Chapter 338: Go Home

Ying Ruoli had heard some things before. She naturally understood what Ji Yuan's sigh referred to.

"Since you know of Immortal Mist Island, it seems this isn't an aimless search."

Ji Yuan only half-agreed with the Dragon Girl's statement and began to speak.

"The Grand Tutor of the Great Xiu Dynasty must be quite trusted to mobilize such a massive fleet. However, with this kind of search, it's not just a matter of whether they can find the Immortal Mist Island's mountain gate; they might not even obtain any miraculous elixirs."

Ying Ruoli smiled.

"Uncle Ji, then you don't know everything."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

Ji Yuan asked, slightly surprised, as the Dragon Girl looked towards the Grand Overseer at the bow of the large ship.

"The name Immortal Mist Island is well-known even to me, a flood dragon who has dwelled in the Tongtian River for years. My brother once had a drinking companion who was suppressed by an Immortal cultivator from Immortal Mist Island. Rumors say this island is located in the East Sea, others say it's in the North Sea, and some even claim it might be in the Outer Desolate Sea..."

Ji Yuan frowned. The rumors he had heard before always placed Immortal Mist Island in the East Sea.

"Could it be that Immortal Mist Island moves?"

"Ruoli doesn't know about that, but I have indeed heard these different accounts. I also know stories of mortals who accidentally landed on the island and received gifts from immortals, returning safely to their homes. Some of these accounts are verifiable; not all of them are fabrications."

The Dragon Girl paused here before continuing.

"Conversely, ordinary cultivators, if they have no connection to the island, might not be able to find Immortal Mist Island even if they possess flight abilities and venture out rashly to search for it."

Ji Yuan looked thoughtfully towards the bow of the ship.

"In that case, the Grand Tutor of the Great Xiu Dynasty does have some wisdom. Making them sail through the seas in a strenuous search serves two purposes: one is to try their luck and find Immortal Mist Island directly, and the other is to move the Immortal cultivators of Immortal Mist Island with such sincerity."

From the Dragon Girl's recent remarks, Ji Yuan could basically confirm that the Immortal cultivators of Immortal Mist Island were likely benevolent, and he had also heard rumors of Immortal Mist Island cultivators slaying demons and devils.

Ying Ruoli looked at the long fleet stretching out before and behind them, shrouded in mist.

"As Uncle Ji said, it's still just a gamble. Perhaps for the Great Xiu Dynasty, sending out a fleet like this to strive for hope is quite cost-effective."

Ji Yuan also nodded.

"Indeed. Or perhaps this isn't the only 'bet' the Great Xiu Dynasty is placing. Who knows, there might be many capable individuals in their court, such as the Grand Tutor who seems to know Immortal Mist Island's customs."

Ying Ruoli sighed, a rare display from her.

"That's true, but these people are simply too pitiable..."

Ji Yuan looked at the Dragon Girl. After all, she was a flood dragon serving as a river god; any other demon wouldn't care less about the lives of these people.

"I've witnessed imperial households. While one cannot generalize, it must be said that for the emperor of a great dynasty, the lives of an entire fleet of people are likely of no concern."

Even with fewer than a hundred ships remaining, the people on board still numbered in the tens of thousands. It was even possible that a similar number had already perished.

"Looking at the demeanor of this man when he speaks, there's no hint of vitality. It seems he has grown disheartened with this task. How about we try to persuade them?"

"Persuade? How? We don't have immortal elixirs for longevity."

The Dragon Girl looked at Ji Yuan in confusion.

"Does Immortal Mist Island even have them? They've been searching for eight years, and now they're simply bound by an imperial decree, unable to leave. They would want to go home at the slightest opportunity."

"They've persisted for eight years without turning back. Would they listen?"

The Dragon Girl looked at Ji Yuan. Was Uncle Ji planning to use his divine abilities to threaten them, or simply force them to turn back?

Ji Yuan, however, smiled. Ying Ruoli was still inexperienced in the world.

"Instead of seeking immortal medicine, they're seeking an immortal island. And instead of seeking an immortal island, ultimately, they're seeking an immortal being. Once they meet an immortal, what difference does it make whether it's in the sea or on an island? Surely, the words of such an 'immortal' would carry some weight, wouldn't they?"

Ying Ruoli suddenly understood. She never considered herself an "immortal," and in her familiarity, she had neglected to think of her close Uncle Ji as one. But upon reflection, it was debatable whether Immortal Mist Island even had immortals of Uncle Ji's cultivation and realm.

The fleet continued to move slowly, and the drumbeats never ceased. However, after a while longer, the mist gradually began to dissipate.

As the mist cleared, the sea became much crisper and clearer. The previously dejected crew members felt their spirits lift, and the drummers, whose arms ached, were finally able to rest.

The Grand Overseer also let out a sigh of relief, but then a voice suddenly spoke beside him.

"This esteemed sir must be the commander of this fleet, correct?"

"Who's there!"

The Grand Overseer was startled by the voice and immediately jumped back two steps. Surrounding guards, armed with weapons, instantly closed in.

However, the Grand Overseer immediately raised a hand to halt his subordinates.

The newcomer wore a wide-sleeved green robe, with long hair flowing down his back and temples, and a jade hairpin adorning his topknot. When he turned to look at him, his face was clean-shaven and ageless. His pair of gray-colored eyes, opened to their normal size and facing him directly, were particularly striking.

