Chapter 15: Boarding the Pirate Ship

The Library Pavilion was not situated within the Verdant Spirit Peak, but instead on Cloudrise Peak. The two peaks stood separated by dozens of miles, their terrain perilous and shrouded in swirling mist. With Shen Qinghe’s current cultivation at the first level of Qi Refining, traveling there on foot would take at least four or five hours. The fastest way to make the journey was by flying boat.

Following the route etched in her memory, Shen Qinghe made her way to the southern dock of Verdant Spirit Peak. She found herself standing atop a broad stone platform, where flying boats of all shapes and sizes were moored. Some gleamed with iridescent brilliance—luxurious vessels—while others were modest dinghies, and a few sported peculiar designs that drew the eye.

Naturally, the fares varied depending on the boat’s material, speed, and comfort. Those dazzling, luxurious flying boats cost a fortune in spirit stones for a single round trip. Though she currently had over fifty low-grade spirit stones in her pouch, Shen Qinghe had no intention of spending extravagantly on the pricier vessels.

Standing on the green stone platform, she carefully surveyed the boats, weighing their value against their cost. Suddenly, a clear voice rang out, “Junior Sister, where are you headed?”

Shen Qinghe turned to see a young man in blue robes smiling warmly at her. In the Outer Sect of Azure Cloud Sect, blue robes signified cultivation above the fifth level of Qi Refining, marking a clear distinction from the ordinary gray-robed disciples. Behind him rested a uniquely designed flying boat, its hull as graceful as flowing water, shaped like a spirit shuttle poised to launch, shimmering with a subtle glow.

Just from its appearance, she could tell the fare would not be cheap.

“Senior Brother, I…” Shen Qinghe began to politely decline, but he interrupted her, “Don’t be too hasty in making your decision.”

He lightly stroked the side of the boat, his tone earnest. “My Cloud Shuttle is exceptionally fast—any destination within the sect’s borders can be reached in the time it takes to steep a cup of tea. Perhaps you might reconsider?”

As he spoke, his fingertips tapped the hull, which immediately glowed with spiritual light, revealing intricate formation patterns engraved upon it.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Shen Qinghe followed his lead. “Then, Senior Brother, how much do you charge for your flying boat?”

She had already decided to decline as soon as he named a high price.

“Four low-grade spirit stones!” he declared, thumping his chest, his voice resounding. “Round trip, no hidden fees, fair to all!”

The price made Shen Qinghe’s eyes brighten. For such a well-crafted boat, it was far cheaper than she had expected.

Curious, she asked, “Senior Brother, your boat is so finely made—why is the fare so cheap?”

A trace of embarrassment flickered across the blue-robed disciple’s face. He sighed, “To be honest… it’s a bit shameful. But I won’t waste your time with trivial matters. I’m simply short on spirit stones, otherwise I wouldn’t be ferrying here.”

Shen Qinghe nodded in understanding, not pressing further. She promptly took out four low-grade spirit stones from her storage pouch and handed them over. “Then I’ll leave it to you, Senior Brother.”

“Wonderful!” The blue-robed disciple beamed as he accepted the stones. “Just wait a moment while I gather a few more passengers before we set off.”

Shen Qinghe understood. Though not large, the Cloud Shuttle could easily hold five or six people, and sharing rides was common practice at this dock.

As they waited, the two struck up conversation. Shen Qinghe learned his name was Jiang Yunfei, and that he was well-versed in the art of puppetry and mechanical devices.

“This Cloud Shuttle is my pride and joy,” Jiang Yunfei said, running his hand along the hull, his eyes shining with pride. “It’s entirely driven by mechanisms, not spiritual power, which is why I can charge less.”

As he spoke, he suddenly produced a few exquisite spheres from his storage pouch, displaying them in his palm like treasures. “Take a look, Junior Sister. These are all my finest creations.”

The spheres were carved with intricate patterns. Jiang Yunfei pressed a mechanism, and the patterns lit up. With a click, one sphere unfolded into a palm-sized spider, its eight slender legs moving nimbly.

“These puppets may be small, but their uses are endless,” Jiang Yunfei said in a hushed, secretive tone. “This puppet spider can detect movement within a hundred meters and release paralytic toxins—perfect for self-defense. If you’re interested, it’s only fifty low-grade spirit stones.”

