Chapter 455: An Invitation to Set Sail

Chapter 455: An Invitation to Set Sail

"You are Yan..."

"Damn!"

Ji Xinghuo interrupted Cangya just in time.

This curse word was a true reflection of his feelings at the moment. In a place as vast as Donghuang Island, with billions of people, he had to run into the only person he knew, Cangya. What frustrated him the most was that even though he was wearing the Fraud Mask, altering his appearance, physique, and aura, she still recognized him at a glance.

This was just his luck!

Ji Xinghuo subconsciously swore in the Asian Common language, and although no one present could understand him, they could tell from his expression that this True Dragon man was annoyed, but they didn't know why.

Only Cangya understood, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as a hint of pride shone in her eyes.

Then, she pretended not to know him as well.

Ji Xinghuo walked around the Split-gill tribe member lying on the ground and entered the main hall of the Abyss Hunter Guild, ignoring everyone else.

"You're not good enough."

Cangya spoke to the Split-gill tribe member on the ground at this time. "If you can't even withstand a single attack from me, you're not qualified to take on my employment."

As she spoke, the water that bound the Split-gill tribe member dispersed, restoring his freedom.

Cangya's gaze swept over the crowd, all of whom were elite members of the Abyss Hunter Guild. In a calm and collected voice, she asked, "Anyone else want to give it a try?"

There was no response in the hall.

The Abyss Hunters looked at each other, unsure of what to do. This was already the sixth opponent that Cangya had defeated, including a Sixth-rank powerhouse. However, none of them had been able to withstand her for more than half a breath, and they had all lost.

Cangya's fame resounded throughout Donghuang Island.

She was a once-in-a-generation genius of the Cang Dragon family, possessing two dragon companions. Although she was only at the peak of the Fifth-rank, most Sixth-rank powerhouses were not her match.

At a young age, she had already become renowned throughout the empire.

Moreover, Cangya's beauty was just as renowned as her talent. Her peerless appearance had captivated countless male True Dragon humans, earning her the title of the First Beauty of the Azure Wave Dragon Domain. However, she herself never acknowledged this title.

Today, Cangya had suddenly appeared at the Abyss Hunter Guild, stating that she wanted to recruit teammates to set sail with her, but they would first have to pass her strength test.

So far, no one had succeeded.

However, the news had spread, and soon, the most powerful Abyss Hunters would come to sign up.

Although Cangya was strong, she was only at the peak of the Fifth-rank.

There were many Sixth-rank powerhouses among the Abyss Hunters, and the Azure Wave Dragon Domain boasted numerous top-tier experts who had emerged from the ranks of the Abyss Hunters.

Instead of joining the crowd, Ji Xinghuo purchased several Abyss maps, as well as some books containing the experiences of veteran Abyss Hunters, along with the essential tools and equipment needed for his first voyage into the depths. He appeared to be a novice who had never ventured into the sea before.

As he shopped, he overheard snippets of conversations among the Abyss Hunters, and he gradually pieced together what was happening.

"Cangya wants to set sail?" Ji Xinghuo was puzzled.

With Cangya's strength, she could easily adventure in the abyss alone, and as a veteran Abyss Hunter herself, she didn't need anyone to lead her.

If she needed help, given her status and influence, she could easily find the best teammates within the Cang Dragon family.

Why come to the Abyss Hunter Guild to recruit?

Does she have no friends?

Ji Xinghuo was curious, but he had no interest in meddling in other people's business. After finishing his purchases, he left the guild.

"That's enough for now."

Not long after Ji Xinghuo left, Cangya suddenly announced that she was stopping the recruitment process, rejecting the applications of the Abyss Hunters who had rushed over. She flew away directly, leaving a group of bewildered Abyss Hunters in her wake.

Not far from the Abyss Hunter Guild, Ji Xinghuo turned into an alley with few people. He stood still for about half a minute, and then, in the fountain before him, the water surged upward, coalescing into a graceful figure.

