Volume One: The Young Man Enters the World Chapter Ninety-Seven: Continuing the Journey

Atop the stone platform, the sounds of battle between the two had faded. Aside from Fang Tian and Huo Chen, who were still recovering their spiritual energy, everyone else had opened their eyes, gazing at the battered, ruined platform and at Fang Tian, with his body covered in wounds, and at Huo Chen, whose face looked somewhat pale. They clicked their tongues in amazement, marveling at the destructive power of their duel—was this truly the combat of the Spirit Seed Realm? Then, remembering that Fang Tian was merely a cultivator in the Gathering Spirit Realm, their perceptions and attitudes toward him began to subtly shift.

To fight through the night and into the dawn at a lower cultivation stage against someone of the Spirit Seed Realm was not something just anyone could accomplish. In their understanding, the Gathering Spirit Realm could never cross such a chasm, let alone fight at this level. Ordinary cultivators in the Gathering Spirit Realm, confronted with the pressure of the Spirit Seed Realm, would be overwhelmed, unable to even withstand the oppression of such a gap, much less exchange blows. In their eyes, such a scenario was pure fantasy, beyond anything they dared imagine.

Yet Fang Tian, a cultivator only at the fifth layer of the Gathering Spirit Realm, had, by sheer talent, matched Huo Chen blow for blow. It was impossible to fathom how he had trained to reach such heights. This contest had completely overturned their understanding. All they could conclude was that anything was possible; the world was not as simple as they had assumed. Not understanding or comprehending did not mean that the unexpected could not occur. Fang Tian had taught them a lesson through his actions.

Still, they were curious how Fang Tian managed to persist. His body was covered in wounds and looked far from optimistic, yet his demeanor was calm. Were his injuries merely superficial?

Seeing that the two were still recovering, the surrounding crowd chose not to disturb them, patiently waiting. After all, after battling through the night, it would take time for their spiritual energy to recover.

About an hour passed before the two slowly opened their eyes and exchanged a glance, then looked around. Huo Chen stood up and said, "I've almost fully recovered. But I wonder how this young man fares."

Fang Tian stood as well, smiling as he replied, "I've recovered enough. There shouldn't be any problems."

Huo Chen cast him a glance and said in a flat tone, "That's good. But don't think that just because you fought me until dawn, you have reason to be proud. I held back, lest you be hurt. Understand?"

Huo Chen seemed to care about his reputation. Fang Tian, thinking it over, decided to play along. "Your martial arts are formidable, Island Master. I am deeply impressed."

Smart lad, thought Huo Chen, who snorted lightly and led his disciples away.

Walking along, Huo Chen recalled the duel with some lingering unease. Fang Tian’s spiritual power seemed endless, as if there was no bottom to it. If this had been a battle to the death, he wasn’t sure he could have subdued him. Given Fang Tian’s displayed strength, to call him invincible within the Gathering Spirit Realm was no exaggeration. Most astonishing of all, Fang Tian had not used any advanced martial skills, but had fought Huo Chen toe-to-toe with his fists. This meant his body was extraordinary, but Huo Chen could not imagine what kind of physique could produce such a person.

He sighed softly, amazed that he had been entangled in battle with such a young man for so long—truly a sign of aging.

Seeing Huo Chen depart, the remaining people did not linger. They called their companions and headed toward the spirit ship.

Those from Ice Spirit Island watched Fang Tian, who was full of vigor, feeling conflicted. They had hoped Huo Chen would teach him a lesson, but instead, Fang Tian emerged unscathed, speaking with the others as if nothing had happened. They sensed his aura had grown stronger, and he seemed like a beast in quiet repose—appearing harmless, but in truth fierce and wild.

They left with resignation. Having witnessed Fang Tian’s true strength, they realized no one could contend with him now.

After the two groups departed, Fu Cang merely exchanged a few words with Fang Tian, then gathered the disciples of Clear Stream Gate and followed the others toward the shore.

Fang Tian noticed Fu Cang’s brows were furrowed, as if he were anxious, pondering something. It was the first time Fang Tian had seen that expression. Was he worried that Fang Tian had delayed them?

Though puzzled, Fang Tian did not dwell on it.

After all, their purpose was to eliminate the pirates; any further delay would be detrimental. Waiting for Fang Tian and Huo Chen to recover had already cost them valuable time. If they lingered longer, they might miss the opportunity. As for Fu Cang’s concerns, Fang Tian decided not to speculate; whatever Fu Cang was thinking, it had little to do with him. It was probably just as he suspected—a fear of wasting time.

Clearing away these stray thoughts, Fang Tian followed calmly behind the others.

Fu Cang led the way, his face, unseen by anyone, betraying impatience and a hint of cruelty, utterly different from his usual gentle and amiable demeanor.

