"Lu, it's getting late. How about we move to Qinghe Island for a chat?" He Yincai spoke softly, then added, "Let me fulfill my duty as the host."

As everyone conversed, the sunset had already fallen behind the distant mountains.

The sky grew dim—it was indeed time to find a place to rest.

Yet faced with the sudden invitation, Lu Ran did not agree immediately.

He was keen on gathering more information.

The Thousand Boat Archipelago was home to numerous sects, with no shortage of people—perhaps he could learn of Senior Cheng or Qin Yanzhi's whereabouts?

That said, entering the depths of an organized force rashly could easily lead to being surrounded and killed!

After all, the weapons he carried were not few!

In the realm of Sacred Spirit Mountain, divine weapons and magic artifacts were priceless treasures, enough to make anyone envious.

Ultimately, Lu Ran was not well-acquainted with He Yincai. Although... hmm, she was genuinely kind.

And quite sincere.

He Yincai noticed Lu Ran's hesitation and chuckled lightly, "Lu, you've traveled far and wide over the past half-year; it seems you've endured quite a bit."

Lu Ran didn't respond, neither confirming nor denying.

He Yincai turned toward the island and said, "Then let me have someone send over tea and snacks; I'll host you right here."

This time, Lu Ran couldn't help but laugh.

It seemed his courage had fallen short.

He Yincai was bold enough to meet alone and unarmed!

How could he, leading Ran Sect's many warriors, not set foot on Qinghe Island?

Moreover, he was already within the Thousand Boat Alliance's territory—whether he conversed here or visited the island, it hardly made a difference.

Lu Ran turned to Jiang Ruyi and proposed, "Should we go up the island to take a look?"

Jiang Ruyi lightly nodded, "Alright."

She had her own assessment of everything He Yincai had said.

From beginning to end, He Yincai was straightforward and honest, which left Jiang Ruyi quite impressed by this senior.

"Please!" He Yincai raised her elegant hand; the lotus leaf beneath her feet rapidly expanded.

This technique was the Bi He Divine Technique: Heaven-reaching Lotus Leaf!

At the sea grade level, the lotus leaf could expand up to 100 meters in diameter—a stunning spectacle!

However, at this moment, He Yincai merely expanded the leaf to a 10-meter size, sufficient to carry everyone.

The uniquely curved lotus leaf resembled a jade-green disk, adorned with crystal droplets. It ferried the group across the clear lake waters.

Feeling curious, Lu Ran half-knelt and furtively touched the lotus leaf.

It was surprisingly tender~

Interestingly, the dew on the lotus leaf originated alongside the leaf itself.

Though formed from divine power and unable to hydrate humans, it didn't detract from the temptation to taste it.

Who knew if this "jade plate pearl" might be as sweet as Smoke Rain Lake's waters?

Lu Ran restrained the urge several times but ultimately refrained.

Hmm... it lacked the demeanor of an expert!

Passing by a few oddly shaped small islands, Lu Ran and the others arrived at Qinghe Island, He Yincai's domain.

"Qinghe Island," Lu Ran muttered to himself, studying his surroundings.

The island was shaded with dense greenery, and the air carried a refreshing fragrance, calming to the senses.

"Island Master!"

"Island Master He!" Several respectful voices echoed.

He Yincai inquired, "Have all the messages been sent to the islands?"

A middle-aged woman reported, "Most of the major island masters are in seclusion.

The Dry Lotus Island Master sent over some Smoke Rain Tea.

The Golden Lotus Island Master gifted two boxes of Flower Fruit Cake.

The Wind Lotus Island Master invited a musician of the celestial ensemble for you.

...

The Grey Lotus Island Master personally visited and is waiting for you in the Council Hall."

"Understood," He Yincai nodded and instructed, "The esteemed guests are already here; make preparations quickly."

"Yes!" The group accepted the orders and left promptly.

He Yincai turned back to the others and gestured, "Come, this way."

Yet at that moment, Lu Ran was utterly dumbfounded!

What the hell is this? Drinks? Snacks? And even a band?

No!

Am I still on Sacred Spirit Mountain?

"Lu, this way, please!" He Yincai gestured forward.

Looking at Qinghe Island's master, Lu Ran asked, "Do you all live such luxurious lives?"

He Yincai laughed and shook her head, "It's just some amusement amidst the hardship."