Shen Qinghe admired the ingenious device, tempted, but the price was far too steep.

She shook her head. “Senior Brother, your puppetry is indeed exquisite, but I don’t have that many spirit stones…”

“I understand!” Jiang Yunfei laughed heartily, not pressing her, and swiftly put away the puppet. “If your finances improve, you’re always welcome to find me.”

He took out a communication talisman, adding, “And if you wish to commission a custom puppet, that’s possible too.”

“Thank you.” Shen Qinghe accepted the talisman.

Just then, a group of four approached the flying boat. Leading them was a handsome young man in blue robes, whose bearing was both graceful and ethereal.

“Jiang Yunfei, ferrying passengers again?” The young man called out from afar, clearly familiar with Jiang Yunfei, and when he drew closer, his tone was teasing. “Short on spirit stones, are you?”

Jiang Yunfei’s eyes lit up, not at all embarrassed. He greeted them enthusiastically. “Senior Brother Chen, your insight is sharp as ever!”

He rubbed his hands together, his gaze shrewd. “Since we’ve met, why not support your junior’s business? My Cloud Shuttle is fast and steady—guaranteed satisfaction!”

“Oh? You dare boast that this heap of scrap metal is fast and steady?” Senior Brother Chen smirked, tapping the boat’s edge, which rang crisply. “Last month, didn’t Junior Sister Mo almost get thrown out when she rode it?”

“That was merely an accident!” Jiang Yunfei interrupted quickly. “It happened because Elder Mingxin’s Golden Phoenix disturbed us—it had nothing to do with my boat. Now, I’ve reinforced the hull with Cloud Pattern Iron, increasing stability by more than thirty percent. Even if we encounter another Phoenix, I guarantee a smooth ride!”

He spoke with absolute confidence.

Shen Qinghe noticed the others behind Senior Brother Chen stifling laughter, their shoulders trembling. One female disciple whispered, “He said the same when he was promoting his puppets last time…”

“Since Junior Brother Jiang is so confident…” Senior Brother Chen suddenly changed tack, producing a heavy brocade pouch from his storage pouch. “How about we make a wager?”

The pouch’s mouth opened slightly, revealing the lustrous glow of spirit stones within.

Jiang Yunfei’s eyes immediately gleamed. “How does Senior Brother wish to bet?”

“As it happens, we’re headed to the Inquiry Platform today,” Senior Brother Chen said, tapping the pouch, its contents clinking. “If your flying boat can reach the platform within half an hour, all these spirit stones are yours. If not…”

“If not, I’ll pay you double!” Jiang Yunfei declared without hesitation, pounding his chest in assurance.

“Oh? Double?” Senior Brother Chen raised a brow, shaking the pouch meaningfully. “That’s twenty low-grade spirit stones—you’d better think carefully.”

“Rest assured, Senior Brother!” Jiang Yunfei replied, confidently patting the boat’s hull. “The speed of my Cloud Shuttle will amaze you all!”

“Excellent! Well said!” Senior Brother Chen laughed, turning to beckon his companions. “You all heard him? Today we’ll see what Junior Brother Jiang’s flying boat can do!”

Once the four had boarded, Jiang Yunfei turned to Shen Qinghe and invited her warmly, “Junior Sister Shen, come aboard! Today you’ll witness true speed!”

Seeing the excitement in Jiang Yunfei’s eyes, Shen Qinghe suddenly had the uneasy feeling she was boarding a pirate ship. She hesitated as she stepped onto the boat, and just as she steadied herself, felt her sleeve gently tugged.

She turned—it was the female disciple in blue beside Senior Brother Chen.

“Is this your first time on Junior Brother Jiang’s flying boat?” the girl whispered in her ear, a mischievous smile in her eyes. “You’d better hold tight—last time we rode…”

“Everyone, sit tight and hold on!” Jiang Yunfei’s bright voice rang out before she could finish.

His hands pressed down on the control panel, his eyes alight with excitement. “We’re setting off now!”

Before his words had faded, Shen Qinghe felt the deck tremble beneath her feet, and the boat emitted a soft hum. The next instant, the flying boat shot skyward in a streak of azure light.

Caught unprepared, Shen Qinghe was thrown backward, nearly tossed right off the boat. Fortunately, the female disciple grabbed her just in time, preventing her from being flung into the air.