The midday sun shone on the sparkling sea, and the silhouette of a merchant ship in the distance gradually became clear. When the ship drew closer and the flag pattern on its sail became visible, Mr. Yu couldn't help but show a strange expression.
On the flag, fluttering in the wind, was a storm petrel soaring through a storm—this was the symbol of the storm.
"What's wrong, husband?" The observant Purple Pearl immediately noticed Yu Qing's unusual expression and couldn't help but ask softly.
Yu Qing's gaze remained on the approaching merchant ship, his tone filled with disbelief: "That merchant ship... it's the one I took when I came here."
Purple Pearl blinked her purple eyes, realizing, "That's normal. The storm often comes to our island for fresh water and supplies on its return journey. It's just..." She paused, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes, "Husband, can you tell me how you got separated from them? And how did you get such serious injuries?"
Yu Qing didn't hide anything, simply recounting the general events. At the end, he specifically instructed, "When I talk to them later, no matter what I say, don't be surprised. Keep a straight face and maintain a cold demeanor."
Purple Pearl tilted her head. Although she didn't quite understand Yu Qing's intention, she still nodded obediently: "Okay, I'll listen to you, husband."
Soon, the storm slowly sailed into the harbor, dropped anchor, and several familiar sailors lowered the gangplank, nimbly stepping onto the dock to begin their routine supply transactions with the island residents.
The crew would leave behind fabrics, tools, and alcohol from the mainland in exchange for the island's fresh water, vegetables, and seafood. This process seemed simple, but because it required counting goods and bargaining, it often took nearly half an hour.
Yu Qing and Purple Pearl walked forward and greeted some familiar sailors. When the sailors saw Yu Qing, expressions of surprise appeared on their faces.
"Mr. Yu?! You, how are you here?" A young sailor's eyes widened in disbelief. "Didn't Captain Jack say you were researching those whale-type Spirit Beasts in the Devil Island sea area? How did you end up on this small island?"
Yu Qing had already prepared his explanation, half-truthfully explaining, "That's right, but I was unlucky. I was discovered and driven away by those whale-type Spirit Beasts during my research, and then unfortunately caught in a sea storm. When I woke up, I had drifted to this island, and this Miss Purple Pearl saved me." He pointed to the expressionless Purple Pearl beside him.
Upon hearing this, several sailors showed expressions of admiration and relief: "May the Sea God bless you! Mr. Yu, you truly have a strong life! To survive that!"
"Yes, yes, to survive a sea storm is simply a miracle!"
At this moment, Captain Jack, having received the message, also came down from the ship. Seeing Yu Qing standing before him unharmed, he couldn't help but exclaim in wonder, "I thought you were buried at the bottom of the sea! I didn't expect you to have survived! You really have a tough life!"
Yu Qing smiled slightly: "A strong life."
After a few pleasantries, Captain Jack enthusiastically invited Yu Qing aboard: "Since we've met, let's continue on my ship back to Vast Sea City! I've still kept your room for you!" His gaze swept over the cold-faced Purple Pearl behind Yu Qing, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, but he was tactful enough not to ask further.
After boarding the storm, Captain Jack personally led Yu Qing to the room he had prepared for him earlier. After closing the door, the captain finally couldn't help but lower his voice, winking at Yu Qing playfully: "You're quite something! How long has it been, and you've already abducted such a beautiful Sea Spirit Master girl? I thought you really weren't interested in beauty!"
Yu Qing's expression remained unchanged, his tone natural: "She saved my life, so naturally, I have to repay her."
Captain Jack chuckled, patting Yu Qing's shoulder: "I understand, I understand! Repay her by having a child with her!"
Yu Qing merely smiled at the captain's teasing and didn't respond. Captain Jack was also tactful, chatting for a few more moments before excusing himself, leaving Yu Qing and Purple Pearl to settle into the room.
Purple Pearl finally relaxed her tense expression, curiously examining the small but clean and tidy cabin: "Husband, are we really taking this ship back to the mainland?"
Yu Qing nodded: "The storm is a legitimate merchant ship with a stable route, much safer than us finding a ship ourselves. And..." He smiled meaningfully, "On the ship, we'll also have more time... to Dual Cultivate."
Purple Pearl's face immediately flushed crimson, and she gave Yu Qing a charming glare, but didn't retort.
Soon, the storm completed its resupply, hoisted its sails, and headed towards Vast Sea City. On the azure sea, the white sails were full of wind, the bow cutting through the waves, leaving a long wake.
At night, Yu Qing joined the crew for a small gathering as promised, and had a couple of drinks with Captain Jack before returning to his room.
Tonight, they did not engage in Yin-Yang Harmonization because Purple Pearl still needed to continue compressing and purifying her previously surging spirit power.
Life on the ship was calm and regular. During the day, Yu Qing would chat with the crew, sharing knowledge about Spirits and Spirit Beasts, and occasionally have a drink with Captain Jack; at night, he would guide Purple Pearl in her cultivation.
