The purple bamboo boat was carved with formations, and Xiao Mo no longer needed to row. Xiao Mo was very unhappy and, when no one was paying attention, sprayed water on Chao Xiangzi. It felt that its master had been bewitched by this male human and would no longer need it in the future.
Ye Ju was both amused and exasperated, quickly explaining and comforting it. Fortunately, Xiao Mo hadn't used its innate electric shock skill on Chao Xiangzi. Although she didn't know Chao Xiangzi's combat power, if attacked by surprise, she would be electrocuted quite painfully.
Once the purple bamboo boat could sail automatically, Xiao Mo was freed. It would appear to the left of the boat one moment and in front of it the next. Occasionally, it would catch its favorite fish and toss them onto the deck, clearly still quite joyful.
However, it had developed a rivalry with Chao Xiangzi. Whenever Chao Xiangzi was alone, it would spray him with water, endlessly. Ye Ju had tried to scold it, but it was useless.
In the end, Chao Xiangzi had to become vigilant. As soon as Xiao Mo moved, he would block it with spiritual energy or use instantaneous movement. Bai Bai and Ye Ju found this scene incredibly amusing. There was too little entertainment on the boat, and watching this cat-and-mouse game was simply too good. They almost felt like they needed to eat melon seeds and watch a show.
After storing the ship's supplies into the spirit ring, the space became much wider, and the utility room was tidied up for Chao Xiangzi's temporary stay. There was no bed; cultivators meditated and practiced, so a bed was irrelevant.
She even used extra vine curtains to separate a living area, located right between the utility room and Ye Ju's room. This way, they each had their own private space and wouldn't feel awkward. On rainy days, the stone table could be moved into the living area for dining. During this time, they encountered a strong storm, and the formations carved into the boat automatically activated a protective barrier. Although the protective charm could also do this, Ye Ju's principle was to remain hidden whenever possible, and to be discreet rather than showy.
Chao Xiangzi was a dignified gentleman, prudent and polite. When he went to the bow deck, he went out from the stern and walked through the corridor along the side railings, which is why he was often ambushed and sprayed with water by Xiao Mo.
The kitchen was located near the stern. Frequently, when Ye Ju was engrossed in cooking, sounds of fighting would erupt from the front deck. Xiao Mo finally couldn't hold back and got into a real fight with Chao Xiangzi. Fortunately, both knew not to fight on the boat, and they engaged in combat about a hundred meters from the ship on the sea's surface. One used a sword, the other used his innate skills: sword light and lightning, creating a dazzling display. Xiao Mo also unlocked a new skill: water spraying, which could absorb seawater to fend off enemies. Often, Chao Xiangzi's spiritual energy barrier would be broken by a torrent of water, leaving him drenched.
Bai Bai cheered them on from the side and eventually couldn't resist joining in. The two spirit beasts teamed up to fight Chao Xiangzi.
Ye Ju sat at the bow, eating spiritual fruits and watching the battle. She surprisingly discovered that after regaining his cultivation, Chao Xiangzi still had enough strength to fight the two of them. However, against two spirit beasts capable of controlling water, he was at a disadvantage. It was understandable; his strength was not to be underestimated, having single-handedly held out for three days and three nights against a sea monster of the Demon Saint level!
After observing him for a few days, she realized Chao Xiangzi was a good person, at least not insidious or cunning. Therefore, she heeded his suggestion to go to the nearest town, Pearl City, which was under the jurisdiction of the Chaotian Sect on the Tianchen Continent.
According to him, Pearl City was renowned for its pearl production, supplying pearls to the entire Tianchen Continent. Upon hearing this, Ye Ju realized she had found a source for her own pearls.
The cultivation world wasn't solely populated by cultivators; there were also ordinary people without spiritual roots. For ordinary people, food, lodging, clothing, and jewelry were essential. Ye Ju's pearls, which piled up like small mountains, were sure to fetch a good price.
With the direction of travel set and the powerful cultivator Chao Xiangzi accompanying her, Ye Ju spent her days eating, sleeping, drinking fruit tea, and watching fights, living a life of pure bliss.
