An Outsider?

Qiaolian and Huan Xue managed to get a ride on a smaller wooden boat that carries liquor. The boatman was young and had a well-built physique. It was for this reason that he was confident not to suspend their trip to Scarlet Islands.

There was only the old wine merchant riding with them and boxes containing various wines. They have briefly introduced and learned his name as merchant Zui Qingxing.

As the boat started to set sail, Qiaolian had not yet finished expressing her opinions on the Melody of Manipulation since they discussed the cultivation technique.

She even told Huan Xue that if there would be an opportunity, she would learn to play the tunes and see if she could manipulate him!

However, when Huan Xue realized that she was deeply fascinated with the bizarre cultivation technique, he pondered quietly about it.

Actually, such a technique was most applicable for Void Practitioners. Those cultivators who had damaged or taken out their elixir field, as long as their inner core can sustain the inner force needed, really can use musical instruments!

Learning tunes and infusing the inner force on them was also a terrifying feat for Void Practitioners. It does not require the power of the elixir field. But, of course, for those practitioners with Scarlet Martial Elixir Fields, its power could greatly amplify the effect of such techniques.

"My lady, I think you could use that technique. I'll just find proper musical instruments for you. What are you adept at?" Huan Xue asked. The two of them were watching the seawater on the side of the boat.

"Hahaha, Master Huan, are you not afraid that I will make you my slave after I master that Melody of Manipulation? Hahaha..."

Ahh... Qiaolian's imagination was really something. In fact, her way of tricking those beast hunters and cultivators before could also be considered manipulation. Even with her mouth, she could defeat anyone!

Huan Xue took her hand and intertwined their fingers. A naughty smile appeared curled on his face. "Even if you master the Melody of Manipulation, what can that melody do if I seal my senses? And it was said that only those sea monsters were able to play such blending of tunes."

"Ohh... blocking your hearing... that makes sense. Now, this technique is not as formidable as I thought it was! Well, it's okay, I am just saying that it's cool. I admire those sea monsters to have such frightening skills!"

"So, you don't want to learn that bizarre cultivation?"

"Hmmm... Master Huan, Qiaolian really don't know the future yet. There are a lot of possibilities. Maybe I won't learn it or maybe I will. Ehhh? What good things can I do in your territory? I have never heard of specific rumors about Scarlet Islands. Only the rumors about you!"

"There are no rumors to spread. Most of the areas in the Scarlet Islands are not for outsiders. Only a few locations and piers can be accessed by them. If they don't follow the rules, they can't get out in this place."

Speaking of an outsider, the reality seemed to have dawned upon Qiaolian! Isn't she one of them too?

"That rules sounded too strict? By the way, Master Huan, what is my identity when I reached your territory? Ahh! Master Huan, you have to respect our partnership. You must give me freedom or my Zhou ancestors will hunt you!"

Before Huan Xue could respond to her, Zui Qingxing, the old wine merchant, approached the two and joined their casual chat.

Qiaolian seemed to have eventually forgotten the matter that she asked earlier for she was quick to open a new subject of their conversation.

"Old Zui, have you seen sea monsters? That half human and half fish? How long have you been traversing the sea?" Qiaolian's voice was louder than her usual volume as the boatman had already informed them that the merchant had a problem with his hearing.

"Ohh... Sea monsters? You must have heard the threat in the port about those evil spawns? Hmmph! They are the reason why I damaged my ears to avoid hearing their voices singing to lure their victims. I was young during that incident happened," the wine merchant responded with a loud volume of his voice too.

At that time, Qiaolian realized that the reason why this wine merchant did not suspend his trip was due to his hearing loss problem. With his condition, he might not necessarily hear any tunes in the sea.

As their boat go farther and farther away from the port, the sky started to turn dark. Zui Qingxing entertained them with the story of his sea travels during his youth and all the accidents he had encountered.

Huan Xue was not particularly listening to the old wine merchant, but, since Qiaolian had leaned her body in front of him, he just pretended to listen and hugged her from behind.

"The two of you are not simple sea travelers, aren't you?" Zui Qingxing suddenly asked when he saw how close the two were.

"We are cultivation partners," Huan Xue easily answered before Qiaolian could respond.

But, suddenly, he realized that he was getting more heavier. He lowered his face and saw Qiaolian's eyes were half-closed.

Either he had caused her exhaustion from their dual cultivation or perhaps, the old wine merchant's stories had bored her to sleep.

"Don't let her sleep, Mr. Xue. If those sea monsters smell her vulnerable scent, they would get her. Keep her awake," Zui Qingxing quickly instructed.

Huan Xue slightly smiled at Zui Qingxing. A small vine suddenly floated in the air and landed near the old wine merchant. "Mister Zui, take that as a token of my gratitude."

Zui Qingxing looked skeptical but still grabbed the floating vine in the air. His business only needed gold and silver. Why would this man give him a plant?

After a few seconds of examining the vine, his entire body trembled and his face turn pale. "AHHH--- T-This... Y-You are... I--It's my fault for being ignorant and did not recognize Master Huan Xue. Hope I did not offend the master of Scarlet Islands!"

In fact, when Zui Qingxing took a closer look at the vine, it was not just a portion of a plant. It was a key token of protection for important visitors to Scarlet Islands!