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Beyond the Timescape – Chapter 84: Magical Enlightenment from the Sea

Chapter 84: Magical Enlightenment from the Sea

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nChapter 84: Magical Enlightenment from the Sea

nThanks to his dragonwhale, Xu Qing was able to see that the terrifying entity from the depths of the sea had not left.

nAfter moving some distance away, it turned its long neck and looked at them with its part-dragon part-crocodile head. Its cold eyes brimmed with slaughter as it locked its gaze onto Xu Qing’s dragonwhale like a hunter assessing the weakness of its prey. Its torso somewhat resembled that of a massive penguin, and was fully 600 meters long. It had four draconic flippers that swayed back and forth in the water, covered in living barnacles. Most spectacular of all was its long neck, down the back of which ran a crest of black spikes. This was indeed a snakeneck dragon!

nAs was recorded in the sea annals, this was one of the common predators in the Forbidden Sea.

nXu Qing remained calm. Back in the forbidden region jungle, he had learned that when dealing with powerful beasts, you should never show fear. Furthermore, the sea annals said that snakeneck dragons were actually very cautious. If there was any sign that their prey was actually a threat, they would take the initiative to flee.

nWith such thoughts on his mind, Xu Qing’s eyes glittered coldly. “Both of you, unleash the power of your cultivation bases. We need to make ourselves threatening!”

nWithout a word, Elder Sister Ding did as requested, releasing explosive fluctuations from her cultivation base. Zhao Zhongheng, though somewhat foolish, wasn’t stupid beyond all hope, and also did the same thing. He also put The Phoenix in full attack mode.

nThe snakeneck dragon stirred restlessly. It was obviously affected, but didn’t seem ready to give up yet.

nEyes narrowing, Xu Qing gave a cold harrumph and performed a single-handed incantation gesture. Instantly, his dharmaboat’s sails retracted into defense position. At the same time, Xu Qing tapped into his cultivation base.

nRumbling sounds echoed out as the aura of the eighth level of the Sea and Mountain Incantation caused the spectral drought demon to appear behind him. Its green and cracked skin, spiral horn, and bright red eyes made it look ferocious as it let loose a guttural scream toward the water. At the same time, an astonishing level of heat rolled out from it. It was an unusual heat that could not be extinguished, and in fact caused steam to rise from the surface of the sea and fill the area with a haze.

nThe snakeneck dragon stirred again, and then, apparently not liking this development, it started to back up, albeit slowly.

nElder Sister Ding’s eyes went wide, and then they started to shine. As for Zhao Zhongheng, he took a deep breath and looked over at Xu Qing in amazement.

nXu Qing didn’t spare them any attention. He remained focused on the snakeneck dragon. After releasing the power of the Sea and Mountain Incantation, he also unleashed the Seaforming Scripture, causing the surrounding seawater to swirl rapidly. At the same time, his dragonwhale’s aura violently locked onto the snakeneck dragon.

nAnd he wasn’t done. His dharmaboat’s solitary horn, as well as its four legs, glowed brilliantly, sending out awe-inspiring light in all directions. The horn could devour spirit power, and the legs each had three thousand spikes that could shoot out, and both were ready to be used.

nThe snakeneck dragon seemed shocked. Its crest of spikes began to undulate, as if it was starting to think of Xu Qing as a direct threat.

nMeanwhile, Xu Qing’s gaze was integrated with that of his dragonwhale, and it was as cold as ice.

nIn this manner, enough time passed for an incense stick to burn.

nThe snakeneck dragon swam in a few circles, then slowly backed up. Its aggressiveness vanished, it turned and fled.

nXu Qing didn’t let his guard down. He maintained the aggressive stance as he started his dharmaboat moving. Only after traveling for about half a day did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

nThat was when Elder Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng on The Phoenix also relaxed.

nThe sea annals were right. They don’t like to take risks, and will only attack when they’re one hundred percent confident of achieving victory.

nXu Qing turned to look at the sea ahead of him. He knew that, in reality, these were considered coastal waters, and weren’t even close to being the ‘deep sea.’ Despite that, there were still real dangers present. It was easy to imagine what gruish dangers lurked further out. He looked up at the broken face of the god above. All of it was the fault of that entity. The god had changed all living beings, and created constant terror and danger everywhere.

