In Jiangshi Village, a large crowd had gathered beneath the massive ancient tree. Everyone was here for the farewell banquet in honor of Bai Tian.
Normally, banquets of this kind were only heard of on the Tier One Islands, but Bai Tian was special to the villagers. He was, after all, the last descendant of Mistveil Island's founder.
Mistveil Island had been established nearly a hundred and fifty years ago by Bai Tian's great-grandmother. It was said she was a kind, brave woman—and more importantly—a powerful cultivator at the Foundation Realm. Legends told how she first arrived here with a child and a young girl by her side. That child was Bai Tian's grandmother, long since perished, and the young girl was none other than Granny Yu.
Back then, she had taken over the island and officially registered it under Misty Rain Isle for protection.
Unfortunately, she was gravely injured during the Monster Tide a century ago while battling a Tier 1 water beast, the Cloudveil Hydra, and succumbed to her wounds shortly after. Bai Tian had always deeply respected her—not only was she a powerful cultivator, but she had also guided both Granny Yu and his grandfather to reach the Foundation Realm.
Yes, Granny Yu was over a hundred and fifty years old now. Bai Tian had heard from Uncle Xiao that she still possessed one of the highest cultivations in the entire Seven Azure Alliance. Though age had weakened her, rendering much of her strength unusable, she might still be stronger than Uncle Xiao.
Because of this, the people of Mistveil Island held great respect for Bai Tian's family. Many had traveled from neighboring islands, drawn by both the occasion and their fondness for him. Mistveil Island was far safer than most, and with Bai Tian being the last of his bloodline, the villagers had chosen to hold a legendary farewell banquet in his honor.
The banquet was lively. Bai Tian looked around and saw familiar faces laughing, drinking, and reminiscing. Not far away, he spotted Granny Yu and his Aunt Xiao chatting quietly. Uncle Xiao was deep in conversation with several other elders.
And then, there was the small hand clutching the hem of his robe. It belonged to Little Xiao, who hadn't left his side the entire evening. The little girl's eyes were still wet with tears. She had finally realized that Bai Tian would be leaving for a long time, and in such a festive gathering, her quiet presence made Bai Tian's heart ache.
He too wondered sometimes if it would be better to remain on the island and live a simple life with these people. A few days ago, he had voiced this thought to Uncle Xiao, but received a stern reprimand in return.
He still remembered his uncle's words:
"Little Bai, even someone as powerful as your great-grandmother perished during the Monster Tide. When you have a chance to grow stronger, you must seize it. The world is vast and dangerous—don't let regret haunt you."
Bai Tian understood. Beyond the island was the vast, treacherous sea where unknown monsters lurked, and only the protection of the Navy kept most islands safe. If he had the opportunity to grow stronger, he couldn't afford to waste it.
As he was lost in thought, Bai Tian felt someone approach from behind. Turning, he saw Uncle Jiang.
The old fisherman greeted him warmly and offered his usual advice about the dangers of the sea. Before leaving, Uncle Jiang mentioned that the Fishing Team had prepared a special gift for him.
Watching Uncle Jiang's retreating figure, Bai Tian felt a pang in his heart. He knew the old man treated him like his own son. After all, Uncle Jiang's only son—the last person from Mistveil Island to be admitted to Greenwood Academy before Bai Tian—had perished in a tragic fishing accident twenty years ago.
Soon, Uncle Jiang addressed the crowd.
"Everyone, Bai Tian has been a part of our Fishing Crew for nearly four years. Now that he's leaving for Greenwood Academy, we've prepared something for him!"
At his signal, Uncle Meng appeared, carrying a gleaming one-meter-long Silverfin Carp. The crowd gasped in surprise. A Spiritual Fish was a rare catch—Fishing Crews only encountered one every six months. And the Silverfin Carp was especially precious. It could be safely eaten even by mortals, and its meat was said to boost blood vitality and cure ailments.
Excited murmurs rippled through the gathering.
Later that evening, by the glow of a massive bonfire, Uncle Meng roasted the fish. Despite the large crowd, there was more than enough to go around—ordinary folk could only consume a little before being overwhelmed by the spiritual energy within the meat.
As expected, the one who ate the most was Bai Tian himself. Uncle Meng even brought him extra portions.
"I've had enough, Uncle Meng," Bai Tian protested.
The old man grinned.
"Don't lie to me. Your father used to finish a whole fish by himself," he chuckled.
Bai Tian could only smile helplessly. His physique had always been peculiar. Even as a child, he was unusually strong for a mortal. Granny Yu had once called it Innate Divine Strength, though she'd said it shouldn't be this potent without cultivation. And his father—an orphan with no known origins—had shared the same trait.
The banquet lasted late into the night. As people began to disperse, Bai Tian noticed Little Xiao fast asleep in her mother's arms. The Silverfin Carp had been especially nourishing for her—both her parents were powerful cultivators, and everyone believed she would be one too.
They thought the same about Bai Tian. Everyone on his mother's side had been geniuses. But alas, he carried the same peculiar constitution as his father.
Morning arrived.
Bai Tian was ready to depart for Misty Rain Island. He carried only a sword at his waist and a small pouch, both as advised by Uncle Xiao. The sword, Tianyu Sword, was his great-grandmother's treasured weapon. He had loved the sword since he was a child, and only now had Granny Yu permitted him to carry it.
The pouch contained some Azure Coins, the currency of the Seven Azure Alliance, and the identity token of Greenwood academy.
Suddenly, he heard the patter of hurried footsteps. Little Xiao appeared, already aware of his departure.
Hands on her hips, she declared:
"Hmph! I'll go to Greenwood Academy too! And I'll be the Island Lord one day!"
Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and ran off.
Bai Tian chuckled softly. He knew how much the little girl admired his great-grandmother. She had always said she would be Island Lord, not a mere supervisor like her father. In the Seven Azure Alliance, only those at the Foundation Realm could become Island Lords, granting them autonomy over their islands.
Before long, Uncle Xiao finished his preparations. As supervisor of Mistveil Island, he was due to report to Misty Rain Island every six months, though he had already gone earlier to deliver Bai Tian's application to Greenwood Academy. Still, he insisted on personally escorting Bai Tian this time.
They traveled to Fusang Town, the island's main settlement. The Supervisor's Office and the Port were both located there.
At the port, a twenty-meter-long ship awaited them—the main vessel of Mistveil Island, purchased long ago by Bai Tian's grandfather. It had been built in Ironwood Island, famous for its craftsmen and shipbuilders.
To Bai Tian's surprise, Uncle Jiang and Uncle Meng were already aboard.
"Looks like we'll be traveling together," Uncle Meng grinned.
"You're heading to Misty Rain Isle too?" Bai Tian asked, curious.
"We need to replace some special fishing equipment," Uncle Jiang replied. "Since the ship's bound for Misty Rain Isle, it saves us a trip to Bluefeather Island."
Bluefeather Island was the nearest Tier Two Island to Mistveil, and most of their trade was done there. Misty Rain Isle was visited only for special goods.
Before long, the ship raised anchor and set sail.
Bai Tian watched as Mistveil Island gradually shrank on the horizon. The sea stretched endlessly ahead.
He whispered softly to himself:
"Farewell, Mistveil Island. Misty Rain Isle, here I come."