone? A tsunami? Or pirates?"
"Neither!" The man shook his head repeatedly, fear in his eyes. He said:
"They say... the deaths were horrific! Every single one was sucked dry of blood, like dried salted fish! Not even a decent pool of blood could be seen on the ground! The houses were also in tatters, looking like they'd been lashed by some thick vines or whips..."
"Sucked dry of blood?!" The others at the table gasped, their faces changing.
In this place where people lived off the sea, shipwrecks, Soul Beast attacks, or even pirate raids weren't considered strange. But this kind of bizarre and cruel way of dying made their spines tingle.
Another lean fisherman chimed in; he was clearly better informed.
"That's not even the weirdest part! Lately, it hasn't been peaceful on our waters!"
"The news coming from the east, from Purple Pearl's side, is even more terrifying! They say that some days ago, three young Soul Masters from outside arrived, and their methods are even more ruthless than pirates!"
His words piqued the interest of his tablemates and also drew the attention of Tang Chuan's group nearby. Even Xiao Rui'er, Ye Lingling, and the others stopped their chopsticks to listen intently.
Seeing everyone's attention, the lean fisherman spoke even more enthusiastically, his voice unconsciously getting louder.
"I heard that one of those three people has Blue Silver Grass as a Martial Soul, but it's not ordinary Blue Silver Grass. It's black and incredibly sinister! It can grow thick and long, just like a python, specifically for binding people. Those who get caught have their Soul Power and blood sucked away, turning into human husks in no time!"
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