Chapter Three: An Encounter on the South Sea

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“Hao, look at that person—how strange, hehe…” A gentle, airy voice fell softly, as the young woman covered her mouth and smiled radiantly.

Her skin was fairer than snow, her eyes as clear as limpid springs; in her every glance lay a refined, noble aura that drew the gaze and made one feel unworthy to approach, their heart awed into reverent restraint. Yet beneath that cool aloofness sparkled a captivating liveliness, an allure impossible to resist—she was beauty itself, without compare.

“Yes, he’s certainly an odd one,” the man called Hao replied, casting his gaze where she indicated and nodding to himself.

…

“Dora, the people of this continent are so enthusiastic. Look—they’re coming to greet me!” Tianming laughed, watching a ship in the distance.

Dora…

Not only did they call him a fool, but praised others as well.

Seeing this, Tianming felt no embarrassment at all. He immediately leapt up, waving his arms energetically, unfazed by the refreshing, invigorating sensation coursing through his body.

…

“Hahahaha…”

Although Tianming stood stark naked, perhaps because he’d spent so long indoors his skin was remarkably fair. The people on the boat weren’t put off in the least—they stared openly. When Tianming began to leap about, one person couldn’t help but burst out laughing, soon joined by the rest, their eyes all turning to the youth on the sand.

“I’d say he’s not just strange—he’s, well, you know. Look at that boy: skin soft and fair. From afar you’d think he was a girl, haha!” teased Leshi, standing beside a burly man and laughing boisterously, caring nothing for the fact there were two girls nearby.

“Hmph!”

A slightly childish but adorable girl covered her blushing cheeks, puffing them out as she glared at Leshi.

“Ahem…” The elegant woman’s delicate brows knit together ever so slightly, her displeased glance falling on the rugged man at her side.

“Er… Yue’er, that’s not what I meant. I was talking about that naked boy—he’s actually quite tall.” Leshi, realizing the youth’s height nearly matched his own, felt he hadn’t said anything wrong.

Had Tianming known, he’d probably have laughed. Thanks to Dora’s enhancements, his muscles were bursting with power and his height had shot up to over two meters—a hack job, really, not the result of actual training. His skin was as smooth as a girl’s, so no wonder Leshi made that remark.

“Then what did you mean?” The girl called Yue’er looked thoroughly displeased, as if she’d call for backup unless given a reasonable explanation.

“Nothing… How about we go over and see what that fellow’s up to?” Leshi suggested quickly.

“Very well,” Hao, who rarely spoke, replied coolly.

Out of the corner of his eye, Leshi glanced at Hao, who remained utterly unconcerned, not even turning his head. Leshi, however, felt as if he stood before an icy abyss and quickly lowered his head, daring not pursue the topic further for fear of angering everyone.

…

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Waves three fathoms high crashed ceaselessly onto the shore, where a naked youth stood between heaven and earth, facing the wind.

A gentle breeze blew.

After Tianming’s punch had dispatched the beast, any flying creatures watching hungrily from the island had scattered in an instant—at least, so Tianming fancied.

“Congratulations, Tianming, you have comprehended a new realm: the Martial Brute Stage,” Dora announced.

“The Martial Brute Stage? Dora, I think you misunderstand that term!” Tianming’s face was a picture of confusion. The naming conventions on this planet were awfully perfunctory.

“The new realm—the Martial Brute Stage: pursuing the limits of the body, maximizing physical potential, representing the union of courage and strength. When the body reaches a certain critical point, it triggers changes in the world itself, drawing in the primordial energy of chaos for cultivation. This is called the tenth grade of Martial Brute and beyond: the Primordial… thus begins your journey…”

Legend told of the Primordial Lord…

“Do you need any assistance, friend?” As Dora was explaining the era of Primordial Chaos, the roar of ancient beasts and the crashing of waves echoed through the air. Suddenly, a voice as melodious as a spring, clear and enchanting, drifted over the tumult of the sea, banishing all other noise.

