Chapter 101 - Leaving the Rainbow Island (1/2)
City of Mangroves.
It was one of the most important cities in the Forest Kingdom. And it was also the one with the largest seaport among all the kingdom's cities that bordered the sea. It was called that way due to the presence of particular plants, called, for the note, Mangroves.
Mangroves differed from other plants by their ability to grow in brackish water or saltwater. As a result, they ended up being the primary type of vegetation around the city, so that it became the very name of the city.
The City of Mangroves, thanks to its large thriving and crowed port, traded not only with the other two Rainbow Island's kingdoms but also with the other islands nearby. Therefore, there was always a coming and going of people in the port.
Among the many ships, there were some of them really imposing, used to cross the entire system of islands in the Forgotten Ocean. That was nothing but the name of the aquatic section that separated the islands from the Continent. These large ships weren't limited only to trade with the nearest islands. Instead, they traveled back and forth from the Dream Island to Reality Island, which was the furthest island from the Continent. In that way, they could unite the various separate islands and allow the trade of rare materials.
Because they had to go through long journeys and the size of the ships, the number of people on board wasn't just numerous. But they were all wandering martial artists, hired by the commercial company to which the ship belonged.
Most sailors weren't powerful, being between the third and fourth stages of the spirit apprentice rank. But they still represented a considerable strength, and they were able to row for a long time without getting tired if there had been the need. In charge, instead, there was usually a sixth or seventh stage spirit apprentice. If the trading company was rich and traded first-rate goods, then there could also be a spirit soldier as captain of the ship.
In front of these massive ships, a big albino buffalo was carrying two youths on his back. That sight generated the looks from the people present at the port. But since they were all busy in their affairs, they didn't remain for long watching the buffalo and those two youths.
The albino buffalo was none other than Shui, while the two youths were Hei and Lian. Mi was hidden instead with Ye and Xing on Hei's body.
”You arrived on time, good.”
A voice sounded close in the ears of the two youths who turned their heads in that direction. They discovered the approach of a group of eight people coming towards them. They were the sect leader, the first elder, the second elder, and their companions of the younger generation: Ying Yue, Cao Su, Mei, Li, Zan.
”Greetings, sect leader. First elder. Second elder,” replied Hei as he greeted the three with respect. Then he turned to his companions, ”Greetings, you too, guys. Thanks again for what you did at Crossroad Lake.”
Lian at his side, bowed her head slightly to show her appreciation as well.
”You don't have to thank us at all, Hei, Lian.” Ying Yue hastened to say laughing. As usual, she had a cheerful and carefree expression.
”The other elders greet you and wish you the best. Unfortunately, we cannot leave the sect so much unguarded for too long, despite the agreements with the other sects at the Crossroad Lake. But I brought your companions with me. They wanted to give you a last goodbye before leaving.” The sect leader gave a slight smile and made way to the disciples of the younger generation.
”Hei, Lian, I wish you the best and good luck for the future. If there is any possibility, come back to visit us from time to time.” (Ying Yue)
”I'm sorry to have insulted the spirit beasts at the auction. After the events at Crossroad Lake, I changed my opinion about them. That spider was really cool while fighting.” (Cao Su)
”May destiny have many successes in store for you. We will do our best with what we have here.” (Mei)
”I imagine that without you two, things will be less interesting from now on. But we'll keep ourselves occupied somehow, haha.” (Li)
”I don't have much to say. Just one thing - give a lesson to those of the Continent and show them the strength of us martial artists of the islands.” (Zan)
After the five disciples of the younger generation communicated their last greetings to Hei and Lian. It was the turn of the first and second elders.
”In the end, we couldn't recruit you in any of our factions. Instead, it was you who incorporated us into yours in a certain sense. Haha, well, I guess it's not so bad as a scenario. However, be careful. Not only on the Continent. The journey itself to get there is full of dangers.” (Second elder)
”As my son said, you must give a lesson to those of the Continent. Even if you go away, you still carry the honor of our sect. Therefore, you must not forget it and do your best.” (First elder)
”Well, then it's my turn. I wanted to thank you for your help with the Secret Dimension. Not just for the resources you brought us, but for helping your companions. Without you, probably, some of them could have died. The journey ahead will be difficult, but I trust you will have the ability to move forward. Here is something that can help you on your way,” said the sect leader as she reached for Hei.
Inside her closed hand, there were ten space rings. The same space rings that Hei had given her a week ago.
”They were filled with the things I told you about earlier. Although it is practically nothing compared to what you gave to us, I hope they can help you two. Well then, the ship with which you will leave is just that in front of us. I have already sent a message to the captain, so you only have to board and wait for them to finish loading the goods.”
”Thank you very much, sect leader.” Hei held out his hand and took the ten space rings, placing them in a pocket of his tunic. ”Thank you very much, everyone, for your words and your help. Lian and I will do our best to honor the sect's name. I hope to be able to see you again one day in more happy occasions. In the meantime, take care of yourself.”
At that point, Hei came down from Shui's back and helped Lian down. Then he turned to Shui and Mi, who had come out of his clothes.