The sea breeze around Jin'ao Island gradually calmed as Red and Snow sailed farther east on the small Spirit Boat bestowed by the Turtle Spirit Mother. The waters deepened from navy blue to a faint teal, and the spiritual energy in the air visibly thinned. The farther they moved from Jin'ao Island, the weaker the ambient energy, a subtle marker of distance from their safe haven.
One morning, the horizon shimmered with a faint silver glow.
Snow squinted, scanning the distance. "Look… there seems to be land ahead."
Red adjusted his focus, circulating his spiritual power to enhance his vision. "Yes, I see walls. Not very large. Likely a small settlement for minor cultivators in this outer region."
The Spirit Boat glided smoothly toward the shore. The coastline curved gently, white waves rolling under the cold wind. Wooden stakes and stone platforms suggested a makeshift docking area for visiting cultivators.
Snow practically bounced with excitement as she leapt onto the shore. "We've reached the East Sea outer region!"
A gust of chill air hit them. Here, spiritual energy was sparse but carried a distinct crispness that invigorated the senses.
Following the shoreline inland, the outline of a small town gradually emerged from the mist.
Snowflake Town.
The name came from the fine white sea sand that the wind carried across the shore, resembling snow in its texture and sound. Each step produced a faint crunch, as if treading upon tiny frozen crystals.
Red observed the sand-covered path quietly. "The spiritual energy is modest here, but it feels peaceful."
Snow nodded. "Outer regions are natural refuges for cultivators who prefer solitude or travelers passing through. We'll blend right in."
They pushed open the town's wooden gates. The scene inside was simple but functional.
The main street stretched before them, paved with white sand, flanked by low blue-tiled wooden houses. Small stalls sold basic talismans, spirit herbs, and shells. A few teahouses and taverns emitted gentle aromas of herbs mixed with the salt of the sea.
At the town's entrance, two plaques hung prominently.
"Snowflake Town: Rest Stop for Outer Region Merchants and Travelers""Strictly No Martial Displays: Avoid Disturbing Sea Beasts"
Red chuckled softly. "Even the regulations are appropriately outer region."
Snow tugged his hand. "Let's find somewhere to stay first. Master wants us to train, not freeze under the sea wind on our first day."
They walked along the main street. The cultivators they passed were few, mostly at Foundation Establishment or early stages of Formation Establishment. Several glanced at the symbols of the Turtle Spirit Mother's sect on Red and Snow, their gazes briefly sharp before quickly averting.
Red noticed and whispered, "They seem cautious, avoiding interaction."
Snow nodded. "Not surprising. With the Divine War approaching, the sect's reputation is complicated. They have to be careful."
Despite this, their spirits remained lighthearted.
Eventually, they found a modest inn called Sea Sand Guesthouse. The proprietor, a rotund old cultivator, greeted them warmly.
"From Jin'ao Island, are you? I can still sense the scent of the Spirit Boat. Staying? Cheapest room is clean enough."
Red nodded politely. "A double room, please."
The owner's eyes narrowed. "Sure, but I suggest you avoid mentioning your sect. Outsiders here are sharper than sea beasts."
Snow waved dismissively. "We're just resting. No trouble from us."
Inside their room, the sea wind stirred the papered windows, bringing the familiar saltiness of the outer region.
Red inhaled deeply. "Finally, we've officially begun our journey of practical training."
Snow sat on the bed, transforming her armor briefly into wings and then back again. "So, we'll gather information here, prepare, and then move on toward the Eastern Sacred Continent?"
Red nodded, his gaze lingering outside.
Snowflake Town was unusually quiet, the wind carrying white sand in delicate waves like a silent snowfall.
Red felt a subtle unease. The town seemed calm, but he had the instinct that it was more complex than it appeared.
For now, however, they had taken the first true step in their lives as disciples of the Turtle Spirit Mother. The path of cultivation, growth, and impending trials awaited them, stretching beyond the horizon of the misty outer seas.