Setting Sail and Unexpected Troubles (1)

The sun rose and fell seven times, signalling a new start to a new week. Liang Jianwei awakened to the soft sounds of seagulls flying and splashing in the Cerulea sea. He took a deep breath, the salty scent of the sea filling his nostrils and invigorating his senses.

As he opened his eyes, Liang Jianwei found himself lying upon a white hammock, swaying gently in the cool ocean breeze. He arose and stretched, his body humming with energy and vitality. He looked around at the vast cerulea sea, its clear azure waters sparkling in the sunlight.

Liang Jianwei hopped off his hammock, his feet touching the wooden floor. He made his way over to a window, his eyes taking in the magnificent sight. He then turned and picked up a brown leather bag near him. In it were some supplies and clothes. Liang Jianwei changed out of his white silk clothes and into some cotton white pants, a white and red vest, and his Cerulean emblem pinned to his right shoulder.

Liang Jianwei packed some food into his bag, a feeling of anticipation running through him. He couldn't believe it, he will finally embark on his journey to the pinnacle of justice.

"Jianwei!" His mother's voice rang out. Liang Jianwei quickly ran outside his house and to his mother. She stood there, her face filled with both sadness and joy.

"Jianwei. You must be careful. And I'll be here when you come and visit." She said, tears forming at the edge of her eyes. Liang Jianwei nodded his head, his emotions rising in his chest.

"I promise mother. I'll visit you as soon as I can." He said, embracing her. She held him tight, her arms warm and comforting.

After a while, they bid their farewells, and Liang Jianwei ran towards the Ceruleans. Upon his arrival, Li Weiyang was there, waiting.

"Good morning young Jianwei. Are you ready to set sail?"

"Yes, senior Yang." Liang Jianwei stated.

Senior Yang smiled and gestured for him to follow. He was led into a group with others and Li Weiyang turned to look at him.

"Wait here, once we gather everyone, we'll set sail." Li Weiyang commanded before walking away.

Liang Jianwei spent some of his time looking at the other ensigns, they were all from the same village so most of them had worn out clothing as they haven't given out the uniforms yet. Some were a little bigger than the rest, their physiques robust and well built, while others were petite and thin. Liang Jianwei examined their powers with Aqua Mind Resonance, sensing their soul essence and ranking it. He can do this because the stronger the person is, the more moisture they have in their bodies because of their denser physique.

After ranking them, Liang Jianwei was shocked to know that only one person has a 6th rank soul essence, while most have 2-3 ranks. He was wondering what the requirements of joining the Cerulean were. Although they said you must have strength and a sense of justice, some people here really aren't talented.

Liang Jianwei spent some more time waiting before senior Yang returned with other lieutenants.

"Alright ensigns, it's time to set sail. Everyone follow us onto the ship." Li Weiyang declared before turning and walking towards five different ships.

Each ship seems to glow in the sunlight, their wooden hulls polished to a fine sheen. Mythical creatures such as dragons and qilins dance along the sides, their painted bodies gleaming with a vivid intensity. Liang Jianwei boarded the fourth ship with his peers, the other ensigns gazing at their new surroundings in awe and excitement. Li Weiyang led them below deck, into a spacious area filled with hammocks and pillows.

"You will all be staying here for the next few days. There is food and water, as well as some spare clothes in the chest. Make yourselves comfortable. You may explore the ship if you wish, but stay safe." Li Weiyang instructed before walking towards the exit.

"Senior Yang, is there somewhere we can train?" Liang Jianwei called out.

Li Weiyang stopped and looked back at him, a soft smile on his lips.

"There is a training room on the second floor. I'll inform the Ceruleans guarding that area that you are permitted to use it." Li Weiyang said before continuing towards the exit. Liang Jianwei watched as he disappeared through the doorway, his footsteps echoing in the distance.

Liang Jianwei wasted no time in exploring the ship. He roamed around the deck, observing the numerous Ceruleans as they went about their day. He wandered about the training room, testing out the equipment and practising his soul essence. He also ate and talked with the other ensigns, learning more about his comrades.

Days passed and the ocean was tranquil, the cerulea sea shimmering in the sunlight. Jianwei was still sleeping before he heard a loud cry of alarm. He awoke immediately, his soul essence stirring within him.

"What's going on?" He thought to himself, getting out of his hammock and looking around at the other ensigns.

Liang Jianwei peered down from his hammock, his soul essence resonating with water. He sensed a huge aura and immediately knew that someone was attacking them. No, he should say something is attacking them

He didn't waste time and bolted above deck, his Aqua Mind Resonance activating. He looked for senior Yang amidst the chaos, his eyes scanning the frantic crowd.

Liang Jianwei rushed towards senior Yang, who was directing the Ceruleans with poise and clarity.

"Senior Yang! What's happening?!" Liang Jianwei screamed. Senior Yang turned, his eyes filled with urgency and determination.

"A spirit beast is attacking us! A level three threat. There is no need to worry too much, a level two threat is somewhere around a rank 30 to 39 soul master. We Ceruleans should be able to handle this threat." Li Weiyang yelled over the clamouring crowd.

Liang Jianwei's eyes widened at hearing the beast rank. A rank 30 to 39?! A beast so powerful? He thought beast in this world would be weak just like the ones in his previous life.

The ship suddenly rocked, nearly sending Liang Jianwei tumbling to the ground. Senior Yang gripped the nearby railing, his soul essence flaring.

"Everyone get into position! Ensigns, you will aid us!" Senior Yang bellowed, his voice ringing throughout the ship.