Lu Ran continued walking and asked, "And you even have a band?"

He Yincai explained, "The Thousand Boat Alliance is primarily composed of Tianluan, Bi He, Chenghua, and Sword Lotus sects. Yet some external believers seek refuge within the alliance.

The Yun Thousand Boat Hierarch is benevolent and has taken in a portion of external disciples."

Lu Ran's thoughts stirred.

So, what He Qifeng intended to do, someone was already doing?

Yet the term "a portion" was intriguing.

Could it mean the Thousand Boat Alliance only accepted a small number of external disciples to maintain the dominance of its four main sects and ensure balance in factions and resource distribution?

If that were so, the alliance's nature differed fundamentally from the Forbidden City.

Lu Ran pondered and curiously asked, "How many people belong to the Bi He Sect?"

He Yincai replied, "Bi He encompasses seven islands, each housing 15–20 disciples.

On Qinghe Island, we have 18 Bi He disciples."

"That's quite the number," Lu Ran remarked casually.

"The Sacred Spirit Mountain realm is vast; it's likely other regions also harbor Bi He disciples, possibly even the sect's main base," He Yincai sighed softly, "Unfortunately, I may never cross paths with it in this lifetime."

Before finishing her thought, He Yincai glanced at Lu Ran, "Lu, you've traveled extensively across Sacred Spirit Mountain—have you ever encountered Bi He Sect's base of operations?"

Lu Ran answered truthfully, "Haven't seen it."

Sacred Spirit Mountain was excessively vast; despite having journeyed north to Snow Forest, west to desolation, and east across the ocean, Lu Ran's ventures merely traced "lines" across its map.

They were far from exploring entire regions.

Just this southward trip spanned over a thousand kilometers—ultimately, he traversed but a path, inevitably missing numerous areas.

Among them might exist factions he hadn't encountered.

The group continued their conversation as they approached a sizable wooden structure situated deep within the verdant forest.

This was Qinghe Island's Council Hall.

Under the dimming sky, someone had already lit a bonfire outside the hall, its doors wide open, revealing an old man seated within.

He appeared to be in his sixties, dressed in gray attire, with short, graying hair, leaning on a cane.

"Qinghe Island Master," The old man smiled amicably, supporting himself with his cane as he stood.

"Grey Lotus Island Master, I didn't expect you to visit in person! Forgive me for not greeting you sooner!" He Yincai immediately folded her hands respectfully.

"I heard Qinghe Island Master had esteemed guests arrive, so this old man thought he'd join the commotion." Grey Lotus Island Master cast a glance at the group accompanying He Yincai.

He Yincai introduced them promptly, "These two are my fellow university alumni, now the Master of Ran Sect and his Lady."

Grey Lotus Island Master leaned on his cane, carefully observing the young duo, internally impressed:

"What fine youngsters."

"Greetings, Grey Lotus Island Master," Lu Ran inwardly marveled—such overwhelming pressure!

This old man must be a high-ranked Sea Realm cultivator, perhaps even its peak?

The Grey Lotus Island Master's gaze shifted past the group of raincoat-clad followers, lingering briefly on figures like Cong Long, Nightmare, and Yan Divine General. His amazement deepened:

"Master Lu truly is young and capable—remarkable indeed..."

"Senior flatters me," Lu Ran started humbly, only to notice the old man's eyes suddenly flick upward.

Unnoticed by all, the jade pendant concealed within the Grey Lotus Island Master's robe quivered faintly.

The old man slowly turned, ultimately looking toward the vacant space beyond the Council Hall.

His gaze seemed to penetrate the structure, discerning something outside as he muttered, "There's another one still hiding."

"Hmm?" He Yincai shot a glance toward Lu Ran.

"Ah, yes!" Lu Ran feigned realization, "Indeed, there's one more."

He Yincai's expression carried mild reproach; after conversing for so long, her tone had grown subtly familiar:

"Lu, that's awfully sly of you!"

"I genuinely forgot!" Lu Ran apologized with a sheepish smile, "She's elusive—I rarely get to see her."

Realizing Lu Ran had an additional hidden guard who hadn't been detected, He Yincai's curiosity about Ran Sect's strength deepened.

And her interest in Lu Ran grew.

Yet she did not insist on revealing the guard, showing great tolerance, and instead invited, "Come, let's start the banquet."

Lu Ran, too, was intrigued by this dinner gathering.

