Seeing Su Muqing’s smile gradually fade, Lu Yuzhi couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. The complex and changing expressions on her face didn't seem like someone who had feelings for him from the start.
It turned out that from the beginning until now, what he thought was mutual admiration was merely his own wishful thinking. Su Muqing seemed to be just starting to open up.
Indeed! He should have realized it sooner. Back then, she was so indifferent to who was on the wanted list. When she wanted to learn to ride a horse, she directly asked Leng Ren and the others. Thinking of this, Lu Yuzhi felt a pang of sadness…
For the next few minutes, Su Muqing avoided his gaze. Lu Yuzhi watched her intently. Neither of them spoke again, and the atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
Seeing that they were not far from their ship, Su Muqing retracted the inflatable raft above her head and then, with Elder Eagle, sped back to the ship. After a quick landing, the two of them and Elder Eagle hurried to a sheltered spot to escape the bombardment of hailstones.
Back on the ship, Su Muqing suppressed the jumbled thoughts in her mind. Then, she raised her energy ring and began to retract the wind, thunder, and lightning she had sent out, bit by bit.
As she retracted them, Su Muqing realized that it wasn’t just the powers she had unleashed that were being recalled. The natural elemental powers of wind, thunder, and lightning in the sky and sea were also being absorbed into her ring. Even the powers within her own body felt increasingly abundant.
The strong winds subsided, the lightning faded, and the dark clouds slowly dispersed. The harsh conditions disappeared, and the hailstones abruptly stopped. At this point, the old captain and the ship workers rushed out from the cabins. They had been nearly suffocated by the continuous crashing of waves against the sealed bottom.
Their ship was still retreating. Su Muqing leaped into the air, waved her hand, and turned the sail back to its original direction. Then, she called Elder Eagle, instructing it to grab the master and servant Kebina and to chase the other retreating ship.
When Kebina and his group returned to the ship, they saw a large number of people lying on the deck. Some soldiers were gasping for breath, while others lay motionless. These were the people who hadn’t managed to retreat to the cabins when the situation suddenly changed.
Su Muqing walked up to the group of soldiers who seemed to have lost their life force. She picked the one in the most critical condition and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After a while, she called for Hark and taught him how to perform artificial respiration.
Hark hesitated for a moment before following her instructions to give the soldier breaths. Su Muqing saw that he was doing well and then called for other people. She instructed them to pair up, with one learning Hark’s actions and the other learning hers, and then to rescue the other drowning soldiers.
Kebina stepped forward to take Su Muqing’s place. She then moved among the collapsed individuals, using a detector to check their vital signs.
The soldiers didn’t know who this woman was, nor what the meaning of these actions was. If people were already gone, couldn’t they be allowed to depart peacefully?
Just then, a miracle occurred! During the rescue, a soldier noticed that the drowning person’s brow furrowed, followed by violent coughing. Su Muqing instructed the soldier to turn him onto his side so that he could smoothly expel the water from his stomach and prevent it from entering his nasal cavity.
The revival of one drowning person gave great confidence to the other rescuers, and they began to work with even greater effort. Finally! With everyone’s efforts, most of the drowning individuals slowly regained their breathing.
Now, only one person remained unconscious. Su Muqing reached out and felt his breath. He had stopped breathing, and his pulse was so weak it was almost imperceptible. Everyone stood by, praying for another miracle.
The soldier performing the rescue, seeing that the person still hadn’t woken up, was on the verge of breaking down. His hands trembled as he pressed on the chest, his face smeared with seawater, sweat, and tears. Su Muqing stepped forward to replace him, asking someone to help him rest and to make him some hot tea.
She placed a Qi replenishing pill into the drowning person’s mouth and continued chest compressions. However, the effect was minimal. Finally, Su Muqing decided to take a risk.
She accumulated a faint electrical current at her fingertips and, guided by the detector, placed it on the drowning person’s chest. With a “crack” sound, the person on the ground stirred slightly, indicating insufficient power.
So, Su Muqing accumulated more power and delivered a heavy shock. Suddenly! The person on the ground’s upper body shot up, his eyes snapping open, his mouth agape, looking like a fish out of water.
Su Muqing discovered something seemed to be blocking his throat. She quickly had someone perform the Heimlich maneuver, holding him and shaking him vigorously.
Finally! With a “crack,” he expelled a white mass and began to cough violently. It turned out that the man had been eating a steamed bun when a large wave suddenly hit, and he had accidentally swallowed the entire bun. It had gotten stuck in his throat, neither going up nor down.
