Another hour passed, and eventually, the endless forest gave way to blue.
At the horizon, a vast ocean gradually came into view.
As the Roc drew nearer, the ocean became larger and larger until it seemed to stretch endlessly toward the heavens.
Shen Chu said with a reminiscent tone, "We have arrived."
Above the sea, flocks of birds soared and huge waves crashed against the shore.
Far below, a gigantic city stood beside the coast.
Countless ships were anchored near the harbor.
Merchant vessels.
Fishing boats.
Some ships were leaving the docks and heading toward the endless sea, while others were slowly returning.
The entire coastline bustled with activity.
Compared to the cities inland, Sea City possessed a completely different atmosphere.
There was no scent of bloodshed or sect disputes. Instead, the air was filled with laughter, trade, and the cries of sailors.
Seeing the magnificent sight, Shen Chu smiled.
"Immortal Master, should we directly leave for the Thaloryn Continent or should we stay for a while?"
Riven looked at the sea silently.
After a long moment, he spoke.
"Let's have some tea first, then we will depart."
Shen Chu smiled.
"As you wish."
The Skylance Roc descended outside the city.
Knowing that the beast's appearance inside the city would only attract unnecessary attention, both of them entered the city on foot.
Since Shen Chu had visited Sea City many times in the past, he naturally led the way.
There they got a seat from where they could enjoy the view of the sea.
Shen Chu then ordered some tea and food for them.
After walking through several bustling streets, they eventually arrived at a restaurant built near the shoreline.
The building had three floors, and from the upper floors one could enjoy the endless sea.
Shen Chu immediately chose a table beside the window.
From there, they could clearly see the waves crashing against the docks and the ships entering and leaving the harbor.
After sitting down, Shen Chu ordered several dishes and a pot of tea.
While waiting, he quietly looked outside.
After a while, he smiled.
"The city has changed quite a bit in the last hundred years."
"Previously, the major merchant families fought each other constantly. There were disputes every few months, but now everything has become peaceful."
He pointed toward the expanded harbor.
"Back then, the harbor wasn't even half this size."
"There were only four or five ships capable of reaching Thaloryn Continent. Now, there are more than twenty."
"Even the roads have become wider, and it looks like the city has prospered well."
Riven continued looking at the ocean.
He did not comment on Shen Chu's words.
To him, the changes of a hundred years were no different than changing seasons.
Soon, the waiter arrived with the dishes and tea. Placing them down carefully, he bowed.
"Please enjoy your meal, honored guests."
The two quietly ate while watching the sea.
Meanwhile, far away in Drifting Mist Pavilion, chaos had erupted.
Inside his courtyard, Bai Zhou sat with a helpless smile.
Only Alan remained beside him.
Since morning, he had barely found any peace.
The Sect Master himself along with several peak masters had visited.
Even Nascent Soul elders had appeared one after another.
Some asked about his cultivation while others asked about his life in the sect.
Some asked whether he lacked resources.
One elder had even tried to accept him as his direct disciple. However, Bai Zhou politely declined.
He already had a master.
Although his master was merely a Golden Core peak master and far weaker than a Nascent Soul elder, Bai Zhou had no intention of abandoning him simply because someone stronger appeared.
The attention he had received during the inner sect ceremony years ago was nothing compared to today.
At that time, his talent had earned him recognition and a master.
Today he possessed the Sword Immortal's sword.
Alan leaned against a pillar and laughed.
"Brother Bai, you've become the most famous disciple in the entire sect."
"Everyone is talking about you."
"Some are even saying that the Sword Immortal accepted you as his personal disciple."
Bai Zhou smiled bitterly.
"They're just rumors."
Alan shrugged.
"What else are they supposed to think?"
"The Sword Immortal appeared, and then his sword appeared in your hands."
"But what do they know?"
"He didn't teach you anything. He just handed you the sword and disappeared."
The Sect Master and the elders had already decided not to reveal that it was another mysterious immortal who had given Bai Zhou the sword.
Doing so would only invite greater trouble.
At least if people believed the Sword Immortal himself had bestowed it, fewer strange speculations would arise.
Bai Zhou sighed.
"Perhaps the Sword Immortal had urgent matters."
"Who knows maybe we will meet again in the future."
Alan nodded.
Then he suddenly grinned.
"Speaking of opportunities..."
"I think I should ask those outer sect disciples whether they're willing to sell those qi-strengthening fruits."
Suddenly Bai Zhou's attention turned to Alan, and he said seriously, "You should just leave it at that; no one would be willing enough to hand over their path to core formation for some fortune."
"And don't play any tricks against them. You know what happened with Elder Han; he too wanted a hand on the qi-strengthening fruits, but now he is locked in the prison."
Hearing this, Alan nodded, but he still decided to try anyway.
Alan scratched his head awkwardly.
"I know Father already warned me."
"I won't do anything stupid, but asking doesn't hurt."
Bai Zhou shook his head, and then he suddenly remembered something.
"Also, you should ask the law enforcement hall to release Riven. He was innocent from the beginning and doesn't need to remain in the ruins."
Hearing this, Alan froze.
After a long silence, he sighed.
"Ok, I'll try, but if he comes back, he'll probably hate me to the core."
Bai Zhou retorted, "At least it's better than leaving an innocent to suffer."
Alan sighed and waved his hand.
"Ok, I will go now and see if the outer sect disciples will sell me any fruits, and yeah, I won't try anything dirty."
After saying goodbye, he left, leaving Bai Zhou alone.
Bai Zhou looked at the ancient sword beside him; even now he still felt everything was unreal.
Sometimes, he wondered if he was dreaming.
...
Meanwhile, back in Sea City, Riven and Shen Chu had already finished eating.
After paying for the meal, they prepared to leave.
However, before they reached the city gates, they noticed something strange.
Many cultivators had gathered near the harbor, with several groups openly recruiting people.
Large signs had even been placed outside certain ships.
Shen Chu frowned.
"This is unusual."
After asking around, they quickly learned the reason.
According to rumors, several merchant ships that were supposed to arrive a month ago had encountered unexpectedly high activity from sea creatures near Thaloryn Continent.
The journey had been delayed by nearly a month, and some ships had even suffered severe damage.
Because of this, many merchant organizations had begun recruiting rogue cultivators to accompany them.
Most of those joining were at the Qi Gathering Realm. Some stronger cultivators had reached qi condensation.
However, anyone stronger than that rarely accepted such jobs. The rewards simply weren't worth it.
Near the docks, cries continuously sounded.
"Need five more Qi Gathering cultivators!"
"Three spirit stones for the journey!"
"Qi condensation cultivators receive double!"
"Only two positions left!"
The harbor had become extremely lively. Shen Chu found the scene amusing.
"A few sea beasts are enough to make the whole city nervous."
"But they are merely first-rank creatures."
"They shouldn't be much trouble."
Riven quietly looked toward the distant sea.
His expression remained calm.