Chapter 48: Cui Jue's Ugly Demeanor

Old Hong was clearly somewhat agitated as he leaned on his cane and spoke slowly.

"Back then, it was you who entrusted this divine artifact to me. Had I not obtained it, I would never have attained the strength I possess today, nor would I have ever qualified to board this great ship."

"You changed my life and granted me unprecedented drive, yet you have been reduced to such a plight. Once we arrive at Vast Sea City this time, do not leave..."

The existence of a divine artifact is capable of not merely altering a person's life, but potentially even forging history.

Meng Tianhai gazed at the cane in Old Hong's hand, his eyes filled with deep emotion as he replied slowly.

"So many years have passed, and I have long since grown accustomed to my current life. Drifting from place to place isn't entirely bad; it's just that I am temporarily unable to seek my revenge."

"Now I simply follow my daughter's lead. Whatever decision she makes, I will follow. As for staying aboard this great ship, I'm afraid that might not work..."

Meng Tianhai was once an expert of considerable renown, but in the aftermath of that tragic event, the Lord of Azure Firmament City reduced him to a cripple.

Right now, he was akin to a chef whose mind was brimming with recipes, yet whose hands were powerless to wield the ladle.

Even if he once could conjure exquisite feasts, he could now do no more than reminisce.

Nevertheless, looking upon his former masterpiece, Meng Tianhai felt a deep sense of solace.

Meng Li stepped forward at that moment, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she spoke.

"Old Hong, my father speaks of you often, saying that you were once a peerless genius, and that the records you set remain unbroken across the entire continent."

"I have always wondered why someone as formidable as you would choose to drift back and forth aboard this massive vessel. With your strength, creating your own sect would be an effortless task, wouldn't it?"

Lu Qingyun watched quietly from the side. Young though she was, Meng Li possessed the acumen of a seasoned veteran of the martial world.

With a single remark, she both showed utmost respect to Old Hong and subtly probed for information.

In truth, Lu Qingyun was equally curious: why would a terrifying entity like Old Hong willingly guard this vast ship?

One had to bear in mind that these vessels ultimately belonged to Vast Sea City, making Old Hong little more than a subordinate to others.

The fact that he had neutralized the Sea-Dominating Beast with a single move was ample proof of his terrifying power.

Old Hong felt no awkwardness at all; instead, he smiled faintly and replied, "The past is behind us. Regardless of who one is, everyone encounters bottlenecks on the path of cultivation. Attempting to break through thereafter becomes an extraordinarily difficult endeavor."

"I am a person who deeply detests trouble, and to this day I have never even married. Being on my own is quite fine. Sailing across this boundless ocean every day and encountering all sorts of things—such a life brings me genuine happiness."

Listening to his words, Lu Qingyun could sense that he was entirely at ease and truly, deeply content.

He thought to himself that if he too could attain such a level of strength and spend his days doing as he pleased, it would be a most exhilarating existence.

After all, everyone has the right to choose their own life, yet who can truly master their own destiny?

As a practitioner, one must strive relentlessly while still young, pouring every ounce of energy and physical stamina into elevating one's cultivation realm to greater heights.

Even an ordinary person must fight tirelessly for their livelihood. A life such as Old Hong's was enough to evoke envy.

Though he served others, he remained unfettered and unbound, for on this great vessel, his word was naturally law.

After all, individuals of truly formidable power had no need to board this ship; they possessed countless other methods to reach Vast Sea City.

Lu Qingyun naturally refrained from interrupting, maintaining the utmost respect.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Old Hong turned his gaze toward Lu Qingyun, his eyes brimming with appreciation.

He spoke slowly, "Young man, you handled the situation at the dock remarkably well earlier. However, that young master of the Cui family is a person of extremely narrow mind. You must exercise the utmost caution when dealing with him!"

"I see that you share a very good relationship with Tianhai, which is why I felt compelled to warn you. The Cui family does possess genuine strength, and they hold a certain standing within Vast Sea City!"

Hearing this, Lu Qingyun was somewhat surprised. Given Old Hong's lofty status, going out of his way to offer this warning was proof that he was a man of loyalty and deep feeling.

One could easily imagine that after the calamity of the Meng family, no one dared to offend the Lord of Azure Firmament City, causing those associated with the Mengs to dwindle rapidly as everyone sought to avoid being implicated.