Su Muqing wiped the fine sweat from her forehead. It was good that the person was saved. She then adjusted the sails of their ship back to their original direction. Afterward, she leaped to the stern of the ship and used her wind abilities to propel the boat forward a considerable distance.
Seeing the distance between the two ships shortening, Su Muqing bid farewell to Kebina and his group and returned to her own ship.
Both her ability to bring people back from the brink of death and her later display of controlling the wind without a source impressed the soldiers on the ship immensely. They began to spread the word that Su Muqing was a celestial being sent down from heaven to save them. Her benevolent act today laid the foundation for her increasingly renowned reputation in the future.
When she returned to the ship, Lu Yuzhi didn’t rush towards her as before. He stood aside, holding the little milk bun. However, Su Muqing had no mind to pay attention to that at the moment.
She walked to the bow of the ship and vaguely saw that the tornado ahead seemed to have expanded somewhat. The octopus was still stubbornly resisting within the vortex, occasionally extending its tentacles outside the wind circle to show it hadn’t surrendered.
Su Muqing, from a distance, began raising her energy ring to absorb the swirling wind. The tornado swirled forcefully around, and she stealthily siphoned it off from behind. By the end, the ring began to feel scorching hot.
Seeing the ship getting closer, Su Muqing endured the burning sensation in her fingers and spread her other hand, absorbing simultaneously. Under her gluttonous, snake-like consumption, the tornado finally reduced back to a small wisp.
Su Muqing’s internal powers were now overflowing, and the ring, overloaded with energy, had turned a vibrant crimson. She abruptly retracted her hands, unable to absorb any more. Any further absorption risked the both of them, herself and the ring, exploding.
Fortunately, the wind speed had decreased, and there was no longer any sign of it spreading outwards. Now, as long as they sailed the ship from the side, away from the tornado, the impact would be much less.
The octopus, which had been controlled by the tornado, seized the opportunity to escape when it saw the wind speed decrease.估计 being tossed around for so long had made it dizzy, and it inexplicably swam towards their ship in a daze.
Everyone clearly saw a multi-legged monster larger than their ship swimming towards them. They ran to the deck to look, and saw it swinging its tentacles towards both ships, the suction cups firmly adhering to the hulls.
Su Muqing thought the octopus was going to cause trouble again and was gathering lightning power to attack when Lu Yuzhi suddenly grabbed her clothes from behind.
“Muqing, wait a moment. It seems to be helping us.” As Lu Yuzhi finished speaking, the octopus exerted its strength and pulled Kebina’s ship parallel to theirs.
This octopus was quite intelligent, knowing that it was the people on this ship who had helped it escape its predicament, and had come to assist them.
The people on Kebina’s ship, hearing that the Sea God had appeared, leaned over the railings to watch. Who knew that the octopus would suddenly exert its strength and pull their ship? This sudden acceleration caused everyone to stumble. Hark, in particular, tilted sideways and was flung directly out of the ship.
“Ah~” Hark flailed his limbs in mid-air with his eyes closed, but strangely, he didn’t feel any difficulty breathing as if he had fallen into the water.
He quietly opened one eye a crack, but when he saw the situation before him, his mouth widened, and he could no longer make a sound…
When Kebina and the others helped each other up, they saw a person floating in mid-air. Upon realizing who it was, he widened his eyes in disbelief.
That person was Hark! A thick, red object was wrapped around his waist, holding him tightly and lifting him high, occasionally swaying back and forth. How could Hark have been captured by the Sea God?
The octopus dragged both ships towards the side, away from the tornado. Without adjusting the sails, they were directly sailing against the wind. Su Muqing waved her hands, adjusting both sails, which made it easier for the octopus to pull them, and its speed naturally increased.
After both ships successfully evaded the tornado, the octopus released Hark and tossed him back onto the deck. Hark felt like he had lost half his life.
The octopus, however, paid no mind to this. It continued to tow them a long distance ahead. Only when they reached another sea area did it drag the two ships back to the middle of the sea.
The sea area ahead was no longer its territory. Marine creatures were very territorial. Each sea area had its dominant ruler, so they generally did not visit each other without reason.
It was already midnight. A waning moon hung in the sky, casting a cold, white light. The people on both ships held onto the railings, using the reflection from the water and the moon, their faces pale and solemn as they waved goodbye to the octopus behind them, as if thanking it for escorting them.
What should have been a touching scene, however, given the background and the expressions of restrained pain on everyone’s faces, inexplicably resembled a ghost movie.
The octopus looked at them a few times, its large, round head shaking left and right. It looked a little eerie, like a water-filled balloon. Then, it leaped high, diving into the seawater with a “whoosh,” and quickly disappeared.
