Chapter 623: Taru
Chapter 623: Taru
After receiving the news and clarifying the situation, Chen Chuan immediately left his room and headed to the residence of the sheriff, who enthusiastically led him to a private pier.
Moored at the pier was a sailing ship, and the sailor was a tanned, robust man with a face full of wrinkles, appearing to be an old man, but judging by his physical condition, he was probably only around forty years old.
According to the sheriff's introduction, the sailor was originally a resident of Fei Guang Island, and although his family had moved to Ro Wang Island, he was very familiar with the situation there, so there was no need to worry.
Chen Chuan noticed that the sailor seemed somewhat reluctant, but at the same time, he appeared to be fearful of the sheriff, making him seem a bit forced.
Chen Chuan smiled and walked onto the ship, taking a seat inside.
The sheriff removed his hat and waved goodbye, wishing him a smooth journey.
Chen Chuan nodded in response.
As a tourist from another region, he was prepared for potential scams, and had already thought of ways to deal with them, but surprisingly, the sailor didn't try any tricks.
It was common for residents of the islands to scam tourists, and it would be strange if they didn't. However, this sailor didn't dare to do so in front of Chen Chuan.
The sheriff had been in his position for a long time and had seen many travelers come and go, so he had a keen eye. Just by looking at Chen Chuan, he could tell that he was a powerful fighter.
The sailor might dare to scam ordinary people, but if he tried to scam a fighter, he might find his entire family killed the next day.
This wasn't just talk; his predecessor had died in such a manner. So, he had learned from this lesson and tried not to offend fighters, especially since Chen Chuan was even paying him.
As the sailing ship gently rocked its way out to sea, a chirping sound came from the sky, and Chao Ming followed behind.
After sailing for over half an hour, Ro Wang Island behind them had become smaller in their line of sight. Suddenly, the seawater began to shake violently, causing the ship to sway, and the sailor, startled, immediately prostrated himself on the deck, muttering, "Erlu, Erlu."
Chen Chuan, who had been on Ro Wang Island for the past few days, knew that "Erlu" was the name of the legendary sea monster. However, it was strange that the sailor didn't invoke the goddess's name but instead prayed to the sea monster.
The tremors in the water were indeed odd, and it didn't seem like an earthquake. The wind on the sea was also normal...
Could it be something beneath the sea?
Chen Chuan glanced around thoughtfully.
But after just a few minutes, the unusual movement in the water stopped, and the sailor stood up, still muttering to himself. After a while, he wiped his hands and continued sailing.
There were many reefs and small islands near Ro Wang Island, and numerous ships passed by. At that moment, Chen Chuan noticed several sailing ships and rowboats circling around a small island, seemingly searching for something.
He asked, "What are they doing?"
The sailor replied in broken Great Prosperity language, "They're salvaging a ring."
Chen Chuan inquired further and learned that someone had dropped a wedding ring into the sea and offered a reward of fifty thousand Jianyuan currency for its retrieval. That's why most people were trying their luck.
Fifty thousand was no small amount, not just on this island but even in Central City. No wonder so many people were attracted. Smiling, Chen Chuan asked the sailor, "Haven't you tried your luck?"
The sailor shook his head and replied indifferently, "For over twenty years, the goddess has never blessed me." After that, he remained silent.
The ship had set sail at around five in the morning, and by ten, a volcanic island appeared on the horizon.
The sailor pointed forward and said, "Fei Guang Island."
Chen Chuan stood up and looked into the distance, seeing a conical crater and lush vegetation surrounding the crater. The sunlight illuminated the colorful coral beneath the clear water. It looked like a volcanic eruption, no wonder the locals were reluctant to approach.
And that was his destination.
The sailor noticed that Chen Chuan stood steadily, unaffected by the ship's rocking, and a hint of awe flashed in his eyes. Around noon, the ship finally approached the island.
By then, Chen Chuan could clearly see the island. The surrounding seawater was crystal clear, and the sunlight illuminated the colorful coral below. The outer perimeter of the conical crater was covered in lush vegetation.
The sailor lowered the sails and switched to rowing, eventually docking at a beach with a mixture of sand and rocks.
Chen Chuan took out a stack of Jianyuan currency and handed it to the sailor, saying, "Thank you. I'll be staying here for a while. You can go back now."
The sailor was taken aback, clearly not expecting Chen Chuan to pay after the sheriff's arrangement. A genuine smile appeared on his face, and after a moment's thought, he said, "Guest, you can follow the pebble path. If there's no path, just follow the signposts, and you'll find the islanders. They'll guide you."
