After the Dragon Palace Ruins collapsed, the sea area returned to an eerie calm. The massive energy vortex that had formed at the collapse site gradually diminished, but the deep-sea mist remained, shrouding this cursed place in perpetual gloom.
Xiao Qi stood at the bow of the Wave-Breaking Number, staring at the distant fog-covered sea area. The jade pendant at his chest was warm, containing the Azure Dragon Soul Crystal that had fused with it, as if there was still a lingering connection to this place.
The ruins are gone. Liu Yun, who had slightly recovered, stood beside him. Her face was still pale, but her eyes were clear. Do you think any of Shadow Snake Pavilions people survived?
That Elder Youquan is a Golden Core cultivator. It will not be easy for him to die. Xiao Qi shook his head slightly. We must be fully prepared for their pursuit.
Uncle Hai approached them, his weathered face showing a complicated expression. Young friends, that place is too dangerous. We should leave this sea area as soon as possible and return to Wanghai City for repairs.
Xiao Qi nodded. Uncle Hai is right. We need to leave here immediately.
The Wave-Breaking Number turned its bow toward the direction of Wanghai City, its damaged hull creaking as it moved. The crew worked diligently, some steering the ship, others maintaining the formation array, all operating in silence as if still shaken by the terrifying experience.
As they sailed away from the fog sea, Xiao Qi sat cross-legged in the cabin, circulating the Azure Dragon Soul Crystals energy, further consolidating his strength while treating Liu Yuns injuries with the crystals vitality. The previously fierce battle had indeed severely depleted Liu Yuns cultivation base, and her spiritual origin had been damaged. This would require a long period of recovery.
Brother Xiao Qi. Liu Yun, lying on the bed, looked at him with gratitude and guilt. This time, I became a burden to you.
Do not say that. Xiao Qi shook his head firmly. If it were not for you blocking that blow at the critical moment, I might not have been able to escape.
Liu Yun smiled faintly. We are fellow disciples from the same sect. Of course we must help each other.
Xiao Qi nodded, feeling warmth in his heart. This battle had deepened their bond of friendship. Not only that, but through the crisis, he had also gained something more important: the recognition of Uncle Hai and the crew. They no longer looked at him with the initial wariness and distance but with genuine respect and trust.
Several days later, the Wave-Breaking Number finally sailed out of the dangerous sea area. The weather at sea gradually improved, the dark clouds parted, and sunlight shone warmly on the deck again.
Almost there. Uncle Hai pointed to the horizon where a city outline could be vaguely seen. That is Wanghai City!
Xiao Qi looked at that familiar city, his heart complicated. He had only left this place for less than a month, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed. The Azure Dragon Soul Crystal in his possession, the fusion with his jade pendant, and the immense power it brought were all real. But the challenges ahead were also real.
The remaining two soul crystals, the shadow of Shadow Snake Pavilion, and the impending catastrophe that Senior Tianjizi had warned about. All of this awaited him.
Brother Xiao Qi. Liu Yun walked to his side, also looking at the approaching city. What are your plans after returning to the city?
First, let you recover fully. Xiao Qi said. Then, we must find a way to obtain information about the remaining two soul crystals.
The Red Phoenix and Black Tortoise Soul Crystals. Liu Yun murmured. Where could they be?
I do not know yet. Xiao Qi shook his head. But I believe we will find a way.
At this moment, his expression suddenly changed. His eyes snapped toward the distant sea behind the ship.
What is wrong? Liu Yun asked alertly.
Something is following us. Xiao Qis voice was low but carried a sharp edge.
Liu Yuns face also changed. She quickly looked back but saw only the vast sea and sky, with no sign of any pursuers.
I do not see anything.
It is very far, but it exists. Xiao Qi said with certainty. The Azure Dragon Soul Crystal in his body gave him an unprecedented sensitivity to water-attribute energy. That faint, cold and sinister aura from far behind could not escape his perception.
Shadow Snake Pavilion.
Xiao Qis eyes grew cold. The other party had clearly survived the ruins collapse and was now tracking them. This meant that their return journey would not be peaceful.
Uncle Hai. Xiao Qi turned to Uncle Hai. Can the ship go any faster?
Uncle Hai noticed his serious expression and understood something. Is someone chasing us?
Possibly.
Uncle Hais face darkened. Damn it! This old man has had enough of those snake-hearted guys! He turned and shouted at the crew, All hands! Full speed ahead! Use the Wind-Sailing Formation to its maximum!
The crew immediately bustled about, injecting spiritual power into the ships formation array. The Wave-Breaking Numbers sails immediately swelled, and the ship shot forward like an arrow, its speed noticeably increasing.
Xiao Qi watched the distant sea area, his expression cold. He knew that this chase had only just begun.