After confirming that the octopus was gone, Wan Yan’er was the first to break and lean over the side of the ship, sticking her head out through the gaps in the railing, and then vomited profusely. With someone setting the example on the ship, everyone else began to vomit like they had caught a contagious disease.
The two ships were already very close to each other, and the situation on Kebina’s ship was not much better. Looking at each other, they vomited even more fiercely, because it was too nauseating…
Elder Eagle, being more sensible, grabbed Lu Yuzhi and the little milk bun and flew away at the critical moment. Black Bear, feeling dizzy, was also listlessly slumped to the side.
The octopus’s speed was truly too fast. The waves it generated were enough for them to contend with, let alone its super-fast travel. Even Su Muqing felt like she was riding a sea tractor. After hesitating for a moment, she still stepped forward to pat her back and offer her a handkerchief.
Even though it was a kind gesture, it deserved a poor rating; the experience was truly terrible!
Regardless, they had finally managed to avoid two major crises. After everyone finished vomiting, no one spoke. They all covered their mouths and made “mmm” sounds, indicating they were going to wash up first.
Since Lu Yuzhi had narrowly escaped, the little milk bun was temporarily entrusted to his care. Su Muqing returned to her room alone and then entered her space.
First, she took off the ring on her right hand. In the process, it pulled at the bloodstain branded on her index finger. She winced in pain, then soaked her finger in cold water mixed with spring water for a while.
Looking at the ring on her hand, which was red and hot, Su Muqing threw it into the basin as well. The ring made “sizzling” sounds upon contact with the water, very much like the sound of a red-hot iron block being placed in water.
However, after a short while, a fine mist began to rise from the basin. Su Muqing quickly took it out and saw that the ring, which had been red and hot, had turned a lustrous black. It was shiny, looking very high-end.
She remembered Ding Mo saying that this ring was made of meteoric iron, so this was likely its true color.
Looking at the indentation on her index finger, Su Muqing pouted. Although the wound was slowly healing, the skin and flesh in this area would probably never grow back. She had inexplicably gained a uniquely shaped tattoo and didn't know whether to be happy or angry.
She filled the bathtub with water, then, holding a water-repelling pearl, she submerged herself at the bottom of the water. After a while, she emerged from the water in a disheveled state. It had been so long, and she still couldn’t adapt to overly confined environments.
Su Muqing took out the water-repelling pearl and put it away. Forget it! She finally had some peace and quiet; she wouldn’t torment herself anymore. She took a leisurely bubble bath to relax her body, which had been tense all day.
Suddenly, she thought of something and her eyes snapped open. “217, do all divine envoys leave immediately after completing their missions?”
The dormant 217 screen flashed. “Responding to the host, under normal circumstances, divine envoys leave in a destructive mode. However, a very small number of divine envoys can choose to live out their lives in this minor world before leaving.”
Su Muqing: “What is destructive mode?”
217: “To put it plainly, it’s death. The host can choose their own method of death. After dying, the divine envoy’s soul can return.”
Su Muqing: “Then what kind of divine envoys can leave after living out a lifetime in the lower realm?”
217: “Responding to the host, it is generally people like you who have caused great trouble. They have the opportunity to live out this life.”
Hearing 217’s answer, Su Muqing’s eyes darted around, and then she said with a look of frustration. “Ah? I’m already trying my best to fix things, so why can’t I go back after completing the mission? Will I have to live out my days alone in a world without family or loved ones?”
The 217 screen flashed again. This host’s tone was truly audacious. “Responding to the host, this world once collapsed due to your actions, so after completing the mission, you must develop it to be even better than before to erase the past traces. Therefore, you need to live out this life in this minor world. Friendly reminder! Divine envoys can date and get married while on missions, but they cannot have children. Furthermore, the divine envoy’s appearance will not change until death, but everyone in the minor world will age and die normally. Unless…”
“Unless what?” Su Muqing’s spirits immediately lifted upon hearing this.
217: “Unless the other party is also a divine envoy, immortal and ageless. Only by the union of two divine envoys can they have their own children.”
Su Muqing then asked a hypothetical question, evasively. “Then if, I mean, hypothetically, the other party is someone with a righteous soul, would the outcome be different?”
217: “No! Unless Lu Yuzhi becomes a divine envoy, you two will never have children. Moreover, in the future, you will have to watch him slowly age and die!”
Su Muqing felt as if she had been struck by lightning upon hearing 217’s words. She was so embarrassed she didn’t know what to say. “Who, who mentioned Lu Yuzhi? I never said it was him. I’m warning you not to talk nonsense, or I’ll sue you for defamation! I’ll format you…”
217: “In this minor world, Lu Yuzhi is the only person with a righteous soul!”
