C499 The Invitation of the Leader

On the return journey, the dense forests of Rosy Cloud Island occasionally echoed with pitiful howls. The small island had become a battleground due to the Sea Wanderer's docking and the arrival of numerous solitary cultivators. Inevitably, some, like the gaunt Lunar Spirits, met with ill fortune and found their final resting place on the island.

Yuan Lianyao glanced back several times at the thickly vegetated hill behind her, feeling a sudden chill of eeriness.

As Yu Yuan descended the mountain, he jovially bantered with Tong Laoqian, spouting all manner of nonsense. Tong Laoqian bombarded him with questions, eager to learn the details of his ascent, but Yu Yuan's responses were pure fabrication, so much so that even Yuan Lianyao couldn't help but laugh.

Tong Laoqian, well aware of the truth, had no choice but to head back to the ship first. With a swift movement, he covered the distance of several miles in an instant.

Yu Yuan was in no rush. He and Yuan Lianyao retraced their steps, strolling leisurely along the seaside. Faced with the puzzled beauty beside him, he simply smiled and suggested, "We'll discuss it once we're back on the ship."

Yuan Lianyao realized that with the Skyreach Consortium's resources and Tong Laoqian's level of cultivation, any conversation they had on Rosy Cloud Island could potentially be overheard. She decided not to press for answers just yet.

The evening sea breeze was soft, and the sky was awash with Feixia. The blue ocean appeared to be brushed with a layer of stunning red hues. Together, they walked by the sea, captivated by the sight of the burning sun sinking into the horizon, the sky and sea merging into one breathtaking view.

"Rosy Cloud Island is truly mesmerizing at dusk," Yu Yuan remarked, admiring the scenery. He turned to Yuan Lianyao, whose beauty was even more striking under the vibrant sunset, and said earnestly, "This moment, this view, and your beauty enhance each other perfectly."

"Smooth talker," she retorted playfully, her eyes sparkling with laughter. "You're not in a rush to get back to the ship because you knew about this beautiful view on the island, didn't you? So you decided to stay and walk with me a bit longer by the sea?"

Yu Yuan replied with a smile, "You could say that."

"At least you have some heart," Yuan Lianyao responded, her smile blooming like a flower.

Suddenly, a shadowy Lunar Spirit soared up from the crimson sea ahead of them and came to a graceful halt in midair.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the Lunar Spirit radiated a chilling presence, yet its features remained indistinct.

For newcomers like Yuan Lianyao to the realm of the Lunar Spirit, these spirits are intangible and invisible to the naked eye, discernible only through spiritual sense and the remnant soul.

At the Spirit Walk level or beyond, the ethereal Lunar Spirit can manifest with clarity.

At this moment, the Lunar Spirit hovering just above the sea was the same one who had plunged into the ocean from the fourth-floor dwelling not long ago.

The vague Lunar Spirit seemed to be perceiving something on the ocean's surface, as if waiting for something.

On the deck of the Sea Wanderer, the overseer Jiang Yurong materialized, her expression sour as she addressed the Lunar Spirit, who showed no urgency to board. "He refuses to meet with you; pleading is futile."

At her words, the spectral Lunar Spirit appeared somewhat forlorn and resigned.

In a swift motion, it dove through an open window on the fourth floor, merging with its real body and ceasing its futile efforts.

"Him?"

Yuan Lianyao watched for a moment, uttering a soft exclamation of surprise when she saw the figure enter the building.

Yu Yuan offered a knowing smile. "He must be aware that a recluse is deep in meditation beneath the island's waters. Especially since the angler from the island's far side made an appearance not too long ago. Consequently, someone else sought an audience, entering the sea as a Lunar Spirit, eager for a meeting."

Yuan Lianyao gasped in realization, "Simultaneously? You mean the angler from the island's backside is also a Lunar Spirit?"

"Indeed," Yu Yuan confirmed with a nod. "At such an advanced level, it's difficult for most to distinguish whether one is a Lunar Spirit, a Solar Spirit, or in their real body. The lines between truth and illusion blur. But clearly, the one who just left was unaware of the island's customs and the situation at hand, thinking a mere descent into the sea would grant him an audience."

