Spirit Vessel

Feng Feiyun was aware of this place.

Rumor has it that during Time Immemorial, the world was far more prosperous and powerful. Saints were far more common as all races tried to pursue the immortal dao and gain everlasting life.

Alas, the last stage was impossible. Legends regarding saints becoming immortals were all proven false with time.

Nevertheless, cultivators never stopped dreaming. Some thought about creating an “immortal” world.

In reality, this was an upgraded sacred grotto. Only those at the pseudo level were eligible to open the gate to enter this “immortal world” and listen to teachings from saints.

Terra Grand Saint elevated this special realm to the limit, culminating in the best place for cultivation in all nine continents. Although it wasn’t a true immortal world, it was the second-best thing available.

Terra united the nine continents, creating “hell” and “Spirit Immortal World”, becoming the lords of three realms.

During the calamity, Spirit Immortal World faced the brunt of the attack and was destroyed, leaving only ruins behind.

Saints spent immense effort to create this dimension, so even after its destruction, frightening living beings and creatures were gestated. Thus, no one from West Bull dared to venture there - only the most reckless of adventures.

“Overconfident, I thought I could go anywhere in the world. However, I met a mysterious group in a broken continent there, they practiced witchcraft and I was ambushed by a mighty one, leaving me in this state.” The turtle recalled.

“Haha, Boss, you got caught off guard for once?” The blood dragon laughed.

“Can’t avoid feet getting wet when walking near the river.” The turtle said.

Feiyun glanced at the shell again and said: “Your shell is not normal, something is hidden beneath the rust.”

“I feel the same way, but this rust is not due to time but rather an ancient material. Only a saint can remove them.” The turtle told the truth. It had used the blood of saints before but this wasn’t enough either.

“I suppose this can wait until later.” Feiyun changed the topic with a serious tone: “Have you heard of the World Destruction Tablet?

“The fiercest weapon during Time Immemorial, why do you ask?” The turtle responded.

Feiyun raised his hand and said: “I have a tiny piece right here.”

“What?!” Its tail rose after hearing this.

It stared at the stone and saw scenes of destruction. A chill caused it to stagger backward.

The blood dragon and Mao Guwui did the same, feeling an instinctive dread.

The tiny stone was frightening; Feiyun wouldn’t be able to hold it without his saint intents and a drop of grand saint blood.

He didn’t know how the fourth lord managed to subdue its power. His cultivation alone couldn’t use it at will and risked death.

“Hmm, interesting, it is connected to the tablet for sure, but to say that it is a piece from there, no way. Nothing can break the tablet.” The turtle concluded.

“Don’t be so sure, Immemorial Phoenix left a prophecy on the tablet along with the truths behind the final battle. If carving is possible, so is breaking it.” Feiyun said.

“You are mistaken, Feng Feiyun.” The turtle shook its head: “A grand saint, surely mighty, but still not enough. Nine Arrow Grant Saint had tried to destroy it, shooting three arrows in a row to no avail. He had to seal it in the end.”

“Terra Grand Saint wanted to destroy the demon serpent king’s sword but could only divide it into three parts, sealing them into separate worlds. The sword is a lower-ranking weapon among the ten while the tablet is in first place. If the sword can’t be destroyed, the tablet can’t be touched.”

“Three arrows couldn’t break the tablet?” Feiyun took a deep breath.

“So the runes on the tablet aren’t carved there. They are the manifestation of willpower and blood sacrifice, causing them to show up on the surface. The stone you’re holding possesses incredible destruction, but it cannot be from the tablet. It could have been near the real thing for years and gained this essence, or its previous owner must have seen the real thing. However, since the fourth lord is dead, no one will know the answer now.” The turtle concluded.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t have known, this stone must have been passed down for a long time. The first owner died long ago.” Feiyun said.

He intended to research the stone to find the location of the tablet. Alas, this was taboo and a mysterious force left him with serious injuries.

***

Feiyun observed the full moon and enjoyed the breezes while sitting on a stone platform. His troubled mind gradually calmed down - no one could predict the future so just take it one step at a time.

Dongfang Jingyue in white landed nearby, looking more beautiful than the moon.

“Why aren’t you with your Fairy Jiutian?” She smiled while standing behind him, appreciating the fact that he chose to stay here.

“Mine? We are just friends.” Feiyun said.

“Whatever, I am thinking about going up the celestial river and need a rower.” She said.

“I thought you were busy tonight.” Feiyun asked.

“Not anymore.” She responded.

Numerous ships floated on this celestial river, some were as large as mountains and others were regular size.

Some had mist and fog surrounding great palaces. Spirit beasts flew in and out along with cultivators riding flying swords.

Maids and dancers elevated the atmosphere. Cultivators recited and competed with poems. Geniuses displayed their sword skills. Even demons could be seen.

As for Feiyun and Jingyue, they rode a white boat made of jade, sailing on the shimmering water. Only rhythmic splashes could be heard amidst the tranquil atmosphere.

The dragon and turtle each took a spot to the bow and the stern respectively, rowing continuously against the current.

Jingyue found this boat in an underground temple of the Jin Goddess. The lamp found in the same place floated above the boat, releasing star-like rays.

Feiyun could sense that the flow of time was twice as slow compared to outside. The first time he saw the boat, it had a temporal effect.

Cultivators who tried to seize it immediately died from old age and turned into ashes.

He knew that it was one of the seven spirit vessels and asked: “You can control this jade boat now?”

She sat opposite him, wearing a long dress and plain shoes, exuding purity and grace. Her long hair cascaded downward, some falling on the boat and some drifting onto the water.

“Just a tiny portion of its power, perhaps not even one-tenthousandth.” Her voice was as clear and melodious as a celestial tune while she was half shrouded by the mist from the river.