Bai Bai and Xiao Mo's cultivation advanced rapidly through their fights with Chao Xiangzi. Especially Bai Bai, after swallowing the golden inner core of the sea monster, cultivated a new tail, becoming a five-tailed fox. Her human form was no longer that of a little loli but a maiden. Her baby-faced, round cheeks were still beautiful and delicate, but her eyes held the youthful shyness of a maiden. Her fox form was even more adorable, with five fluffy tails. She had also put on weight recently, looking plump and cute.
Bai Bai, the clever little fox, knew that her sister liked her true form and spent all day transforming into a little fox and snuggling in Ye Ju's arms.
Thus, by petting her spirit pets and watching Xiao Mo fight Chao Xiangzi, the journey by boat became much less monotonous. Occasionally, Ye Ju would also spar with Chao Xiangzi for a few moves, and during these fights, she even created her own staff techniques.
A month later, the purple bamboo boat arrived at Pearl City. Numerous large ships were docked at the harbor, their luxurious and exquisite decorations clearly indicating the wealth of their owners. Various family crests and banners flew proudly. People bustled about, some transporting goods, others as merchants, and even flying boats shuttled back and forth, creating a lively scene.
A cacophony of sounds filled the air: the clatter of carriages and the roars of spirit pets brought by cultivators. There were creatures flying in the sky and running on the ground, some of which Ye Ju had never seen before.
Some spirit pets, tired of staying in their spirit pet bags during the voyage, were released to roam freely upon reaching land, indulging in unrestrained revelry.
Ye Ju felt a pang of regret, as she hadn't seen any cultivators flying on swords, a legendary sight. She was unaware that Pearl City prohibited sword flight but allowed flying boats.
Suddenly, a strangely shaped, rough, and simple boat made of top-grade refining material, purple bamboo, appeared. The moment Ye Ju entered the harbor, she felt fiery gazes scrutinizing her, both blatant and furtively hidden in the shadows.
Chao Xiangzi also noticed it. He had forgotten to tell fellow Daoist Ye to put away her purple bamboo boat first. How could such a large purple bamboo boat not attract attention? It was like a treasure chest adorned with everything, silently inviting others to snatch it.
Ye Ju also realized this. Chao Xiangzi had told her the boat was too ostentatious. Then she remembered her spirit ring; she could store the boat in her spatial dimension. After disembarking, she casually waved her hand and stored it in the spirit ring. Xiao Mo had already entered the spirit pet bag before docking.
However, Ye Ju was unaware that her casual gesture had intensified the scrutiny from the hidden eyes. A mustard seed space! This woman actually possessed a space capable of containing such a large boat.
A "big fish"! Those in the shadows exchanged signals, noting the arrival of a new "big fish" today.
The boat bore no family insignia, meaning the owner was likely a rogue cultivator! Fine goods! Possessing spirit pets! Her entire boat was made of purple bamboo, likely thousand-year-old purple bamboo, making it priceless! She was accompanied only by a male cultivator whose cultivation level was indistinguishable! Instantly, information was transmitted through various channels.
Ye Ju adapted to the local customs, transforming into a Tang Dynasty outfit. Her hair was still tied in a high ponytail, making her appear both alluring and commanding. Bai Bai transformed into a single-tailed white fox, plump and as lovely as jade, cradled in Ye Ju's arms.
It was also Chao Xiangzi's first time in Pearl City, but he knew that in the cultivation world, the strong preyed on the weak. Behind this prosperity, there were always petty individuals who oppressed rootless cultivators carrying immense treasures.
Fellow Daoist Ye was undoubtedly a child possessing immense treasures, attracting covetous glances!
Chao Xiangzi sneered, wanting to see who would attack first. For the first time, the usually dignified Chao Xiangzi's eyes flashed with sharpness. Fellow Daoist Ye was his savior, a kind and honest person, and he would surely protect her!
The first thing Ye Ju did upon entering the city was to find a clothing shop to purchase proper attire! The second was to inquire about pearl prices and exchange her pearls for money!