nXu Qing looked back at the sea. For a long time… he simply thought about that snakeneck dragon.

nIt looks like it belongs in the Forbidden Sea.

nAfter some thought, he sat down cross-legged and performed a double-handed incantation gesture. His goal: to slowly change the appearance of his dragonwhale.

nMeanwhile, now that they were out of danger, Elder Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng both looked at Xu Qing. The former had bright eyes, the latter seemed both bitter and astonished.

nAlthough they had not witnessed Xu Qing fight, they had seen his power, and had laid eyes on the terrifying spectral drought demon. Then there was Xu Qing’s dragonwhale. Because of those things, both conclave disciples realized that Xu Qing was even stronger than either of them had imagined before.

nAs for Zhao Zhongheng, he was thinking, This Xu fellow can generate projections of flesh and blood. And he also has a Forbidden Sea dragonwhale from the Seaforming Scripture. In other words, his body cultivation seems to be in the great circle. How could he be this strong?

nMeanwhile, Elder Sister Ding was thinking, Junior Brother Xu isn’t just good-looking. His cultivation base is more profound than I realized. And there are probably other things he’s being deceptive about. Someone like him has a high probability of reaching Foundation Establishment in the future….

nAs the two of them were lost in their thoughts, Xu Qing’s dragonwhale was growing larger. Its neck grew longer, and a crest of spikes appeared atop it. Four fins grew out of its sides. It was already starting to look like a snakeneck dragon. It seemed more vicious than before, and also stronger.

nBefore encountering a snakeneck dragon, Xu Qing wouldn’t have been able to make these changes. But after seeing one, he felt that this change to his dragonwhale would make it faster, more nimble, and better at attacking.

nAt the same time, as he drew on the Seaforming Scripture, the water droplets formed swordfish, pseudotooth albatrosses, and even a giant. A moment later, water exploded as Xu Qing’s modified dragonwhale shot out. As it roared in midair, several swordfish leaped out to join it, creating something like a glittering rainbow.

nThe sight caused Elder Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng to look over with wide eyes. And when they sensed the spirit power fluctuations of the Seventh Peak’s Seaforming Scripture, they were stunned.

nNot every disciple who reached the eighth level of the Seaforming Scripture had the level of control necessary to create a dragonwhale. And not all disciples who could create a dragonwhale would be able to gain the enlightenment sufficient to change its form.

nBecause of that, Elder Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng were even more shocked than they had been before.

nNeither the snakeneck dragon nor the swordfish existed in the magical technique illustrations in the Seaforming Scripture. They were all the product of Xu Qing’s enlightenment. It was as if the sea itself had led him to a new dao. It was profound and gruish, and did not need to speak a word to impart great teachings. It could provide inspiration and revelations.

nTime passed. As they traveled, Zhao Zhongheng hung his head in bitterness and discouragement. By now, he was absolutely convinced that Xu Qing… was a person he couldn’t afford to provoke. He was convinced Xu Qing would reach Foundation Establishment, and when he did, Zhao Zhongheng would have no choice but to treat him respectfully.

nHe didn’t want to ask his grandfather for help to deal with Xu Qing. He didn’t dare. The reason was that he had attempted such things in the past. And though such enemies would usually end up miserable, so would he, as his grandfather would usually beat him to a pulp afterward. He could only pray that this journey would end soon, and that Xu Qing would be on his way.

nWhile Zhao Zhongheng prayed incessantly, the waves calmed down. The three travelers didn’t encounter any further dangers, and soon, they were getting close to the Westcoral Archipelago. Eventually, they spotted land on the horizon.

nElder Sister Ding remained in high spirits the entire trip. From the moment she had boarded Xu Qing’s dharmaboat until this point, she had paid him about 300 spirit stones in exchange for the knowledge he had imparted to her.

nFrom that, Xu Qing could see that Elder Sister Ding really did value knowledge and learning. He had come to like her. After all, if the trip had gone more smoothly, he wouldn’t have benefited as much as he had….

nOf course, given how much effort he put into answering her questions about plants and vegetation, and also everything that had gone into keeping her safe, he felt that their deal was perfectly reasonable.

nFor the last half a day of travel, Xu Qing patiently answered all her questions. And this time, he didn’t ask for anything in exchange. That was how pleased he was with Elder Sister Ding’s attitude toward learning.

