https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1046-Eternal-Life-and-Firm-Destiny/13146047/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1048-Seeking-Change-and-Innovation/13146049/
Chapter 1047: Exploring the Ocean, Visiting Old Acquaintances
Chapter 1047: Exploring the Ocean, Visiting Old Acquaintances
On August 10th, Chen Chuan set sail on a cruise with his aunt's family.
Their journey began in Jibei Dao, where they would first pass by the Great Western Reef, admiring its magnificent ocean scenery. Next, they would visit Baihe Island to witness the wonder of a thousand cranes soaring in the sky. Subsequently, they would explore five unique islands, each with its distinct style.
The midway stop was arranged at the Center City of Haidongdao in the An Ying Archipelago, where they would stay for two days. Afterward, they would continue their voyage eastward, staying for two days on the High Stone Island of the Gong Clan royalty. Then, they would head to the legendary Shiren Island, where they would engage in a three-day hunting expedition.
The final destination of the trip was set as Luowang Island, a popular tourist destination, where they would spend four days. On their return journey, they would take the southern route, passing through the famous Baliu Archipelago to indulge in its culinary delights and immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty.
Finally, they would sail back along the picturesque Zhenzhu Major Island Chain, completing a journey of around twenty days. By early September, they would be back in Jibei Dao.
The ship set sail in the afternoon, and by dusk, Chen Chuan asked Zhaoming to stay and look after his aunt's family while he left the cruise ship and walked across the sea to Hongguan Island, which was off the main route.
This time, he planned to visit the He siblings. His previous visit had been during the day, but due to the voyage, it was around 6 pm by the time he arrived, and the sky had already darkened.
As he approached, he noticed that the mountain road now had streetlights, and the once-crude training grounds had been renovated. The front courtyard was brightly lit, with a simple basketball court where numerous students were playing, occasionally eliciting cheers.
Next to the courtyard, a three-story brick building had been constructed, apparently serving as a dormitory. Many students stood on the upper floors, watching the game and cheering enthusiastically.
The He siblings spotted Chen Chuan from afar and approached him. When they were close, He Zhilan exclaimed with delight, "Xiao Chuan, you're here!"
He Ruihai maintained his calm demeanor, nodding at Chen Chuan, but his eyes betrayed a hint of joy and concern.
Smiling, Chen Chuan asked, "I hope I'm not disturbing you, seniors?"
He Zhilan replied, "Not at all, Xiao Chuan. We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Since the island had established mail and telegraph services, Chen Chuan had sent a letter to the siblings during the Chinese New Year to assure them of his well-being. He had also informed them of his visit beforehand.
After a brief chat outside, the He siblings invited Chen Chuan into the house.
He Zhilan said, "Recently, things have been bustling on the island. The number of students coming here to study has doubled, and we're struggling to keep up with the teaching. Fortunately, Kaituo Company has provided significant support and even sent us two assistants.
And this..."
She pointed to a tree-like organism in the corner of the hall, "...they've given us a lot of field-related biological equipment, allowing us to teach using Boundary Talismans, which has saved us a lot of effort. The training hall has also been newly renovated."
He Ruihai added, "We initially just wanted to stay hidden and chose this remote island to lay low for a while, finding something to keep us occupied. But now, we've decided to settle here permanently."
He Zhilan agreed, "Yes, we've heard that the outside world is now connected to the Horizon Project. We're probably not far behind, right?"
Chen Chuan nodded, "Currently, only the main route is connected, but the Horizon Project will continue to expand, covering this area within the next one to two years."
He Zhilan exclaimed with delight, "That's wonderful! With your status, I'm sure the information is accurate. To be honest, it's only after coming here and teaching so many students that we feel our lives have become more meaningful."
After chatting for a while longer, she called out to Chen Chuan, "Xiao Chuan, don't just stand there talking. You must be hungry. Come with Aunt He..."
She led Chen Chuan to the backyard, where a BBQ grill was set up, and pieces of meat were already skewered on iron sticks.
"This is a specialty of the island, 'Hei Banzhi.' It's a famous delicacy in these waters. In the past, when hunters caught one, they could exchange it for enough money to support their families. But this creature is cunning and incredibly strong, making it difficult for ordinary people to hunt. Your Uncle He specially went into the mountains to catch it.
We even prepared some secret-recipe seasonings. Back then, your sister, Zhen, loved the dishes and BBQ we made."
Chen Chuan sat down and said, "Then I must give it a try."
He Zhilan smiled, "Zhen was great in every way, except for her cooking skills. She could cook, but the food was just bland and barely edible. If she put as much effort into cooking as she did into martial arts, she would surely surpass us."
