Chapter 421 - 254: Qing’Er (2)
Chapter 421: Chapter 254: Qing’Er (2)
For this reason, Fang Yue wasn’t in a rush, but advanced steadily, step by step.
He believed that as long as he kept working hard and cultivating, he would undoubtedly reach his goals and achieve even greater things.
And so, Fang Yue spent a few peaceful and fulfilling days on the swaying sea vessel.
He spent his days fishing, cultivating, and contemplating, which greatly nourished his spirit and spurred its growth.
All of this laid a solid foundation for his future cultivation path.
~~~~~~
「Three days later.」
The sea vessel slowly docked at a beautiful, scenic island.
The island was an important stopover on the sea route. Though small, it was extraordinarily bustling.
Fang Yue walked out of his cabin, stood on the deck, and gazed out at the island before him.
The island was shaded by lush trees and filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, a scene brimming with life.
In the distance, a small, elegant lighthouse stood on a hillside, guiding ships on their course.
"Sir, this island has plenty of fresh seafood and local specialties. You can go take a look, but you must be back on board before dusk, or you’ll miss our departure," a crewman came over and said enthusiastically to Fang Yue.
Fang Yue nodded in thanks.
He had indeed planned on disembarking to explore and get a feel for the island’s local culture.
He followed the flow of people off the ship and stepped onto the island. The inhabitants made their living by fishing, so the seafood was especially abundant.
The streets were lined with all manner of seafood stalls, their tempting aromas filling the air.
Fang Yue looked around as he walked, taking in the island’s unique charm. He sampled some local delicacies and bought a few local specialties as souvenirs.
Meanwhile, he quietly observed the people and their daily lives, contemplating the true essence of cultivation.
Just as Fang Yue was preparing to return to the ship, he heard a familiar voice cry out, "What are you doing? Don’t touch me!"
He followed the voice and saw Qing’Er, one of the two young women from the ship, surrounded by several fierce-looking thugs.
"Hey, little lady, don’t be scared. We just saw how pretty you are and wanted to buy you a drink, that’s all."
One of the thugs said with a lewd chuckle, his eyes glinting with malice.
"Let me go! I don’t know you!" Qing’Er struggled, a look of terror on her face.
Her power wasn’t great; as someone who had just started on the path of cultivation, she was no match for these thugs.
Fang Yue’s brow furrowed at the sight. ’I didn’t want to get involved, but since I’m here, I can’t just stand by and do nothing.’
He strode forward and said calmly, "Gentlemen. Harassing a woman in broad daylight... doesn’t seem very appropriate, does it?"
Hearing this, the thugs all turned to glare fiercely at Fang Yue.
"You looking to die, kid? Sticking your nose in our business!" one of the thugs snarled.
Fang Yue was unfazed. He replied coolly, "I just can’t stand by and watch an injustice. You’d best let her go. Otherwise, don’t blame me for what comes next."
"Hah! What comes next?" another thug roared with laughter, clearly unimpressed by Fang Yue. "Who do you think you are? You think you can play the hero and save the damsel in distress?"
Fang Yue wasted no more words. He simply unleashed his aura. A powerful pressure instantly descended upon the thugs.
The thugs’ faces paled the moment they felt Fang Yue’s aura.
They had assumed Fang Yue was just an ordinary passerby, never imagining he was actually a powerful Cultivator.
"H-hey, man, take it easy! We... we were just joking..." one of the thugs stammered, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Fang Yue gave them a cold look, then said, "Scram!"
As if granted a royal pardon, the thugs scrambled away with their tails between their legs.
They knew they were no match for Fang Yue; tangling with him any further would only lead to their own humiliation.
Qing’Er rushed to Fang Yue’s side and said gratefully, "Thank you for saving me. I’m Qing’Er. I don’t know how I can ever repay you."
Fang Yue shook his head. "No need to thank me, it was nothing. I’m just glad you’re safe. Just be more careful when you’re out from now on."
Qing’Er nodded. "Okay, I will. Thank you. What’s your name?"
"I’m Fang Yue," he replied. "Alright, I’m heading back to the ship. You should get back, too."
With that, he turned and started walking toward the sea vessel.
Qing’Er watched his back, an unreadable expression in her eyes. Then she hurried after him, as if she were afraid he’d disappear.
Once back on the ship, Fang Yue returned to his cabin and closed his eyes to rest and recover his energy.
’The sea voyage may be peaceful,’ he thought, ’but danger can strike at any time. I must always stay in peak condition.’
A short while later, a soft knock came at his cabin door. Fang Yue opened his eyes and said calmly, "Come in."
The door opened gently, and Qing’Er stepped inside.
She stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking at Fang Yue, not knowing what to say.
Fang Yue was a little surprised, but he didn’t show it.
He watched her calmly, waiting for her to speak.
Qing’Er bit her lip and finally spoke. "Young Master Fang, thank you again for saving me. I’d like to treat you to a meal, to show my gratitude."
Fang Yue shook his head. "That’s not necessary. As I said, it was nothing. I don’t expect any reward."
Qing’Er grew anxious. "No, Young Master Fang, you saved me! I must repay you. Besides... I’d also like to be your friend, if you’re willing?"
Her earnest expression made Fang Yue find the situation somewhat amusing.
’This girl is actually pretty interesting,’ he thought. He nodded and said, "Alright then. It would be rude to refuse."
Qing’Er’s face immediately lit up with a brilliant smile.
She said hurriedly, "That’s wonderful, Young Master Fang! I’ll go prepare the food right away."
With that, she spun around and left the cabin, her movements as light and quick as a sparrow.
Fang Yue watched her go, shaking his head slightly. ’I don’t really want to get too involved with this girl,’ he thought, ’but since I’ve already agreed, I’ll just have to let things run their course.’
Before long, Qing’Er returned, carrying a tray laden with a sumptuous meal.
She set the food on the table and invited Fang Yue to take a seat. Looking at the spread, Fang Yue was surprised to find it consisted of several exquisite dishes he had never seen before.
"You made all this?" Fang Yue asked, looking at Qing’Er doubtfully.
Qing’Er nodded, a proud smile gracing her lips. "Yes, Young Master Fang. My cultivation might not be very high, but I’m a decent cook. I made all of these myself, so I hope you like them."
Her confident expression amused Fang Yue. He picked up his chopsticks, tried a bite of one of the dishes, and discovered it was surprisingly delicious.
"Mm, this is good," Fang Yue praised her sincerely. "Your cooking skills are truly excellent."
Qing’Er beamed at his praise. "Thank you for the compliment, Young Master Fang. I actually have many other skills, I just haven’t had a chance to show them off."
Amused by her smug expression, Fang Yue thought to himself, ’She might be a bit of a handful, but her skills are undeniably excellent.’
Fang Yue and Qing’Er enjoyed a very pleasant meal together.
Though they had been strangers just a short while ago, they found themselves getting along wonderfully over dinner.
Qing’Er was lively and adorable, and her witty humor often made Fang Yue roar with laughter.
In turn, Qing’Er found herself deeply impressed by Fang Yue’s worldliness and eloquence.
As they drank and talked, night fell before they realized it. The lamplight in the cabin swayed, and the atmosphere slowly grew intimate.
Qing’Er’s cheeks were flushed. She stole a glance at Fang Yue before quickly lowering her head.
Her delicate frame, however, kept inching closer and closer to Fang Yue.