Yuan Lianyao paused, mulling over his words before a quiet epiphany struck her. "So, ascending the mountain step by step is the proper etiquette?"

Yu Yuan chuckled heartily.

Suddenly enlightened, Yuan Lianyao realized, "Your ascent to the mountain's peak was in adherence to the island's traditions, approaching him in his own prescribed way!"

"Let's discuss this inside," they said as they headed back.

Shortly thereafter, the pair reached the Sea Wanderer just as the sun began to set. On the deck, Jiang Yurong glanced down with a welcoming smile. "Ms. Yuan, our manager has requested your presence."

Yuan Lianyao was taken aback. "The manager has been waiting for some time and would like to speak with you. Please join us at your earliest convenience," Jiang Yurong said, her smile warm but her tone leaving no room for refusal.

"Alright," Yuan Lianyao responded, then she and Yu Yuan boarded the ship amidst many curious stares.

Speculation was rife among the onlookers as to why the Sea Wanderer's manager would suddenly seek out Yuan Lianyao for a meeting. Despite Yuan Lianyao's status as the leader of Asvetaesi and a member of the Ruby Hand, she was not on par with the manager.

The manager had remained unseen by the guests for quite some time. She had only made her presence known when Faang Yao personally escorted Yuan Lianyao aboard, greeting her from within her quarters without making an appearance.

The manager's invitation to Yuan Lianyao only served to heighten the intrigue surrounding her and fueled the growing envy towards Yu Yuan. Many believed he had stumbled upon incredible fortune to have garnered the attention of the red lotus.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, Yuan Lianyao paused and turned to Yu Yuan. "Please return to your room and wait for me there."

Yu Yuan nodded with a smile and was about to head to the quarters arranged for Yuan Lianyao by the Skyreach Consortium when Jiang Yurong stopped him. "Hold on! Young Master Lee, you are also on the manager's guest list."

Now both Yuan Lianyao and Yu Yuan were confused.

At that moment, some independent cultivators residing on the fourth floor overheard Jiang Yurong's announcement. Tong Laoqian was the first to pop his head out and playfully gesture to Yu Yuan, "Brother Lee Qi, you truly stand out wherever you go, always managing to shine in no time at all."

With a creak, the door opened, and a cultivator emanating a chilling presence stepped out, fixing his gaze on Yu Yuan and Yuan Lianyao.

The individual who had revealed himself was clad in a long gray robe. His neck was disproportionately long, and his head slightly small, giving him an awkward appearance.

His Lunar Spirit, however, was far more aesthetically pleasing than his real body.

Yu Yuan took one look and could tell that this independent practitioner wasn't much to look at, likely having some physical imperfections, which is why the Lunar Spirit he had formed did not resemble his actual physique.

"Has he been invited?" Yuan Lianyao asked, pointing at Yu Yuan, her face etched with surprise.

Jiang Yurong gave a slight nod. "Yes, the organizer has extended an invitation to him."

"Let's go."

Anticipating that the growing number of passengers on the fourth floor would soon become disturbed, Yu Yuan didn't wait for Yuan Lianyao and Jiang Yurong to speak further. He ascended the staircase, making a beeline for the fifth floor.

Yuan Lianyao and Jiang Yurong, seeing him take action, quickly followed suit.

Jiang Yurong moved with urgency, seemingly worried that Yu Yuan might mistakenly enter a restricted area of the Sea Wanderer and inadvertently invite trouble.

But as she prepared to cast a spell to swiftly reach the fifth floor, she saw Yu Yuan come to a halt in front of a room.

The room, situated near the wooden staircase, had an unremarkable door without any distinctive carvings. It was quite unassuming.

Yet, Yu Yuan had chosen to stop right there and wait.

"Bring them in," came the gentle chuckle of Zhu Peining from inside the room, "Young man, it seems you're quite familiar with the layout of our Sea Wanderer. You found the right door in just two steps, quite impressive."

This was precisely what Jiang Yurong was wondering.

On the fifth floor, there were six rooms. The one she and Zhu Peining had previously spoken in, which featured a crystal ball, was a particularly unique chamber.

Now, Zhu Peining had switched to a different room, specifically set aside for receiving guests.

And it was in front of this very room that Yu Yuan had chosen to stand.

​