Outside the Council Hall, the bonfire blazed high, flames dancing, embers crackling.

Several square wooden tables and chairs surrounded the fire, adorned with tea and snacks.

The evening breeze rustled the forest leaves with a "shh-shh" sound.

The pleasantly surreal ambiance left Lu Ran feeling almost mystified!

Under He Yincai's invitation, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi joined Grey Lotus Island Master in taking a seat.

He Yincai herself poured tea for them, then picked up her teacup, finishing its contents in one gulp as she teased Lu Ran:

"Rest assured—it's not poisoned."

Lu Ran: "..."

The fragrant aroma of Smoke Rain Tea trickled into his nose, fully misleading him!

But as the clear tea entered his mouth, Lu Ran experienced only sheer bitterness.

Good heavens~

So bitter?

No wonder it's Sacred Spirit Mountain's specialty!

Is this tea meant to help one reminisce about the struggles of mountain life…

"Here, have this to offset the bitterness."

He Yincai gracefully picked up a Flower Fruit Cake, divided it into pieces, and handed some to Lu and Jiang.

She watched Lu Ran with a smile, popping a small piece into her mouth, making Lu feel slightly embarrassed. He promptly ate a piece himself.

This intriguing confection was likely crafted using some sort of grass leaves and flower petals.

Its scent was pleasant—but upon tasting it... oh?

Delicious?

Lu Ran blinked and immediately understood.

It wasn't that the cake was exceptionally sweet—

It was the tea that was too bitter...

"Lu, tell me about your adventures through Sacred Spirit Mountain," He Yincai's eyes sparkled with interest, fixated on Lu.

Grey Lotus Island Master sat quietly, equally curious about the exceedingly young sect leader's background.

Who would have guessed Lu Ran would utter, "This is like a child without a mother—there's a long story to tell."

Everyone: "..."

Of course, Lu Ran was willing to share his tales.

Having observed carefully, he noticed He Yincai's interest in Ran Sect!

This was undoubtedly a golden opportunity to increase her fascination—to make a Sea Realm Island Master yearn for more!

Bi He Sect followers—a staunch foe of Tangled Silk Shadow—who wouldn't want that?

Lu Ran silently composed his words.

"Ahhh~"

A gentle breeze carried melodic flute music through the air.

Lu Ran turned his head in surprise, looking past the dancing flames to spot a man in white holding a jade flute, playing with closed eyes.

The lilting notes were beautiful indeed.

It left Lu Ran and his band of Ran Sect warriors dumbstruck!

"Fishermen's Evening Song"?!

This tune... was downright mesmerizing!

A daze overtook Lu Ran, evoking memories of Human World Da Xia, of that dilapidated apartment building.

Even of his childhood.

Those times spent with his father, watching "Evening News," followed by the weather forecast.

"Senior sister."

"Hmm?"

"Don't you think this tune is sort of cheating?"

"Yun Thousand Boat Hierarch says Sacred Spirit Mountain is a place that devours the human heart and extinguishes humanity." He Yincai picked up the teapot and poured Lu Ran another cup of tea.

She spoke softly, "The hierarch advises us to drink tea, eat snacks, and remind ourselves that we are human.

This tune also serves to remind Thousand Boat Alliance members that we originate from the same civilization, as siblings born of Da Xia."

Hearing this, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi exchanged a glance.

This Yun Thousand Boat Hierarch...

Might have to meet them someday?

Such strong principles and thoughtful considerations, along with unwavering resolve as a follower of Second-Class God Tianluan...

Surely, another potential ally to join Ran Sect in overthrowing gods and demons?

Lu Ran licked his lips, envisioning a grand plan involving the alliance hierarch—a dream of epic proportions.

Nonetheless, patience would be key!

He shifted his gaze subtly, landing on He Yincai once more.

Surely, she too maintained her sense of identity with the human clan, her humanity intact.

I want it all.

Can I have them all in my camp...

...

Apologies for the delay—while reviewing, I essentially rewrote the entire chapter. With overdue chapters already, I didn't want to take a leave, but this caused further delays.

*sobbing*~T^T~

Despite limited writing skills, I genuinely aspire for higher chapter quality within my means and refuse to muddle through sloppily.

I'll make up for the owed chapter tomorrow. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow—how many tomorrows remain?

Hmm... don't hit, don't hit~T^T~

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