Back on the spirit ship, Fang Tian found a vacant spot at the bow, sat down, and closed his eyes to rest. After a night of fierce combat, his spiritual energy had not fully recovered. Though his spiritual body steadily replenished his lost energy, he wanted to hasten the process. The journey to eliminate the pirates was fraught with unknown dangers; only by restoring himself to peak condition could he face whatever lay ahead. If he encountered powerful pirates while not at his best, he might be overwhelmed. If he fell into their hands, he would be left with nothing but regret—something he could not accept.

He had learned from Fu Cang that the journey from this deserted island to Golden Stone Island would take several days, giving him plenty of time to restore his spiritual energy without worrying about running out of time.

The disciples of Clear Stream Gate saw Fang Tian cultivating and abandoned their plans to flatter him. They knew he was restoring his energy, and disturbing him now might incur his displeasure. Fang Tian was not only their benefactor but also an exceptionally powerful young cultivator, whom they had come to deeply respect; none dared interrupt him.

To avoid bothering Fang Tian, the disciples who had been nearby quietly moved away, gathering together and leaving him ample space. They refrained from speaking, fearing that any sound might disrupt his cultivation.

Fang Tian, immersed in recovery, was unaware of all this. He focused his mind, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth around him. His previously depleted meridians gradually filled with energy. As time passed, his meridians became saturated. It wouldn’t be long before he fully restored his spiritual power.

As the spiritual energy poured in, he noticed that his already robust meridians had grown even wider. The day before, prior to the duel, they had not been like this, despite the slow changes brought by his spiritual body. Such rapid transformation overnight was unprecedented. He surmised that this miraculous effect was due to the night’s battle; he could think of no other cause.

Amazed at the wonders of his spiritual body, Fang Tian felt a restless urge rise within him. He yearned to spar with another master. If dueling with high-level cultivators brought such benefits, then he had found a way to quickly break through his current realm. He had always been eager to advance, but had feared damaging his foundation. Now, he sensed that once his spiritual energy was fully restored, his limits would rise, and perhaps he would break through to the next layer.

Fang Tian was overjoyed. Now he could advance faster, without worrying about instability in his cultivation. Yet he remembered he still had to attend the Hundred Islands Tournament, and could not afford to waste time. After some thought, he decided to wait until after the tournament before seeking out more duels with powerful cultivators; for now, he must focus on the task at hand.

He did not know how much time had passed. Once his spiritual energy was fully restored, he slowly opened his eyes and observed the people around him on the ship. Seeing the ample space left for him, he understood the reason and smiled wryly. He stood up, walked to the very front of the ship, leaned on the railing, and gazed out at the boundless sea. His mind was drawn to the distant horizon, and his mood became exceptionally tranquil.

As Fang Tian watched the sea, Mu Qiao Qiao quietly came to his side, resting her head and body against the rail, her bright eyes fixed on him.

Fang Tian turned, smiling. “What is it?”

“Nothing. Have you fully recovered your spiritual energy?” Mu Qiao Qiao asked with concern.

“More or less,” Fang Tian replied softly.

“Oh, that’s a relief. I thought you’d need ten days or more to recover, but it happened so quickly.”

“It was only a bit of energy loss. Recovery is naturally fast.”

“I didn’t expect your true strength to be so great. I may need to reconsider our duel.” Mu Qiao Qiao mused, resting her chin on her hand, her beautiful eyes fixed on Fang Tian.

“What’s this? Are you thinking of backing out?” Fang Tian teased with a smile.

“Of course. You can already spar with masters of the Spirit Seed Realm. If I fight you now, I’m sure to lose.” Mu Qiao Qiao pouted lightly.

“You insisted on the duel before. Who's to blame?”

“Well, who knew you were hiding so much? If I’d known how strong you were, I’d never have challenged you.”

“So, what now? No duel?” Fang Tian asked, curious about her intentions.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qiao Qiao straightened her slender waist, raised her head, and said, “We’ll duel, absolutely. Do you take me for someone who goes back on her word?”

“Uh, so even if you lose, you’ll still fight me?” Fang Tian scratched his head.

“That’s right. Even if I can’t beat you, I’ll still challenge you,” Mu Qiao Qiao declared firmly.

Seeing her stubborn gaze, Fang Tian was unsure what to do. “Maybe let’s just forget about it. Peace is better, isn’t it?”

“Hmph, are you looking down on me again?”

“Not at all…”

“I think you are.”

“Injustice…”

“Fang Tian, you’ve really made me angry.”

“Don’t, let me apologize.”

“No use. Even if I can’t beat you, I’ll make you miserable. Just wait.” With that, Mu Qiao Qiao stormed away from the bow, not even glancing at Fang Tian.

Watching her retreating figure, Fang Tian chuckled softly, turned back, and continued gazing at the sea, quietly feeling the warmth of the ocean breeze.