Thus, after a full seven days, Purple Pearl's spirit power was finally no longer unstable. After repeated compression and purification, it became even more solid and pure. Her spirit power level was also completely consolidated at level fifty-six—although it dropped two levels from the fifty-eight after Yin Yang Conjunction Dual Cultivation, the quality and control of her spirit power had undergone a qualitative leap.
"How does it feel?" Yu Qing felt the solid and surging spirit power within Purple Pearl's body and nodded in satisfaction.
Purple Pearl opened her eyes, a sharp light flickering in her purple pupils: "It's great! Although my level dropped, I can feel that my current strength is even greater than before! This Soul Power Compression Method is truly amazing!"
Yu Qing smiled and ruffled her hair: "Only by laying a solid foundation can you go further in the future. Tonight, we can continue to Dual Cultivate."
Upon hearing the words "Dual Cultivate," Purple Pearl's face involuntarily flushed again, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
That night, the two once again performed Yin-Yang Harmonization. Only after their physical pleasure reached its peak did they begin the Yin Yang Conjunction Dual Cultivation. After all, they were on a ship and dared not get too carried away.
Afterward, Purple Pearl contentedly lay in Yu Qing's arms, letting his large hand rest on her chest. She sighed with satisfaction, "Oh, this Dual Cultivation is truly a wonderful thing~"
Yu Qing playfully pinched her nose: "You! You're such a Little Pervert!"
Purple Pearl pouted and retorted, "You wouldn't dare play with my conscience?"
"Hehe, everyone's perverted." Yu Qing shamelessly admitted, drawing a burst of laughter from Purple Pearl.
After their playful banter, Purple Pearl suddenly quieted down, her tone tinged with apprehension: "Husband, what do you think I should do when I meet my sisters? Will they dislike me?"
Yu Qing patted her back reassuringly: "Just be yourself with them. They are all very good people and won't make things difficult for you."
"Really?" Purple Pearl was half-believing, half-doubting.
"Of course." Yu Qing's tone was firm, "But you must remember, they are all very outstanding people, so you must also strive to become stronger so that you can gain their recognition."
Purple Pearl nodded heavily: "Mm! I will work hard!"
The two chatted for a while longer before embracing and falling asleep.
Life on the ship was even richer and more colorful than when Yu Qing had arrived. Not only could he use the Yin-Yang Power gained from Yin Yang Conjunction to repair the cracks in his dual soul cores, but he could also exchange various insights with the crew and occasionally have a drink with the captain. Life was fulfilling and pleasant.
Unconsciously, two months quietly passed. During this time, Yu Qing and Purple Pearl performed Yin Yang Conjunction Dual Cultivation ten times, and would also engage in Yin-Yang Harmonization one to two times before Dual Cultivation, enjoying physical pleasure. This averaged out to Dual Cultivation once every six days, a frequency that neither affected Purple Pearl's spirit power consolidation nor prevented Yu Qing from continuously obtaining the Yin-Yang Power needed to repair his soul cores.
For Purple Pearl, her spirit power had reached level sixty a long time ago, but she had been unable to obtain her sixth soul ring due to not finding a suitable Spirit Beast.
What surprised her even more was that after refining and absorbing a large amount of Yin-Yang Power, her Spirit underwent a complete transformation—evolving from the original Sea Viper into the more powerful Purple Moon Sea Dragon! This Spirit not only retained its original poison attribute but also enhanced its water attribute, and its quality directly jumped to the top tier!
And her favorability towards Yu Qing had reached eighty-nine points. Now, she almost wished she could cling to Yu Qing all day, her eyes filled with attachment and adoration.
For Yu Qing, the progress was equally satisfying. Only the last three cracks remained on his dual soul cores. It was estimated that one more Yin Yang Conjunction would completely repair them! This meant he would soon recover his peak strength.
Early this morning, as the first ray of sunlight illuminated the horizon, the lookout's excited shout rang out: "Land! Land in sight! Vast Sea City has arrived!"
Yu Qing and Purple Pearl came to the deck upon hearing the news. Looking into the distance, they saw a continuous outline on the horizon—it was Vast Sea City, the largest port city on the western coast of the Heaven Dou Empire!
The storm slowly sailed into the familiar harbor, dropped anchor, and Captain Jack enthusiastically pulled Yu Qing, "Mr. Yu, thank you for sharing so many interesting stories with us along the way! Today, you must do us the honor and let us host a farewell banquet for you! The biggest hotel in Vast Sea City, my treat!"
Yu Qing found it hard to refuse such a warm invitation, so he smiled and agreed: "Then I'll trouble the captain."
He turned to Purple Pearl and whispered, "Let's go, I'll take you to experience the mainland's cuisine. But remember, in front of others, you still need to maintain a little distance."
Purple Pearl nodded knowingly, her face returning to the cold demeanor she had at their first meeting, but the hand secretly hooked around Yu Qing's pinky finger betrayed her inner excitement.
The two followed Captain Jack and the crew down the gangplank and stepped onto the Vast Sea City dock. The sea breeze was still salty and damp, but it was now mixed with the unique hustle and bustle of the city.
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