Chapter Sixty-Six: Setting Sail
The climate at sea is ever-changing. One moment, the waters are calm and the skies clear; the next, clouds gather in darkness, winds howl, and waves rise in fury.
Fortunately, the ship carrying Shen Yu and his two companions was a massive vessel built for the open ocean.
After the storm passed, sunlight pierced the clouds, casting its radiance over the shimmering waves, bringing a sense of serenity and delight.
Trade between the Eastern Ancestor Continent and the Central Continent was frequent, so the ship was filled with traveling merchants. Occasionally, one might glimpse a scholar in traditional robes among them.
Recently, Guiyun Immortal Sect, in search of a lost treasure, had even sealed off all ferries in and out of the ancient town of Pingyao, causing much grumbling among the locals.
For the boy in black, this was his first journey far from home, and the endless expanse of the ocean brought him little joy.
This was in no small part due to Lu Caiwei, who, ever since boarding, had behaved like a pampered heiress, drifting from bow to stern, gazing at the sea in idleness, and, when hungry, simply staring at Shen Yu without a word.
Alas, Shen Yu was never one to wait on others, so the boy had, by default, become her attendant—fetching tea, pouring water, attending to her every need.
As for the elder Kou Wang, word was he had suffered serious injuries and was recovering at the Tianhe Inn. Lu Caiwei had arranged for her maid to care for him until he recovered, after which they would return by the same route.
It was another beautiful day.
Shen Yu stepped out from his cabin and stood at the stern, the sea breeze stirring his sleeves, his bearing serene and otherworldly.
True to his word, Shen Yu had offered no comment on Lu Caiwei’s behavior these past days, showing remarkable patience for her moods.
After once again serving the spoiled young lady, the boy in black emerged, his expression one of utter resignation, as if to say, “How could someone as impressive as I be reduced to serving a woman?”
He approached Shen Yu and complained, “Sir, why must we bring that woman along? I, Li Fugui, am at least the leader of Yixiantian. If the little demons in the mountains find out, how will I ever command them again?”
Shen Yu replied, “I don't recall assigning you these tasks.”
Li Fugui looked aggrieved, crouching on the deck and burying his head in despair.
She was, after all, a woman.
The mere sight of her made his heart quake—how could he dare disobey?
In Li Fugui’s mind, women were always terrifying creatures. With his shrewdness, he figured that an ordinary woman could handle several strong cultivators, so what of this one, already close to the ninth level of Qi Refinement? She must be all the more dreadful.
Could a single glance from her really kill him?
Shen Yu’s indulgence of her behavior these days only strengthened the boy’s conviction.
People began to emerge from their cabins to enjoy the sea breeze, exchanging tales and banter from every corner of the land, their conversations laced with the kind of innuendo only men would understand.
Impatient as ever, the boy soon mingled with the group, not speaking, just listening in.
The side cabin door opened, and Lu Caiwei stepped out. She glanced at the crowd at the bow, frowned slightly, then turned to the refined young man at the stern. After some hesitation, she walked over.
They stood side by side, not far apart.
Lu Caiwei asked, “What level have you reached now?”
Shen Yu shook his head and replied, “Your cultivation is guided by another. I will not teach you.”
Lu Caiwei’s composed expression clouded with anger. “Are you a man or not? Why are you so petty? Even in business, there’s room for kindness. How can you be so small-minded?”
Shen Yu said coolly, “Your aptitude is ordinary. If I teach you to cultivate only for you to throw your life away, what meaning would that have?”
Lu Caiwei’s face fell at his words. She gazed out at the tranquil sea, her eyes reddening with tears.
She was, indeed, homesick.
Yet she still wanted to go to Guiyun Immortal Sect, even though everyone there wished her harm. She had to go.
She had heard from a woman named Sister Yun that Elder Qu Zheng had died there.
Lu Caiwei was deeply grateful to that kindly old man. All she wanted was to visit his grave and pay her respects. Nothing more.
Every New Year, he would bring her little gifts. In his spare time, he would visit to teach her cultivation. Whenever they met, he would smile and say, “Oh, Caiwei, you’ve grown again.”
She knew she could never reach that place on her own, not with Jiang Jianghu, nor with the people from Guiyun Immortal Sect, nor even with the lessons Shen Yu had imparted. All had taught this girl, who had never suffered much, a harsh truth.
But Lu Caiwei had always considered herself timid. She knew that if she went home now, she might never find the courage to go to Guiyun Immortal Sect.
She didn’t know why she was willing to pay such a price just to honor an old man who had never officially taken her as a disciple, nor why she struck a reckless bargain with Shen Yu.
Perhaps it was only to have a clear conscience.
She understood, deep down, that none of this was Shen Yu’s fault.
Even if his bargain with her had been cold and unfeeling, it was mutual benefit, and she had approached him herself. She accepted that.
No one in this world is kind to another for no reason.
This truth she understood, but still she felt a grudge against Shen Yu.
There was no reason for it.
She was also one to hold grudges. Jiang Jianghu had been sent by the same people who came with Sister Yun. If she ever became a powerful cultivator, she would surely seek revenge.
Of course, these ambitions were distant dreams.
Suddenly, Lu Caiwei spoke, each word clear and determined: “Even if it means my death, I will go.”
Shen Yu responded coolly, “Oh.”
Seeing his calm, indifferent demeanor, Lu Caiwei grew furious for no reason and cursed, “Bastard, beast, you’re not a man.”
Shen Yu glanced at her and replied, “Whether I’m a man or not, some know it well.”
She sneered, “With that face, what woman would want you?”
Shen Yu seemed in good spirits and answered, “Strangely enough, just recently, there was one—crying and begging to give herself to me.”
“Scoundrel!” Lu Caiwei, provoked beyond endurance, lunged at Shen Yu, shouting, “I’ll kill you!”
Shen Yu flicked his finger, sending her flying backward—not hard, but enough for her to crash onto the deck.
Fortunately, they were at the stern and no one saw this.
After so many frustrations, Lu Caiwei lay on the deck, no longer able to contain her sense of grievance, and began to sob quietly, head down.
“You all bully me, everyone bullies me.”
Shen Yu looked to the horizon and said, “This isn’t your home. No one—”
“Shut up. Spare me your false wisdom,” Lu Caiwei interrupted, suddenly lifting her head in anger. “When I become a powerful cultivator, the first person I’ll beat is you. I’ll make you kneel and beg for mercy.”
A faint smile touched Shen Yu’s lips. He walked over and raised his hand.
The once bold and defiant girl shrank back at once, squeezing her eyes shut.
The next moment, warm fingers gently touched her forehead.
Puzzled, she opened her eyes a crack and saw Shen Yu’s figure walking away.
“Work hard at your cultivation. When you reach the Initiate Realm, perhaps I’ll teach you a few techniques.”
Lu Caiwei exclaimed with delight, “Really?”
Shen Yu said nothing, quietly crossing the deck to gaze at the distant coastline.
Li Fugui came running up, calling, “Sir, I understand now.”
Shen Yu looked over.
Li Fugui’s face was full of sudden realization. “I never imagined you were so passionate, sir.”
Shen Yu was baffled.
“I’ve heard there are things women do that I can do too.” The boy made an orchid-hand gesture, imitating the courtesans he’d seen among the merchants, and said shyly, “I can even take a woman’s form, you know.”
No sooner had he spoken than a strong wind struck.
He was promptly tossed overboard into the sea.
Shen Yu’s face betrayed no emotion, and he softly uttered a single word.