Chapter 350
Treasure Boat Meeting
"Boss, boss!"
"They're actually really nice people!"
Sailing against the wind and waves, Hongxian really managed to entertain these ghost babies in various ways, not only getting them to pull the boat but also making them perform shows.
Red Thread was in charge, directing the ghost infants to leap up like carp leaping over the Dragon Gate, forming an arched bridge.
Then she waved her hand again, and the ghost babies formed a V-shape and a straight line underwater, as if she were controlling her own arm.
Most importantly, these ghost babies actually seemed quite happy, as if they were playing a game, and the resentment on their bodies had faded considerably.
Hearing those innocent laughs, Zhou Sheng couldn't help but feel a stirring in his heart.
Fortunately, he did not directly attack them earlier. Although these ghost infants were full of resentment, they still had the hearts of children. They actually longed to play and be accompanied.
The unwillingness to be reborn is also a way of missing the parents one has never met.
The appearance of the red thread made them feel as if they had met a leader, a big sister. After relaxing, their playful childlike hearts overcame their resentment, and for a moment, their laughter was no different from that of ordinary children.
Yu Zhensheng and Yu Tianheng on the ship were also moved and watched the scene in silence.
With their cultivation level, crossing the Washing Maiden River wouldn't be difficult; they could simply use swift and decisive methods. However, after witnessing the childlike innocence of these ghost infants, they suddenly understood why the Celestial Master Xu Jing couldn't bring himself to do it back then.
With the full assistance of these ghost infants, the treasure ship moved even faster, arriving at the entrance to the Underworld Sea in less than half an hour.
Looking ahead, there was a deep and boundless black sea. Even with Zhou Sheng's full power of his Dharma Eye and nearly three hundred years of profound cultivation, he could not see the boundary of the Nether Sea.
No one knows the origin of this dark sea; all that is known is that it has existed since the beginning of written records.
Even the most ancient and mysterious spirits of the underworld seem like toddlers just learning to walk before this ancient and mysterious sea of darkness.
The "Tang Wen" chapter of the Liezi states that its furthest reaches are connected to Guixu, and that the waters of the eight directions and nine fields, as well as the flow of the Milky Way, all flow into it.
There are many isolated islands in the sea, some of which are even relics from ancient times. Therefore, cultivators often cross the sea to search for treasures, while others cross the Nether Sea to escape their enemies, and then disappear without a trace.
This place holds many opportunities, including the sacred grounds of powerful beings who have transcended tribulations, but it also harbors countless dangers.
The sea breeze carries a hint of saltiness, but unlike the winds of the human world, the winds of the underworld cause a strange tremor in one's soul.
The wind here can stir a person's soul and spirit.
If one's cultivation level is insufficient, even if one is lucky enough to avoid danger after a trip on a ship, one will lose several souls and become mentally impaired. Because it is at sea, even the art of calling back the soul cannot restore one's spirit.
Fortunately, everyone on the ship was highly skilled and remained unmoved despite the sea breeze.
After the treasure ship had completely entered the Sea of the Underworld, the ghost infants lingered behind reluctantly, as if an invisible barrier was holding them back, and no matter how much the red thread urged them, they could not move forward another step.
Its voice was sobbing, filled with reluctance.
Hongxian was so moved that tears almost streamed down her face. With a determined bite of her teeth, she took out all the candied fruit she had stored and sprinkled it on them.
"My lads, I'll be back again!!"
She waved her arms and shouted, but as soon as she finished speaking, the departing ghost babies suddenly stirred and made panicked noises.
The next moment, a giant ship suddenly sailed from the Xinu River, more than ten times larger than Zhou Sheng's ship. It was as fast as lightning, stirring up waves and crackling with electricity. The nearby ghost infants screamed in agony and fled in panic.
Boom!
The giant ship smashed through the infants and sailed into the Nether Sea. Its sides, like gills, suddenly spewed out towering waves that rushed straight towards Zhou Sheng and the others.
It turned out that it wasn't entirely a ship, but a modified giant whale.
The whale demon possessed considerable magical power and had even cultivated extremely rare lightning energy. However, after being killed, its corpse was transformed into a giant ship, which became a means of crossing the sea for others to trample underfoot.
"Watch out!" Tan Sheng exclaimed in alarm as the giant wave surged towards them, looking slightly tense, but Zhou Sheng and the others remained calm.
As the waves crashed against him, Zhou Sheng gently raised his sleeve and waved it, as if sweeping away a few wisps of dust.
Whoosh!
The surging waves instantly scattered like flying flowers, as if they had crashed into some invisible barrier, and even bounced back at an even faster speed, causing the giant ship to tremble violently.
Chiwen's water-controlling supernatural powers, combined with nearly three hundred years of cultivation, made Zhou Sheng's seemingly casual movement actually a display of effortless skill and astonishing skill.
"hateful!"
Seeing his newly recruited underlings being treated this way, Hongxian was so angry that his fur stood on end, and his monkey tail stood up. He was about to take out the Dragon Fire Spear from his ear.
"Don't rush."
Zhou Sheng patted her head, looked at the giant ship that had slowly come to a stop, and said with a deep gaze, "Let's see what kind of background they have."
Such a domineering person, and possessing such a treasure ship, must be no nobody.
Their journey to the City of the Dead is likely to involve a major battle, and unless they are mortal enemies, it is best not to cause any further trouble beforehand.
Any scores can be settled when we get back.
"When the Thunder Whale was changing the water, we unintentionally disturbed Your Excellency. It was our fault. These fresh vegetables and fruits are all spiritual items, so we offer them to Your Excellency. Please forgive us."
At this moment, an old man stepped out from the giant ship.
He wore a magnificent silk robe and a blue cloak. He was short in stature but possessed an extraordinary and dignified air. His eyes, in particular, were sharp and piercing.
He was like a vulture eyeing its prey, carrion.
"No need."
Zhou Sheng stopped him from sending gifts, and said calmly, "We have other important matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave."
The old man was quite skilled, and several precious lights emanated from his body. Zhou Sheng only glanced at him and found at least six protective magic treasures.
They are wealthy and powerful.
Moreover, as the old man spoke, many auras were faintly visible within the giant ship, lying in wait. As long as Zhou Sheng dared to make a move, they could unleash a thunderous attack in an instant.
Although he was confident in his cultivation level and fearless of his opponent, he had no need to provoke trouble.
“Kid, you did the right thing. See the merchant flag on this ship? This should be a ship of the Treasure Boat Society. They specialize in doing business in the Underworld Sea, searching for treasures and exploring mysteries, buying and selling goods. They are wealthy, have many experts, and have dealings with many powerful figures who are hiding in the Underworld Sea.”
Yu Zhensheng, as expected of a seasoned veteran, had already recognized the origin of the giant ship and informed his disciple via telepathy.
This old man has an extraordinary bearing and owns such an amazing Thunder Whale Treasure Ship; he must be a big shot in the Treasure Ship Association.
Just as Zhou Sheng was about to urge the Dharma boat to leave, he heard the old man's voice ring out again.
"Please wait a moment, sir. I am the second-in-command of the Treasure Boat Society. I have a business deal I would like to discuss with you, and I am confident that the price will satisfy you."
Zhou Sheng was taken aback, then frowned and asked, "What kind of business?"
The old man smiled slightly, his gaze falling on the little monkey next to Zhou Sheng that was baring its teeth at him.
"May I ask, sir, is this monkey for sale?"
...(End of this chapter)