Chapter 101 - Leaving the Rainbow Island (2/2)

”Well, it's time for us to part as well. Please take care of everyone. One day I will come to pick you up, be sure. I promise you.”

Hei leaned forward and warmly embraced Shui, who rubbed his head against the chest of the young beast tamer. Mi also joined in the embrace, rubbing herself on Hei's cheek. Ye and Xing came out of Hei's clothes and exchanged farewell gestures with the two spirit beasts that would remain here. Finally, even Lian gently stroked Mi and Shui, saying goodbye.

”Sect leader, elders, companions. I entrust my friends to you, treat them well, please. Until the day I return for them.”

”Of course, don't worry. The spirit beasts that inhabit the sect are now part of the Flower Sect.” The sect leader replied reassuringly.

Shui then broke away from Hei and the others. Above his head was Mi, who kept her head down disconsolate. The time had come, in the end.

Without further indulging in chatter, Hei took Lian by the hand and started to get on the ship in front of them. It was one of those large ships that made long journeys.

The ship captain, as well as the sailors, had already been informed in advance of the two VIP passengers. But they had been told not to disturb them and not interact too much. So they just watched them go up without asking questions.

When the sailors finally finished loading the goods, it was time to set sail. All of them, therefore, went to their places, ready to resume navigation.

On the deck of the ship, Hei and Lian stood leaning against the railing. Their gaze was fixed where the Flower Sect group was located along with Shui and Mi. As the ship began to move, the two waved their hands for a final salute. Even Xing and Ye joined and waved their legs and tail, respectively. The Flower Sect group responded in turn to the greeting until the ship became too distant to distinguish the shapes of the two youths.

”So, they left. I guess we won't see them again for who knows how long.” (Sect leader)

”It is their destiny. Until it is otherwise, we won't be part of it. The only thing we can do now is to focus on our lives. Even without them, we have many things to take care of now.” (First elder)

”Right. After all, no matter how talented they may be, they are nothing but one of the various geniuses in the Continent. Whether they can reach the top of this world is something that cannot be predicted. Therefore, we must prepare for the eventuality that they fail on the road.” (Second elder)

With this, the three elders began to turn around. It was time for them to return to the Flower Sect. So they began to lead the five members of the younger generation together with Shui and Mi to return to the sect.

Meanwhile, Hei and Lian were looking at the immense expanse of water they were crossing. Ye and Xing, for the first time since their mother's death, appeared less sad as they watched, with interest, this new scenario.

”So, we are about to leave the Rainbow Island. Even though I already knew it would happen, it still seems like a dream to me. From today on, our new life will begin. Ye, Xing, Lian. But with you by my side, I know I can do it. We will reach the Continent, and when we are finished, we will come back here in the end. To our mother, to our home.”

”Yes!” The three females answered together by his side.

From now on, it would be completely different, but it wasn't necessarily something negative. In any case, as long as they were together, it would be fine.

While they were busy watching the sea, a man in his forties approached them. He was a seventh-stage spirit apprentice. He was the captain of the ship.

Although they had the opportunity to hire a ship with a spirit soldier captain, the sect leader decided not to do so. It was because it would have generated unnecessary pressure and concern in Hei. Moreover, the young martial artist was a very wary person when it came to strangers. Besides, his behavior wasn't something wrong in the world of martial artists per se.

Therefore, traveling with a spirit soldier wasn't the best choice. After all, Hei was bringing with him many objects that would make everyone's mouth water, even spirit soldiers. And, even if a monetary agreement bound the captain, he could take his word back. In the end, no blood pact was signed, and it was easy for accidents to happen in the ocean during the long crossings.

”Welcome on board, young guests. Can I know your name?” The captain asked a slight smile.

”I am Hei while she is Lian,” Hei replied for both while he watched the man in front of him.

”Hei, Lian. Good. You can call me Captain Fu. I just wanted to welcome you on board. As for the journey, you can sit in the assigned cabin. Otherwise, you can stay on the deck, but don't hinder the sailors in their work. As for meals, lunch and dinner times are fixed. You can choose whether to eat with us or in your cabin. Just remember one thing. Even though I agreed to transport you, this isn't a ship for an ocean holiday. The only reason I accepted passengers on board is that the request was forwarded by the King, that's all.”

”Yes, we know. Stay assured. We understand perfectly.”

While Hei was listening and answered, he didn't take his eyes off from the captain all the time. The man in command of the ship was somewhat surprised because a boy so young was able to stand his eyes without blinking. Not even his sailors with whom he shared so many journeys were able to look at him so openly.

”Alright, then. I have nothing else to say, enjoy the journey as much as possible.”

The captain then left to return to guide the ship. Hei and Lian instead returned to look at the sea with Ye and Xing while the City of Mangroves grew smaller and smaller.