Chapter 719: Return to Hidden Sects

Translator: Timothy_ Editor: GlobeGlotter

Three days passed quickly, and Ye Mo was excited as the sects finally returned to their hidden bases. The sects didn't travel individually. They gathered and journeyed by chariot for several days before stopping at a seemingly endless sea. Ye Mo finally understood why the hidden sects were so difficult to reach.

Besides the harsh wind, the waves were exceptionally high. Several tall, building-like ships were docked at a bleak port. In addition to these large ships, Ye Mo also saw smaller wooden fishing boats.

Upon closer inspection, Ye Mo noticed the large ships were metal, some even equipped with steam engines! They also had sails, but these were furled.

So, the hidden sects were located across the sea? No wonder it was so difficult for ordinary people to reach them. Only the hidden sects possessed the resources to build such impressive ships. Perhaps they even employed captured engineers from the outside world.

Ice Lake’s status was low, relegating them to the rear, but Ye Mo still overheard snippets of conversation. Apparently, the hidden sects made this sea voyage four times a year.

Reaching and entering the hidden sects was extremely difficult, requiring various verifications; however, leaving was easy.

The ships were enormous, with each sect occupying its own section. Although Ice Lake was a third-grade sect, they still had their own area with a kitchen and dozens of rooms—sufficient for a small sect like theirs. Larger sects, however, often housed multiple disciples in a single room.

While most aboard were members of the hidden sects, some non-members from the outside world also traveled with them. These individuals were merchants, typically making the journey two or three times a year.

Ye Mo observed that the special-grade and first-grade sects occupied the best areas, enjoying prime sea views and ample space. Ungraded sects and ordinary merchants occupied the less desirable areas, though even these weren't particularly bad.

“Martial Sister Xiaoyun, sleep with me tonight; we’ll talk,” Ji Yilan, the sect leader, said crisply.

Mu Xiaoyun blushed and softly replied, “Sorry, Martial Sister Yilan, but I’d prefer to stay with my husband.”

Ji Yilan and those nearby were speechless—the couple was incredibly attached.

“Xiaoyun, once we reach the sect, you’ll stay in the core disciple area, while your husband will remain outside. You need to learn to live apart from him. This isn't a matter of a day or two,” Miao Lian interjected.

Mu Xiaoyun shook her head. “I’ll live wherever my husband lives. I won’t be separated from him.”

“…” Miao Lian stared speechlessly at Mu Xiaoyun. The girl was beautiful, yet stubbornly devoted to her husband. What was so appealing about that “ugly” man?

“Your husband will also live in the sect, but he can’t cultivate, so don’t worry about him—focus on your own cultivation to become a help to him,” Miao Lian attempted to comfort her.

But Mu Xiaoyun simply repeated, “I’m staying with my husband.”

“Brother Mo, Martial Sister Xiaoyun will cultivate faster with us. If you remain with her constantly, it will hinder her progress. You should try to persuade her,” Ji Yilan said.

Ye Mo smiled. “Xiaoyun is my wife, and she needs to stay with me.”

“You!” Ji Yilan was so enraged she could barely speak. She’d never encountered such selfishness. Not only could he not cultivate, but he was hindering his wife’s progress for his own selfish reasons.

Ye Mo didn’t bother to explain. Knowing Mu Xiaoyun possessed a pure wood spirit root, he’d been searching for a suitable cultivation method. He wouldn’t allow her to learn ineffective ancient martial arts.

Seeing Mu Xiaoyun’s resolute expression, Ji Yilan knew persuasion was futile. Further attempts might only alienate Mu Xiaoyun. Her husband seemed to be the most important thing in the world to her.

“Very well,” Ji Yilan sighed and left with Miao Lian.

Ye Mo closed the door and said to Mu Xiaoyun, “Xiaoyun, I now know you have a pure wood spirit root. Your slow cultivation wasn’t due to lack of talent, but an unsuitable method. I don’t yet have a suitable wood element cultivation method, but don’t cultivate anything for now. We’ll begin when I find one.”

“Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Mu Xiaoyun readily agreed.

“Also, I’ll need to investigate the ship. I’m concerned an enemy might be aboard, and if so, we need to be cautious.” Ye Mo wondered if Jie Xun was nearby.

“Husband, I’ll come with you,” Mu Xiaoyun immediately offered.

Ye Mo shook his head. “Your assessment revealed you as a level one talent; many would recognize you. It’s better for you to stay here.”

“Aunty Miao, do women have to cling to their husbands like that?” Ji Yilan genuinely didn’t understand Mu Xiaoyun’s unwavering devotion.

Miao Lian shook her head. “No, but newlyweds often want to remain together. Over time, those feelings subside. I’ve investigated Mu Xiaoyun; she’s an ordinary woman from Huang Ping, so frankly, she hasn’t seen much of the world. Exposure to more young, talented men might change her perspective. Don’t rush it.”

…

Ye Mo left the Ice Lake area and carefully used his spirit sense. After thoroughly scanning Ci Hang Jing Mosque’s area and not finding Jie Xun, he relaxed.

Suddenly, Ye Mo sensed someone observing him. He didn’t turn, but carefully extended his spirit sense.

He soon identified the observer as Goddess Zi Hua.

Ye Mo hadn't expected her presence and frowned. He hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary, so why was she watching him?

Regardless, Ye Mo wished to avoid contact with her. He quickened his pace.

“Brother Mo, you’re here too?” a surprised voice halted Ye Mo. He immediately recognized Liu Lei. This meant Liu Lei had also been selected.

“Haha, I’ve become Shu Mountain Sword Sect’s outer sect member. I hope to advance to inner sect member. Which sect are you in?” Liu Lei’s face radiated excitement.

While Shu Mountain was only a second-grade sect, it was a peak second-grade sect.

“Ice Lake Sect, Brother Liu. I didn’t expect to meet you here!” Ye Mo was eager to visit Shu Mountain Sword Sect. He wanted to see if the legends surrounding Shu Mountain in the outside world connected to this sect.

“It’s you?!” a cold voice interrupted.

Ye Mo turned to see Yu Yuyan, her expression unusual.