“How lovely!” That was Tianming’s first impression—the voice was sweet as honey, beautiful and soothing, putting his heart at ease.

Dora: “Single dog’s illusion.”

Tianming: “Shut up! What do you know?”

Dora: “Once, I too had a sincere love, but I let it slip away…”

Tianming…

…So there’s a story there.

As Tianming bantered with Dora, the massive, luxurious ironclad ship turned from the distant horizon and sailed towards him. Its sail bore only a single character: “Yi.” There were no other markings. At the prow, several figures could be seen, their attire splendid and noble, their bearing extraordinary.

The great ship cut through the waves, its ironclad bow splitting the azure sea, forging a grand path of water. Spumes of foam rose in its wake, and soon it reached the place where Tianming stood. Though this vessel was less technologically advanced than those of Tianming’s world, to a vagabond like him it was a godsend—a blessing from the heavens.

Only a poem could express Tianming’s feelings at that moment:

A lone sail fades in the endless blue, only Tianming remains, tears ready to fall.

After drifting so long, he had finally reached the end—moved to both tears and laughter, he nearly burst out swearing in relief.

“Beautiful sister, may I join you on your bed—uh, I mean, may I travel with you all?” With a respectful bow and a warm smile, Tianming asked eagerly.

As the saying goes, the honest walk openly, the petty cower in fear.

All stand upon the same earth; there’s no need for pretension.

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So Tianming made no effort to conceal himself, standing tall between sea and sky, hands at his sides, caring nothing for the odd looks cast his way.

“Yiying Shipping—thousand years of experience. Fare is ten thousand Primordial coins. Price is fixed, young man. Do you still want to come aboard?” The previously silent youth, seeing Tianming’s shamelessness, spoke with a touch of envy and irritation.

At these words, Tianming…

Was this a joke? He didn’t even know what a Primordial coin looked like, but the fare must be immense—such a luxurious ship surely cost a fortune to operate. He probably wasn’t even worth the asking price if they sold him.

“I don’t have any money. Can I pay you later?” Tianming pleaded, hands pressed together, not wishing to continue wandering.

“So you want a free ride?” the youth exclaimed, incredulous—a Martial Brute weakling daring to make such a bold request. Youthful audacity, indeed.

“Perish the thought! If you refuse, I won’t insist.” Tianming’s mouth twitched; he dared not argue further.

“Giggle…” Yue’er seemed utterly unconcerned, as though she hadn’t understood the implication. She gave a bright, ringing laugh.

Her laughter, clear as silver bells, was dreamlike and soothing. Tianming couldn’t help but glance again at the lovely girl—a spontaneous fondness blossomed in his heart, an urge to protect and cherish her with all his might.

The girl was seventeen or eighteen, her oval face well-defined, eyes dark and shining, cheeks tinged with red, and her whole being radiated youthful energy. Her skin outshone snow, her features were a picture of grace—every smile and frown was enchanting. At least, that was how Tianming saw her.

“Yisha, give him some clothes—he’s hurting my eyes,” a cold and elegant woman suddenly remarked, her willow brows slightly furrowing.

She glanced at Yisha, then gazed back up at the blue sky.

At her words, Yisha nodded. With a pained expression, he withdrew a garment from his spatial ring—it was one of his favorites, but he dared not refuse.

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to return it when I have the chance!” Tianming said gratefully.

He took the clothes, which had appeared out of thin air in Yisha’s hands, then bowed deeply to everyone on the ship to express his thanks.

“No need. Just wash it first before you return it,” Yisha replied helplessly. His hand, still half-raised, trembled a little before he finally let it drop with a sigh.

“Of course,” Tianming replied with a smile.

He shook out the garment and pulled it on. Though it was a bit small, it covered him well enough, and he could finally relax.

At that moment, there was no way to act the gentleman—he could only settle for being a rogue.

He had to admit—it felt wonderful.

The smile on Tianming’s face grew even brighter.