For Old Hong to step forward now with such a warning was definitive proof that he was by no means an ingrate who forgot favors.

Lu Qingyun nodded solemnly, gratitude filling his eyes as he replied, "I truly have no desire to cross paths with them; the mere sight of them fills me with annoyance. But there is no help for it. Since matters have reached this state, I must naturally do everything in my power to resolve them."

"What outcomes the future holds is something I cannot foresee. All I can do now is accept it and take things one step at a time."

In truth, Lu Qingyun felt deeply helpless regarding the situation, as it had little to do with him initially—the blame lay entirely upon that arrogant fellow who had provoked him unprovoked.

Now that things had escalated to this point, there seemed to be no alternative other than taking it one step at a time.

Old Hong glanced at Meng Tianhai, and just as he was about to speak, Lu Qingyun continued.

Old Hong clearly...

"Old Hong, thank you for telling me all of this, but I have no wish to complicate matters further or drag too many people into it. If it can be resolved, it will be resolved; if not, I will find a way."

"What I must do is simply stay true to myself. I have never harbored any other intentions..."

The confidence radiating from Lu Qingyun's eyes was genuinely startling.

In Old Hong's eyes, Lu Qingyun was merely a fledgling who had just stepped into the martial world.

Had it not been for his stellar performance at the dock, Old Hong might have intervened long ago.

For he had spotted Meng Tianhai amidst the crowd early on, and under no circumstances could he stand by and watch his friend come to harm.

Yet Lu Qingyun's capabilities had taken him by surprise, especially the smooth manner in which he had handled the crisis. In his heart, Old Hong held a newfound and profound respect for the young man.

Meng Tianhai chimed in from the side, "I know you have our best interests at heart, but I trust in his abilities. As long as he is here, we will be safe. Go tend to your own matters, and we can chat again when you have leisure."

Seeing how deeply they trusted Lu Qingyun, Old Hong smiled and said, "Very well. I never would have thought that someone who hasn't even reached the Qi Condensation Realm could command the trust of so many. It seems your capabilities extend far beyond what I have witnessed."

"Since there is nothing I can do to help, there is no more to be said. We shall meet again tonight!"

With that, Old Hong took his leave. Lu Qingyun gave it no further thought and told everyone to rest quietly.

Up to this point, they had not enjoyed a proper rest, making this a rare and precious opportunity.

This time, Lu Qingyun did not sit cross-legged to cultivate; instead, he lay down upon his bed to calm his mind and rest his eyes.

Such moments of peace were exceedingly rare, and he naturally wished to savor them.

Moreover, he had learned a great deal from Old Hong, and felt that if he too could become such a person one day, it would be a splendid thing indeed.

Soon, night descended, bringing with it the cool sea breeze, the briny scent of the ocean, and the lively commotion aboard the massive ship.

The Sea-Dominating Beast that Old Hong had slain during the day, coupled with the beast's head prepared by Cui Jue for everyone, had stirred the appetite of all aboard.

Lu Qingyun led his companions to the scene, where a truly bustling atmosphere awaited them.

Though some had not received formal invitations, they had gathered nonetheless simply to witness the spectacle.

Fatty Wang chuckled and remarked, "This is wonderful! I never imagined I'd get to eat such a creature. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water..."

Han Man put on an expression of utter disdain and retorted, "Look at your lack of ambition, drooling over mere food?"

Yet before he could finish his sentence, he too was forced to swallow hard as saliva gathered in his mouth.

Lu Qingyun was long accustomed to their endless bickering. Meng Li followed closely behind them, wearing a joyful expression.

After casting a glance around, Xu Feng slowly spoke up.

"I've never been to an event like this before. I had no idea there were people from so many different sects aboard..."

No sooner had Xu Feng spoken than several people stepped forward to greet him. They fell into easy conversation, and the atmosphere was harmonious in the extreme.

Even so, a lingering premonition nagged at Lu Qingyun, telling him that tonight might not be as simple as it appeared.

Cui Jue had indeed extended invitations to many of them, but was he doing so with a sincere heart?

Perhaps the others were welcomed in good faith, but was the invitation extended to Lu Qingyun genuine?

Lu Qingyun murmured quietly, "Everyone, keep your guard up and act according to circumstances. I have a bad feeling about this."

Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement, for they trusted Lu Qingyun implicitly.

After a brief wait, Cui Jue walked up to the colossal head of the Sea-Dominating Beast.