nWhen Zhao Zhongheng saw that, he fell into complete despair. If the pretty boy had stopped asking for payment, it meant he was ready to finally make a move….

nThat was when Zhao Zhongheng noticed the distant Westcoral Archipelago, and he could hardly wait to end this trip and get rid of Xu Qing.

nAs evening fell, it was obvious that Elder Sister Ding was reluctant to part ways with Xu Qing. However, the Westcoral Archipelago was getting very close.

nWhen they were finally at their destination, Zhao Zhongheng could hardly contain his excitement as he looked at Elder Sister Ding, waiting for her to get off of Xu Qing’s boat.

nJust before disembarking, she turned back to Xu Qing and said, “Junior Brother Xu, are you sure you don’t want to come with us? I need to go offer my respects to one of my seniors. It’s my aunt. She has an amazingly profound cultivation base, and loves to help members of the younger generation. If you come along, I’m sure you’ll benefit a lot.” 1

nOff to the side, Zhao Zhongheng’s heart was pounding into his throat, and he was staring straight at Xu Qing, terrified that he might nod in agreement.

n“I think not,” Xu Qing said with a polite smile. “I have some other matters to attend to. Take care, Elder Sister Ding.”

nElder Sister Ding kept looking over her shoulder as she disembarked. When she was finally on the shore, Xu Qing’s dharmaboat rumbled to life and turned around.

nElder Sister Ding stood there, her long black hair and daoist robe swaying in the breeze. Looking at Xu Qing on his dharmaboat, she called, “Safe travels, Junior Brother Xu. Once we’re both back at the sect, I’ll come find you to ask some more advice!”

nHearing this, Zhao Zhongheng’s heart pounded, and he looked like he might start crying.

nMeanwhile, Xu Qing gave her a nod, waved, and then sent his dharmaboat speeding out to sea. As he left the island behind, and his dharmaboat once again became quiet and peaceful, his expression turned placid. However, his gaze remained sharp. He stood there like an unsheathed sword, eyes glittering coldly as he looked at the Forbidden Sea beyond the archipelago.

nThat was where his ultimate destination was. Sealizard Island. Given his current rate of travel, he would get there in two days. Sealizard Island was a common place to harvest sealizard skins, so it was almost guaranteed that there would be fighting and killing there.

nHis days of travel had him feeling very familiar with the Forbidden Sea. And also… he was ready for action.

nI need to stay even more on guard than ever.

nHe waved his right hand, and the dharmaboat sped up. Following the sea chart, he got closer and closer to Sealizard Island.

nAlong the way, he made sure his daggers were ready. He put on his gauntlets, sharpened his black iron skewer, and put his poisons in order.𝚘𝚟𝚕.t

nOne day. Two days….

nOn the evening of the third day, as crimson sunlight stabbed through dark clouds onto the sea, the wind picked up. That was when Xu Qing spotted an island ahead.

nThe island itself was pitch black, as if it were covered with a sinister haze that hid man-eating monsters. Humidity and rot filled the air, laced with failure and death. Hundreds of watercraft were moored in the area, many of them very unusual-looking and obviously not dharmaboats from the Seventh Peak. On the beach were corpses of both people and beasts, creating an even more sinister air.

nAs he neared, he realized the island was covered with black-forested mountains. The place was somber and desolate, and there was a constant pressure, like black clouds that made an evening feel oppressive.

nAs Xu Qing’s dharmaboat approached the beach, he sensed eyes beyond the treeline, watching him. The gazes were not friendly. When he sensed them, his eyes narrowed, and though his expression remained calm, he unleashed a sharp, penetrating aura.

nIt was almost like he had transformed into a lone wolf. As a result, the gazes shifted away from him.

nXu Qing stepped onto the beach, collected up his dharmaboat, and then brushed some dust off his shoulder. As he walked toward the jungle, he looked down at the corpses.