He Ruihai silently moved to the side, picked up the BBQ skewers, and skillfully turned them over the fire. Soon, a rich aroma filled the air. He deftly sprinkled on some seasoning and handed a skewer to Chen Chuan, who thanked him and took it. The freshly grilled meat was too hot for ordinary people to eat, but Chen Chuan had no discomfort and found the meat juicy and delicious. Unconsciously, he finished one skewer, and He Ruihai promptly offered him another.
He Zhilan watched with a hint of joy as Chen Chuan savored the food, appearing happier than if she were eating it herself.
"The He siblings exchanged a glance, and after a moment, He Ruihai spoke in a deep voice, "Little Chuan, although we are your elders, our vision and experience are no match for yours. Whatever you do, I'm sure you have your reasons."
"If one only has strength without the ability to adapt, Little Chuan, you probably wouldn't have made it this far. Uncle He can't offer much help, but I wish you find the answers you seek."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Thank you, Uncle He."
He Zhilan asked with concern, "Little Chuan, when will you be back?"
Chen Chuan replied, "It's hard to say right now. If I find what I'm looking for, I'll let you and Auntie He know."
After saying this, he stood up, "I should be going now."
He Zhilan suggested, "It's already late, and although there are street lights, the mountain roads can be tricky. Why don't you stay the night and leave tomorrow?"
Chen Chuan smiled, "It's fine, I won't be taking the mountain roads."
As he spoke, the two witnessed a bright glow emanating from his body, causing the surrounding grass and dust to float, and he slowly rose into the air, saying, "Uncle He, Auntie He, take care. I'll be in touch."
With a flash of light, he vanished from sight, leaving the He siblings to raise their hands to block the gust of wind. They looked up, only to see a beam of light disappearing into the night sky. After a while, the sound of rumbling thunder echoed through the sky.
Their clothes and hair fluttered wildly for a while before settling down, and they exchanged bewildered looks.
He Zhilan hesitated, "Big brother, are all fighters like this?"
He Ruihai thought for a moment and shook his head, "I'm not sure, but I can say for certain..." He affirmed, "Little Chuan is even stronger than when we last saw him."
After leaving Hongguan Island, Chen Chuan returned to the ship within an hour. Everything was as it should be.
It was the first day of their voyage, and they were sailing within the coverage of the Horizon Project. There were security and rescue vessels along the route, and an airship trailing behind, ensuring their safety.
It was only around eight or nine in the evening, and a lively outdoor concert was underway on the cruise ship. Many passengers gathered to watch the passionate performance. Nianfuli and his younger siblings were among the audience.
Chen Chuan smiled and approached them, greeting his aunt before sitting down nearby.
Days later, the cruise ship arrived at An Ying Archipelago, the location of the Center City of Haidongdao. With the Horizon Project's connection, the security and defense between the two center cities were also linked, so he didn't need to report his entry into the city.
However, entering the city would inevitably attract the attention of local officials, so he decided against it. While his aunt's family explored the center city, Chen Chuan set up a sunshade on the beach, placed a drink on the table, and immersed himself in a book, with soothing music playing from his Boundary Talisman.
As he was engrossed in reading, he heard loud shouts coming from the distance. Looking out, he saw several young people riding on the backs of round, plump Tiaoyu, gripping the implanted hoops on their backs. They would sink into the sea and then leap high into the air, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
This was a popular new sport among the youth of An Ying Archipelago. The modified fish would carry riders into the sea and then jump out, providing an exhilarating experience. It required skill, as riders had to adjust their breathing during the jumps and withstand the pressure of the water. If they weren't careful, they might be thrown off or fall into the sea.
As Chen Chuan watched, a man in his thirties approached him, removing his sunglasses. "Some believe that implanting and modifying creatures for entertainment violates the natural cycle. Others believe that if humans treat living beings this way, the beings of the future will treat us the same."
Chen Chuan glanced at him, recognizing him as one of the security captains from the cruise ship. "That sounds like something the Wilderness School would say."
The man bowed slightly, "Greetings, Director Chen. I am Lu tuo, a member of the Wilderness School."
Chen Chuan studied him. Although the Wilderness School wasn't as prominent as the Five Major Schools, it was still a significant sect. "I rarely see fighters from the Wilderness School. I thought you preferred solitude."
Lu tuo explained, "Not all members of the Wilderness School are hermits. Our internal philosophies vary, and only the extreme ones reject all aspects of civilization.
Members like me are more common. We often take on assignments, using the rewards to obtain resources for our cultivation. It's too slow to rely solely on our own gathering."
Chen Chuan recalled, "But I thought gathering was also a part of your tradition in the Wilderness School?"
"That was in the past."
Lu tuo sighed, "Times are changing, and the Wilderness School has access to fewer and fewer rifts. If we don't find better cultivation methods, our sect might not survive until the world undergoes its transformation."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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