Chen Chuan thanked him again and jumped off the ship, stepping onto the sandy beach. The wind blowing from the island was refreshing, carrying a cool breeze from the distance.
After a few glances, he found the mentioned pebble path about a kilometer away.
He didn't rush towards the direction, but instead made a gesture. After a while, the sound of flapping wings approached, and Chao Ming descended from the sky, landing in front of him.
He reached out and patted Chao Ming, taking out a nutrition bar from his pocket and feeding it to him. He also gave him some water from a special water bottle. After a short rest, Chao Ming took off again, flying into the sky.
He himself ate a few nutrition bars and replenished some fluids before heading in the direction the boatman had mentioned, where he saw the signpost.
It was a polished bone signpost, with a pointed end pointing in a specific direction. The pebble path beneath his feet extended forward, leading deep into the forest.
He unsheathed the Snow Lady Sword and followed the signpost, the pebble path appearing intermittently, but the continuous presence of the signposts ensured he didn't veer off course.
After walking for about seven or eight kilometers, he came across a thatched hut corridor. A young man with a well-built, tanned body and bare chest emerged.
In his hand, he held a stick painted with colorful oil, and after glancing at Chen Chuan, he spoke fluently in Great Prosperity language, "Sir, ahead is private property. If you're here for tourism, you can go that way..." He pointed in a direction, "There's a village that can accommodate you."
Chen Chuan said, "I'm here to see Taru."
Taru was a member of the Pure Essence Sect, a descendant of the Solitary Stream Pavilion of the Outer Ocean Islands, one of the Twenty-One Pavilions. According to the rules of the Grand Alliance, if a lineage from the old era, like the Solitary Stream Pavilion, didn't produce a fighter for three generations, or sixty years, it would no longer be recognized by the Grand Alliance.
The fighting resources inherited by such lineages, including those above the Third Limitation, would have to be handed over to the Grand Alliance. In return, the Grand Alliance would provide appropriate monetary or material compensation.
This rule was later adopted by various governments and corporations.
However, over a hundred years ago, even before the establishment of the Grand Alliance, the Solitary Stream Pavilion lineage had already stopped producing fighters. According to the sect's own explanation, this was because the rift that had been passed down since the old era had disappeared, making it impossible for fighters to inherit the profound secrets of the pavilion.
In reality, the rift hadn't truly vanished; it had merely shifted its position, leading to the eventual demise of the pavilion. But in a twist of fate, the rift was eventually found by a persistent seeker, the current master of Taru. This master later joined the Pure Essence Sect and willingly offered the rift for use by worthy members of the sect.
The young man became alert upon hearing Chen Chuan mention Taru. "Do you know Taru?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Please tell him that Mr. Zuan sent me."
The young man whistled and waited. Soon, a small, agile boy ran over. He pointed at Chen Chuan and whispered a few words in the native language, to which the boy nodded and disappeared into the forest.
After about ten minutes, an elder with a head wrap and loose-fitting clothes emerged. The young man immediately bowed, saying, "Aapa."
The elder approached Chen Chuan, clasping his fists and greeting him politely in fluent Great Prosperity language, "Sir, do you know Mr. Zuan? May I see your proof?"
Chen Chuan took out the dragon with a pig nose from his pocket, and upon seeing it, the elder's expression became extremely respectful. He bowed and said, "Sir, please follow me." He took a step to the side and gestured for Chen Chuan to follow.
Chen Chuan nodded and followed the elder. After crossing a small stream, they ascended a gentle mountain path. A few hundred meters later, they reached a clearing.
The area was filled with ancient stone structures, likely built a long time ago. The paint on them had mostly peeled off, and the decorative perforations were now just remnants of rotten wood. However, the original elegance was still evident from the ground's patterned bricks and some less eroded stone sculptures.
In the clearing in front of the buildings, there was a tall woman, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a fit figure and a rosy complexion.
She was wearing a white training suit, her skin a deep bronze. Her eyes, beneath thick eyebrows, sparkled with vitality. At that moment, she was instructing a group of young people, including many teenagers.
This was probably Taru.
Taru was just a title; each generation that inherited the Solitary Stream Pavilion's legacy would abandon their original name and adopt this name.
Chen Chuan didn't interrupt her immediately but stood under a shaded corridor nearby. The elder brought him coconut juice and local fruits, which Chen Chuan thanked and accepted.
After half an hour, Taru finished her instruction. She pressed her thumbs together, then clapped her palms and let out a clear chant. Everyone responded with the same gesture and a shout, then bowed to her before dispersing.
After they left, Taru approached Chen Chuan.
...
...
(Chapter End)
Chapter end
Report