Cangya stepped out of the water, her feet gently touching the ground. Somehow, her clothes remained completely dry.

She looked at Ji Xinghuo, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions that she quickly masked, maintaining a serene expression as she nodded slightly.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Yun Huoliaoyuan," Ji Xinghuo replied, using his current identity. "How did you recognize me?" This was the question he most wanted an answer to.

Cangya replied, "It's my intuition."

"Hmm?"

Ji Xinghuo furrowed his brows, not believing in such nonsense as a woman's intuition. Any ability would surely have a corresponding superpower, and this was likely a perception skill that Cangya possessed, but she wasn't willing to divulge it to him.

Seeing his skepticism, Cangya felt a bit guilty. After all, she couldn't very well tell him that ever since she returned from the Magnetic Domain, she had thought of him constantly and even dreamed about him several times.

Back at the Abyss Hunter Guild, she had recognized him at first sight.

Of course, it wasn't just her intuition at play.

"It's your eyes," Cangya said softly, preempting Ji Xinghuo's question with an explanation. "No matter how much a person transforms or disguises themselves, their eyes are the hardest to change. One's eyes can reveal a lot, and since I usually pay attention to such details, I was able to identify you."

This explanation was seven parts truth and three parts lie.

Not everyone could be recognized by her through their eyes alone. Only those she was extremely familiar with, such as family and close friends, or those whose eyes she had observed meticulously, would she be able to identify with certainty.

"I see," Ji Xinghuo exhaled in relief.

So it wasn't an issue with the Fraud Mask; it was just his bad luck to have run into Cangya.

"What brings you to the Cangming Capital?" Cangya asked the question that had been on her mind since she first saw Ji Xinghuo.

"Just wandering around," he replied casually.

"Is that so?" Cangya smiled meaningfully. "If you're just wandering around, why bother with the disguise?" she probed, though her question shifted slightly from her original intention. "I heard that you joined the Titanium-Cobalt family and are betrothed to Titanium-Cobalt Qingwei. Does she allow you to wander around like this?"

"You seem to know a lot about me," Ji Xinghuo noted, sensing that something was amiss.

The betrothal was not a secret within the Titanium-Cobalt family; it was semi-public knowledge.

A fleeting look of panic crossed Cangya's face, but she quickly schooled her features, gently smoothing her hair as she said, "It's normal to be concerned as a friend."

Ji Xinghuo was perplexed.

"When did we become friends? I don't recall that," he said, admiring the stunning beauty before him. Suddenly, he realized something and swallowed the words that were about to leave his mouth.

"Since you're just wandering around, you must have some free time," Cangya finally revealed her purpose. "I'd like to invite you to join me on a voyage."

By 'going to sea,' she meant venturing into the abyss.

"What for?" Ji Xinghuo asked.

"Hunting and adventuring, of course," Cangya glanced around. Their conversation by the fountain had attracted the attention of passersby, so she suggested, "This isn't a suitable place to talk. If you trust me, follow me."

Her figure transformed into a stream of water and flew towards the coast of Donghuang Island.

Ji Xinghuo thought for a moment and followed suit.

The two flew side by side above the city and soon reached the coastline. Cangya slowed down and descended, and the turbulent waters below parted to reveal a massive creature emerging from the depths.

It was a Quaking Cang Dragon!

Its body length exceeded 150 meters, and its bluish-gray scales, as large as millstones, were smooth and hard. As the water flowed over its body, it reflected the azure sky. Its massive form seemed like a small island in the sea.

Cangya landed on the dragon's back and gestured for Ji Xinghuo to join her.

Ji Xinghuo stepped onto the dragon's back as well, feeling the surging life force beneath his feet, which left him astonished.

"This is Shuiyun, my dragon," Cangya introduced.

Ji Xinghuo nodded.

The Cang Dragon carried the two of them as it began to dive.