n1. Specifically, the aunt is Ding Xue’s “mother’s younger sister.” ☜

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Chapter end

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Catalogue
Chapter 1: Living
Chapter 2: Mutagen
Chapter 3: May You Rest in Peace
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Guest
Chapter 5: Scavenger Basecamp
Chapter 6: The Kid
Chapter 7: Please, Eat
Chapter 8: Set for Three
Chapter 9: Consequences of a Threat
Chapter 10: New Clothes
Chapter 11: A Gathering
Chapter 12: The Dangers of the Forbidden Region
Chapter 13: Vile Shadow
Chapter 14: Danger Everywhere
Chapter 15: Blood-Colored Evening
Chapter 16: You Ask When I’ll Return, My Lord; I Can’t Give
Chapter 17: What Are You?
Chapter 18: Grandmaster Bai
Chapter 19: Life
Chapter 20: Home?
Chapter 21: Thirsting for Knowledge
Chapter 22: Temple Complex
Chapter 23: Single Saber Strike
Chapter 24: Kid, You Answer
Chapter 25: Dao of Poison; Corpse-Ravaging Powder
Chapter 26: The Dusk of a Person’s Life
Chapter 27: A Stranger Like Jade
Chapter 28: You Don’t Need Light to Travel the Night
Chapter 29: The Sorrow of Parting
Chapter 30: An Unexpected Gift
Chapter 31: He Bought Insurance from Me
Chapter 32: Life to the Left, Death to the Right
Chapter 33: Eternal Darkness
Chapter 34: A Chance Encounter
Chapter 35: Troubles Bring a Frown
Chapter 36: Killing with Impunity
Chapter 37: Power over Life and Death
Chapter 38: Total Extermination
Chapter 39: A Requiem to the Mortal World
Chapter 40: Growing Up
Chapter 41: Nets Above and Snares Below
Chapter 42: Faceless Woman in White
Chapter 43: Complete Success with the Hobgoblin
Chapter 44: Cause and Effect
Chapter 45: Seeking Revenge over the Smallest Grievance
Chapter 46: Razing the Golden Vajra Warrior Sect
Chapter 47: Seven Blood Eyes
Chapter 48: Buy Corpses?
Chapter 49: Godly Blood
Chapter 50: Seventh Peak
Chapter 51: A Boat for Life
Chapter 52: Colleagues
Chapter 53: Sea Cultivation
Chapter 54: Total Transformation
Chapter 55: An Unusual Captain
Chapter 56: A New Recruit in the Violent Crimes Division
Chapter 57: Take a Spirit Coin
Chapter 58: A Birthday Alone
Chapter 59: A Lonely Figure on a Rainy Night
Chapter 60: Invitation Only
Chapter 61: A Beautiful Young Woman with an Umbrella
Chapter 62: A Ladies' Man
Chapter 63: Hardworking Xu Qing
Chapter 64: Coo. Coooo
Chapter 65: A Secret Worth 100 Spirit Stones
Chapter 66: Trying to Take Credit for My Work?
Chapter 67: Crossing the Line!
Chapter 68: Everyone Has Difficulties
Chapter 69: Fair and Just
Chapter 70: Let Me Treat You to an Egg
Chapter 71: Jabbering Patriarch
Chapter 72: Terrifying Huang Yan
Chapter 73: Domineering Second Highness
Chapter 74: The Path to the Yellow Springs
Chapter 75: Fish-Killing!
Chapter 76: Drought Demons can Scorch all Living Things
Chapter 77: Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale
Chapter 78: Zhang San Makes an Investment
Chapter 79: A New Person at Sea
Chapter 80: Bronze Dragon Chariot
Chapter 81: A Fair Price
Chapter 82: Countless Movements Became Sinister
Chapter 83: A Dragon from the Depths
Chapter 84: Magical Enlightenment from the Sea
Chapter 85: The Summit of a Fiendish Island
Chapter 86: Don’t Mess with Me
Chapter 87: A Vicious Night
Chapter 88: Xu Qing’s Rules
Chapter 89: Unbreakable Alliance
Chapter 90: A Golden Glow that Causes Madness
Chapter 91: Killing for Treasure
Chapter 92: Blood-Soaked Sealizard Island
Chapter 93: Like a Phoenix. Like a Hawk
Chapter 94: Gu Muqing
Chapter 95: The Creditor Comes Knocking
Chapter 96: A Gruish Inn
Chapter 97: The Asuras Appear
Chapter 98: One out of Fifty
Chapter 99: Traveling to the Crimson Wilds
Chapter 100: The Patriarch’s Anxiety
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