The Grand Overseer touched the jade pendant hanging at his side. At such close proximity, there was no sensation of heat, which indicated the person was not a demon.

His heart beating a little faster, the Grand Overseer carefully asked,

"When did you board the ship, and when did you approach me?"

Ji Yuan answered directly.

"Around the time you were lamenting the hopelessness of returning home, I suppose."

"Then, then, esteemed sir, are you an immortal from Immortal Mist Island? Is the immortal island nearby?"

Everyone around looked left and right at his words, but the sea stretched endlessly, without even a single rise.

Ji Yuan glanced at the jade pendant on the Grand Overseer's waist. He hadn't noticed it until the man's gesture drew his attention. Now, it appeared to be an item of some significance.

"No need to search. Immortal Mist Island is not nearby, and I am not an immortal from Immortal Mist Island."

After a brief moment of disappointment, the Grand Overseer immediately perked up.

"Then, Immortal Master, you are indeed an immortal, correct?"

Ji Yuan smiled. This man was quite astute.

"By the measure of ordinary people, this Ji is indeed qualified to be an immortal."

The Grand Overseer immediately bowed. The guards and crew members behind him quickly followed suit, bowing with clasped hands.

"I am Qiao Yong, the Imperial Grand Overseer of Great Xiu. Greetings, Immortal Master!" "Greetings, Immortal Master!"

Ji Yuan did not evade. After accepting the bow, he looked at Qiao Yong.

"That jade pendant on your waist is quite interesting. I heard you've encountered evil spirits at sea. Aren't you afraid I might be one of them?"

Qiao Yong rose and shook his head.

"This jade pendant was bestowed by our Great Xiu's Grand Tutor. It is called the Xiezhi Pendant. It is adept at discerning the transformed forms of evil spirits and can also distinguish between immortals and mortals. If an evil spirit approaches, the pendant becomes scalding hot. If an immortal arrives, the pendant feels cool and comfortable. For mortals, there is no reaction."

"Oh!"

Ji Yuan nodded, understanding. This certainly saved a lot of trouble.

However, Qiao Yong hadn't told the full story. After giving him a stack of talismans and artifacts and explaining their uses before he set sail, the Grand Tutor had added one more instruction.

If he encountered someone who was clearly extraordinary but the pendant showed no reaction, then the visitor was even more remarkable, and he would have to judge for himself whether it was a blessing or a misfortune.

But Ji Yuan was very interested in the name of this jade pendant.

"Xiezhi?"

If someone else heard this name, they might wonder how to write it. But Ji Yuan immediately thought of something: wasn't this a mythical beast capable of discerning good from evil and right from wrong? The only difference was that this knowledge came from his previous life.

"Immortal Master, it's written like this..."

Qiao Yong made a few gestures, and Ji Yuan knew his guess was correct, so he waved his hand to stop him.

"I know how it's written. This jade pendant was given by your Grand Tutor?"

"Precisely!"

Qiao Yong replied respectfully.

"Where is the Great Xiu Dynasty located?"

"To answer Immortal Master, our Great Xiu Dynasty is located in Hengzhou, the Northern Territory, and is a major dynasty on the southern coast!"

Ji Yuan gleaned much from these few simple sentences. Qiao Yong actually knew the term "Hengzhou, Northern Territory," and the Grand Tutor didn't seem to lack abilities. Clearly, this dynasty was not simple, certainly far more advanced than some people in Yunzhou who believed their land was the only one in the world.

At this moment, Ji Yuan decided: he would first inquire about the Xiezhi. If he couldn't find anything elsewhere, he would go ask the Grand Tutor. But for now, he would proceed as planned.

"I heard you are searching for Immortal Mist Island, seeking an immortal elixir?"

"Yes! If we return without success, we shall never be allowed to go home. The imperial decree is absolute..."

Ji Yuan nodded, saying calmly,

"Then you may return. Go back and tell your Grand Tutor that I will attend the Immortal Gathering at Nine Peaks Mountain in a few years, and Immortal cultivators from Immortal Mist Island will also be there. At that time, I will help you inquire if this matter can be accomplished. Since he knows of Immortal Mist Island, he should also be aware of the Immortal Gathering. Have your Grand Tutor inform the emperor."

Since the decree required them to have a 'gain,' Ji Yuan's statement could indeed be considered a gain, perhaps even a great one. Normally, with someone like the Grand Tutor involved, they would surely pass. At worst, they might suffer minor repercussions, which would be far better than drifting at sea and eventually dying in a foreign land.

Qiao Yong and his surrounding subordinates exchanged glances.

"This... May I ask Immortal Master's esteemed name?"

"My surname is Ji. People call me Mr. Ji. Whether you believe this or not is up to you. My words are finished. I shall take my leave now."

After speaking, Ji Yuan leaped from the bow, landing on a cloud that rose into the air and carried him away. A short distance away, the sea stirred, and a colossal creature emerged, parting the waters—it was a giant whale, with a faintly discernible person on its back.

As the green-robed immortal descended, the person on the back of the colossal sea beast clasped their hands in a bow towards him. Then, both of them stood on the whale's back and departed in a certain direction across the sea, disappearing from sight within moments.