A transparent water barrier enclosed them, keeping the seawater at bay. The dragon's enormous body seemed to merge with the water, turning into a surging wave that propelled forward at a speed no slower than flying in the sky.

Moments later,

The dragon had swum over a hundred kilometers away from Donghuang Sea, but instead of slowing down, it swam even faster.

After nearly three hundred kilometers, a picturesque little island appeared before them.

On the island stood a manor built with white stones, exuding a refined and elegant style amidst the beautiful gardens. The dragon swam to the side of the island, where there was a sheer cliff, and entered through an underwater passage specifically created for it, leading to an artificial lake at the island's center.

Whoosh!

The dragon emerged from the lake, forming a water bridge to the shore. After Cangya and Ji Xinghuo disembarked, it submerged back into the lake.

Cangya clapped her hands.

A female goblin housekeeper, entirely encased in a water bubble, quickly floated over and respectfully greeted, "Mistress."

Ji Xinghuo gave her a few curious glances.

The goblins resembled the mermaids of Earth's legends, with a human upper body and a long fish tail for the lower half, resembling a snake's tail. Their skin was covered in colorful scales like shells, but their appearance fell short of human beauty standards.

At the very least, they did not conform to human aesthetics. Their features were fierce, with sharp teeth and eyes that turned up at the corners. Fins grew from their heads, extending to the back and tail, and their hands were sharp claws with webbed fingers.

The goblins were dominated by females, and the males were mostly their slaves.

This goblin housekeeper was a Sixth-rank being, equivalent to a Second-stage King, but she appeared meek and subservient before Cangya.

"Prepare an extra meal for Shuiyun, and feed it a few more giant sharks, its favorite," Cangya instructed.

"Yes, Mistress."

The goblin housekeeper retreated, floating within her water bubble. Soon, she returned with a group of robust male goblins and Split-gill tribe servants, carrying massive boxes filled with various types of fish, weighing several dozen tons in total. They dumped the entire load into the lake to feed the dragon.

Cangya led Ji Xinghuo into a reception room by the lake, elegantly decorated. Two goblin maids served them with fruit and pastries.

"Please help yourself," Cangya said.

"Now you can tell me," Ji Xinghuo said, taking a sip from his drink, showing little interest in the food.

Cangya nodded slightly and looked at Ji Xinghuo as she said, "I'd like to invite you to join me on a journey into the abyss to tame a wild dragon."

A wild dragon?

This was the term True Dragon humans used for dragons that bred and grew in the wild.

The True Dragon Empire had endured for millions of years, and almost all dragons in the True Dragon Domain were domesticated and bred in captivity. Wild dragons were extremely rare, usually found only in the most dangerous regions of the domain, such as the abyss.

In fact, the abyss was home to more wild dragons than anywhere else, accounting for over two-thirds of their total population.

Consequently, the chances of encountering wild dragons in the abyss were also higher.

"Don't you already have two dragons?" Ji Xinghuo recalled that Cangya also had an Ice Jade Dragon, another Heavenly Dragon species.

"My advancement path is that of a 'Dragon Shepherd,'" Cangya replied. "Naturally, the more suitable dragons I have, the better."

A Dragon Shepherd was a Dragon Master who possessed two or more dragons.

In the True Dragon Empire, not many Dragon Masters chose this advancement path.

Firstly, it demanded higher standards for the dragons' quality and potential—only Heavenly Dragons were worth considering, or else having more dragons might become a burden. Secondly, each dragon required the use of the Dragon Vein possessor's replication ability, limiting the number of times it could be used. Having more dragons would increase the demand for expansion artifacts, affecting the Dragon Master's own ability system and evolution, leading to a conflict of priorities.

"What kind of wild dragon is worth your attention?" Ji Xinghuo asked.

Instead of answering, Cangya's fingertips summoned a stream of water that formed words in front of them: "Cloud Sea Dragon."

I'll take a few hours' break and continue later.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end