Su Muqing fiercely slapped her own mouth! She had been too hasty, hadn’t she? Even a system could see that there was a developing spark between them…
“Then how can he become a divine envoy?” Su Muqing asked in a very small voice, her face flushed red.
217: “May I ask who the host is referring to?”
Su Muqing rolled her eyes fiercely and then uttered his name. “Lu Yuzhi!”
217: “Responding to the host, each time a divine envoy completes a minor world mission, there is an opportunity to choose a team. You can select your own team members from the mission’s minor world.”
Su Muqing: “Really? That simple? I pick the people myself? How many can I pick?”
217: “Responding to the host, each divine envoy team consists of twelve people, and they can be chosen from different mission minor worlds. Among the current divine envoys, you are the only one who is alone. That is why the Phoenix God chose me to help you.”
Su Muqing’s heart was overjoyed. She hadn’t known such a thing was possible. “Mhm, mhm, mhm! I know you’re the most amazing! You can be one against a hundred! So, if you say so, can I start a relationship with Lu Yuzhi?”
217: “Yes! I wish you success in finding a partner!”
“Thank you for clearing up my doubts. You can go back to sleep now~” After sending 217 away, Su Muqing felt as sweet as if she had drunk honey.
Before, she had been afraid to respond to Lu Yuzhi because she worried about leaving behind a mess of emotional debts if she had to leave later, which would have been a terrible way to act. Now, she would be staying here for a lifetime, and as long as she completed her mission, she could even take Brother Lu with her.
Su Muqing stood up from the bathtub, rinsed off the bubbles, and dried herself. She put on a slightly gentler outfit than usual and used her wind abilities to dry her hair. She then braided a pigtail and let it fall over her shoulder.
Looking in the mirror again, her hairstyle was simple and elegant, yet it didn’t lack liveliness and cuteness. Done! She left the space and entered the living room. Lu Yuzhi and the others were eating something to stave off their hunger. They had been busy from afternoon to evening and hadn’t had time to eat.
Seeing Su Muqing suddenly appear, and clearly dressed up, Leng Feng, who was facing the door, let out a “puff” and sprayed the cake he was eating.
Leng Ren, sitting opposite him, quickly shielded the cake and dodged. Kebina and Hark were not so lucky. Both of them were sprayed with cake frosting.
The two wiped their faces speechlessly. Today had been incredibly unlucky for them! The master and servant had just vomited so much that their stomachs were empty, so they had come over for some food, only to be sprayed in the face again.
As Kebina wiped his face, he also saw Su Muqing at the door. She had always dressed in practical men’s clothing. Seeing her in a ladylike outfit suddenly, he was indeed a bit captivated.
Leng Ren and Leng Feng exchanged a glance. Then, one quickly snatched the little milk bun, while the other walked over, put his arm around the shoulders of Kebina and his servant, and dragged them away. The room was suddenly left with only Lu Yuzhi and Su Muqing.
Lu Yuzhi opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing. However, the cake in his hand, which was already crushed into fine pieces, revealed his extremely nervous state.
Su Muqing gave him a bright smile and then said, “Brother Lu, shall we go to the rooftop to look at the moon?”
“Okay…” Lu Yuzhi didn’t know why her attitude had changed so drastically, but he had always been unable to refuse her requests.
The two walked out of the small living room. Su Muqing stepped forward and put her arm around his waist. They stood very close, so close that Lu Yuzhi’s breath, as it puffed onto her head, was still fiery.
Sensing the scorching gaze from above, Su Muqing’s cheeks turned red again. She leaped up without even clearly seeing the environment, and as a result, Lu Yuzhi tragically bumped his head on the eaves.
Fortunately, men in ancient times also wore their hair in topknots, otherwise, such a forceful impact would surely have caused problems. Su Muqing kept apologizing and repeatedly checked his head. Lu Yuzhi also repeatedly stated that he was not injured at all and that she shouldn’t worry about it. He even smiled and said he was eager to admire the moon.
However, this bump did manage to dispel the slightly awkward atmosphere between them. The two exchanged a glance, then turned their faces away and laughed. After laughing, Su Muqing once again put her arm around his strong waist, and this time, after clearly observing the environment, she leaped up.
Sitting on the rooftop, Su Muqing took out two bottles of drinks and some food. The two of them looked at the moon while eating, occasionally exchanging affectionate glances, creating a warm and ambiguous atmosphere.
There is a kind of unspoken affection where, although nothing is said, their eyes describe the most beautiful feelings in the world. This must be what they call “a thousand years in a glance”!