He addressed the gathered crowd with a solemn expression, "Thank you all for honoring me with your presence tonight. I hope to provide everyone with a unique and unforgettable memory. Without further ado, let us welcome the chefs!"

Several men dressed in long white robes and white caps strode forward briskly.

With a beast's head of such immense proportions, boiling it in a cauldron was utterly out of the question; it could only be roasted over open flames.

The chefs instantly released their Martial Souls, every single one of which was fire-affiliated.

Others evenly dusted seasonings across the surface, and within moments, an intoxicating aroma filled the air.

The surrounding onlookers could not help exclaiming in admiration.

"As expected of the exquisitely tender Sea-Dominating Beast! To taste even a single bite of that would be absolute bliss."

"What a pity that we lack the qualifications to be invited. All we can do is smell it."

"Once they carve it up tomorrow, I'll have to figure out a way to acquire a tiny piece, even just for a taste..."

Puffs of regret echoed through the crowd, while those who had received invitations stepped forward eagerly.

A few minutes later, the roasting was complete, and the invited guests were each handed a portion.

Since Lu Qingyun and his group had arrived, they naturally stepped forward as well.

Cui Jue greeted them with a beaming smile and said, "Brother Lu, you all must wait just a moment longer. The meat on the outside is much the same as any other, but the absolute best part is found inside the brain—that is the true delicacy of the mortal realm!"

Lu Qingyun glanced at Meng Li beside him, and she nodded in earnest confirmation.

Lu Qingyun had no inkling of what medicine this fellow was selling in his gourd; perhaps he had genuinely turned over a new leaf?

With a faint smile, he replied, "Then I am deeply grateful."

Yet the more courteous Cui Jue acted, the more suspicious Lu Qingyun became, for the fellow's behavior was altogether too bizarre.

People could change, of course, but undergoing such a transformation in so short a span of time was fundamentally impossible.

Cui Jue led them to a nearby table, where attendants poured wine for them and served various other delicacies.

Lu Qingyun and the others ate and drank, finding nothing amiss thus far.

After a short while, attendants brought out several exquisite little bowls filled with a golden substance—the brain of the Sea-Dominating Beast.

Cui Jue walked over at that moment, holding a similar small bowl of his own, and said with a smile, "Everyone, this is the most supreme portion of all. Truly worthy of being called a heavenly delicacy!"

Lu Qingyun caught the aroma rising from the bowl; it was an indescribable fragrance, and Fatty Wang was already struggling to restrain his appetite.

Just as they were about to dig in, however, Lu Qingyun uttered a sharp command: "Stop!"

The others looked on in bewilderment. Weren't they here precisely for this purpose? Why halt them now?

Cui Jue's expression instantly darkened. Lu Qingyun turned his gaze toward him and spoke in a low, cold voice.

"I foolishly believed you were extending a sincere invitation. I never imagined you were plotting such a vile scheme. Had I not reacted in the nick of time, I would have died without even knowing how it happened."

"Using such base methods—don't you find it despicable?"

Lu Qingyun himself had been tempted by the aroma, but at the crucial moment, the system had issued yet another warning.

*Ding! Trash-tier opponent, extreme danger!*

Even during fierce battles, the system rarely issued warnings of this caliber.

That was because Lu Qingyun could usually turn perilous situations around and maintain firm control over outcomes.

However, once Lu Qingyun calmed his mind, the anomaly became glaringly obvious.

The wine they had consumed beforehand conflicted violently with the brain of the Sea-Dominating Beast. Consuming them together would result in far more than mere food poisoning.

It was a fatal poison—one that even divine-grade elixirs could not cure!

Cui Jue's expression shifted dramatically, turning venomous as he sneered, "To think you would see through it. Truly beyond my expectations! But so what if you discovered it? I've poisoned your wine as well."

"You dared to offend me and expected to go on your merry way? You thought you could walk out of here alive? Do you really think that's possible? Since you stripped me of my dignity, you must pay with your lives!"

Cui Jue finally dropped his hypocritical mask and revealed his true, hideous nature. Yet Lu Qingyun and his companions showed no signs of collapsing.

Lu Qingyun kicked over the wine pitcher he had been given, sending the liquor splashing across the deck.

He spoke in an icy tone, "Did you truly take us for fools who would blindly drink whatever you offered? Did you really think your little trap would succeed?"