Wang Changqing continued, “Mortals like myself who live on these islands must either provide labor or pay spirit stones; otherwise, we aren’t allowed to reside here. These islands are protected by immortal techniques cast by the immortal masters, shielding us from demon beasts and heavenly winds, allowing us mortals to live without fear. Moreover, the immortal masters possess immense supernatural powers. When we mortals embark on long sea voyages, we often try our best to hire one or two to accompany the ship. That way, if we encounter demon beasts in the sea, we might still have a chance to survive. Of course, the immortal masters willing to accept such employment are usually those with greater freedom.”
“Heavenly winds?” A flicker of confusion crossed Han Li’s face at the term.
He knew about demon beasts, but what were these “heavenly winds”? He had never heard of them before.
“Has the place where you cultivated before never been struck by heavenly winds, Immortal Master?” The old man looked puzzled.
“Where I used to cultivate, I’ve indeed never encountered heavenly winds. What exactly are they, to be mentioned alongside demon beasts?” Han Li replied candidly, appearing entirely unconcerned.
Though somewhat suspicious, Wang Changqing honestly explained, “Heavenly winds, demon beasts, and ghost mist are known as the three great calamities of our Seven Star Sea. Demon beasts need no explanation—I’m sure you know more about them than I do. Most demon beasts in the sea are enormous and skilled in water-based demonic arts. We mortals are no match for them; only immortal masters can hope to slay them.”
“Heavenly winds, on the other hand, are hurricanes that sweep across the Seven Star Sea twice a year, starting from one end and moving to the other. Wherever they pass, towering waves follow, destroying homes and claiming lives. If not for the protection of immortal techniques on these islands, we mortals would surely face dire fates. I’ve also heard that even immortal masters find it extremely difficult to escape once caught in a heavenly wind, and some may even perish within.” As he spoke, a trace of fear appeared on Wang Changqing’s face.
“And what of the ghost mist calamity?” Han Li asked calmly, his expression unchanged. It was best to understand these three calamities clearly, so he could be prepared if he ever encountered them.
Hearing this question, the old man finally confirmed that this immortal master truly knew nothing about the sea, not even the most mysterious of the three great calamities, the ghost mist. Where had this immortal master been cultivating? Could he have come from the mainland? But this was the Chaotic Star Sea—aside from other sea regions, there was no mainland nearby.
Suppressing his curiosity, Wang Changqing respectfully continued, “Ghost mist is the most terrifying and enigmatic of the three calamities. It’s said to be a black mist that drifts unpredictably over the sea. Not only do mortals who encounter it inevitably die, but even immortal masters avoid it at all costs. Anyone—mortal or immortal—who is enveloped by this mist never emerges again. However, though it’s deadly, the ghost mist only appears in certain areas and never approaches larger islands. By evading it in time, one can survive. So, despite its fearsome reputation, it actually claims the fewest lives among the three calamities.” As he spoke, a hint of relief showed on the old man’s face.
Hearing this, Han Li pondered inwardly. What kind of place was this? If what the old man said was true, his plan to find a secluded spiritual island for solitary cultivation would be futile. If he were to encounter heavenly winds or ghost mist, wouldn’t that be a tragically pointless death? He felt somewhat frustrated.
Noticing Han Li’s displeasure, Wang Changqing grew uneasy. Had he said something to offend the immortal master?
Just as the old man was worrying, Han Li, after a brief pause, asked again, “Why is Shipowner Gu so eager for me to settle on Turtle Spirit Island? And this ship is heading there now, isn’t it?”
Han Li fixed his gaze on the old man, his expression unreadable.
Seeing this, Wang Changqing’s heart sank, and he hesitated.
Recognizing the hesitation, Han Li softened his tone and said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Wang. I ask only to understand the situation. After all, I can’t agree to Shipowner Gu’s request without knowing anything. If he truly needs a small favor from me, I might consider going to Turtle Spirit Island.”
Realizing he had no choice but to speak truthfully, Wang Changqing coughed dryly and said with a trembling, apologetic smile, “Please don’t blame this old man, Immortal Master. There’s really nothing to hide; it’s just that you never asked before.”
Though inwardly rolling his eyes at the excuse, Han Li remained silent as the old man promptly explained the situation.
It turned out the ship had just completed a trade run and was returning to Turtle Spirit Island. Shipowner Gu wasn’t a native of Turtle Spirit Island but was born on one of its subsidiary islands. After building his fortune through business, he had recently moved to Turtle Spirit Island.
The most profitable trade involved long-distance transactions between major islands, a privilege reserved exclusively for mortals from Turtle Spirit Island to emphasize the distinction between main and subsidiary island residents.
Shipowner Gu had previously engaged in short-distance trade between subsidiary islands and, after moving to Turtle Spirit Island, aspired to expand his business. However, he soon discovered that long-distance trade between major islands wasn’t open to everyone—it was allocated by the island’s immortal masters to only ten households. Moreover, these ten households weren’t fixed; they were determined through a martial contest held every three years.
Households wishing to participate had to hire an immortal master to challenge the current qualifying immortal masters. Only by winning such a challenge could they gain trading rights between major islands.
Upon learning this, Shipowner Gu panicked. His previous short-distance trade had never encountered demon beasts, so he had never hired any cultivators and had few connections among them. He had planned to hire one after securing the business, but time was short—the martial contest was imminent, leaving him no opportunity to search slowly.
Most cultivators on Turtle Spirit Island were proud and rarely accepted employment from mortals, usually only assisting those with whom they had some connection. The few available cultivators were often acquainted with the ten current immortal masters and reluctant to challenge them. Thus, Shipowner Gu found no willing cultivators on Turtle Spirit Island.
In desperation, he returned to his birthplace on a subsidiary island during a delivery, hoping to seek help from a distant relative who was a cultivator. Unfortunately, that cultivator was away on a journey.
Shipowner Gu was at a loss until Han Li, an outsider cultivator, unexpectedly boarded his ship. Overjoyed at finding a cultivator when he had none, Shipowner Gu eagerly tried to win Han Li over. Even without knowing Han Li’s cultivation level, it was better than giving up and waiting three years.
After hearing this, Han Li was speechless. He had already found it unbelievable that cultivators could be hired by mortals for sea voyages. Now, to learn that cultivators would fight over mortal trading rights was even more baffling. It seemed that while cultivators here still held elevated status, their relationship with mortals was far more intertwined than in the Heavenly South Region.
However, fighting for Shipowner Gu’s trading rights was out of the question. Han Li hadn’t fallen so low.
Still, he had one more question. With a light smile, he asked slowly, “Mr. Wang, my knowledge is limited. I have one more question I’d like to ask.”
“Please, Immortal Master, ask whatever you wish. This old man will do his best to answer,” Wang Changqing replied respectfully.
“I’m a bit confused. If goods need to be transported between islands, why leave it to ordinary people? Shouldn’t immortal masters have storage pouches or similar magical tools? Wouldn’t flying and transporting goods that way be faster and safer?”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage