Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu looked around as people went about their day—the strong scent of salty water carried by the breeze. The smell was nearly overbearing to the nose especially with the addition of the strong fishy scent. A vast expanse of water on the horizon as far as the eye can see.
Qian Daoliu looked at the large bustling port city. "We managed to get here in a day, how slow we are," he said partially distracted. The sea breeze hit his face with a slight warmth.
"We had a lot on our minds during the journey. My son more than saw to that with all he told us." Tang Chen could not help but say. Especially considering all that they learned the day before. Considering that information came from his own son was even more shocking.
Qian Daoliu twitched his face change into a wry face. "That is an understatement, my friend. How old were you when you managed to first surprise your clan?" There was no real need to continue that statement the meaning was clear.
Tang Chen took up the question "not nearly as young as Tang Yuan certainly. My rapid cultivation was a point of pride for them, but my son has already surpassed me in that regard." he admitted that fact easily enough with a proud look on his face.
The two of them look at each other with a shared look. Tang Yuan had obtained information that completely floored them both. They still remember all the answers he gave to the many questions. Honestly to think someone younger than ten would expand their worldview so much.
"So you walk the city, and I find a good ship to carry us." Qian Daoliu restated the agreed-upon roles. Wanting not think about how much that child knew right now.
Tang Chen nodded his head "I'll see what I can hear, and what I can find." he already had ideas of where to go taverns, shops, and the blacksmiths. Those three should provide a range of knowledge for their needs. The two of them head their separate ways both ready to fulfill their objectives.
Tang Chen walks along the road checking the buildings as he passes. It was a fairly large port all things considered though not the largest on the continent. Most of the buildings were homes, but a few were shops.
One shop catches his attention as he walks it seemed as good as any. Entering the door revealed a rather cluttered location. Large shelves lined several walls filled with various objects. Some are merely trinkets or curiosities filling the shop. Yet several shelves are filled with books and scrolls a few rather old.
The shelf of scrolls catches his attention especially in this place. Taking one carefully from its place and unrolling to take a glance at it. A map a older one, but still potentially useful. Depending on whether it was accurate, or if it was even a real map. He placed it down and took another scroll from its place.
"Can I help you honored customer?" a voice calls as a man approaches Tang Chen. The man was past middle-aged and rather rugged at that. Based on his bearing and gaze one could see years of experience in rough situations.
Tang Chen easily makes several deductions based on only a glance. An explorer or sailor of some measure of experience. Once more the man was a soul master if one who had slowed his progression. His left leg was unsteady as well having a slight limp.
The rugged man had already made his own deductions about Tang Chen. A storage belt meaning a soul master. Once more the man could not see through him at all. An incredibly powerful and likely wealthy soul master in other words. "Greetings Senior how might this humble merchant help you?"
Tang Chen takes only a few moments to assess the man. "The most accurate and whole maps in your possession. Especially if they have knowledge of spirit beast habits. Books on the legends of the sea, and the legend of the Sea God. Finally the most curious of things in your possession." In only a minute he lists all that he desires from the man.
The man nods his head at Tang Chen after a few moments. "Give me a few minutes honored customer." the man walks off with a forced steady walk. Trying not to appear too eager in front of his potential customer.
Tang Chen returns to the various books on the shelf. He finds several of interest to him right away their tiles drawing his gaze. Picking them out and placing them on a table to be picked up later.
Moving around the shop he looks to see if anything catches his eye. An old rusted dagger, of poor quality. An axe that deteriorated from its prime use. Then a broken spear of some interesting make. A second later he turns his gaze away from it.
Then his experienced gaze is drawn to another rusted dagger. It might seem deteriorated at first glance, yet its quality is actually quite good. Picking it up he examines it carefully, good balance, the blade needs work to be restored. He makes a hm as he senses a small "whim" up close to the blade.
For him, such a small "whim" would mean little. Yet for others, this dagger might contain a life-changing possibility. He wonders what that amounts to for his clan. So he takes the rusted dagger over to his small growing pile. He would see this "whim" to its use in the future.
Tang Chen looks over as the shop owner steps back into view. The man carries a number of things of interest no doubt. The man upon seeing the pile can't help smiling.
The shopkeeper moves over to a table with nothing on it. Placing the things to the side he takes a rather new map. "This is a rather newer map, but I can personally vouch for its accuracy. It was one created by me when traveling with my crew." he spreads it on the table to be inspected by his customer. Using his own survival as the assurance of its use.
Tang Chen takes a long look at the map. It was a rather detailed part divided into sections of water. Names labeling some sections, spirit beast habits, and territories mainly. A necessity for those who sail the seas. Certain routes were made obvious thanks to the map.
A few locations caught his attention especially. One was a large section of sea with an Island at the core. Sea God's Island no doubt from what his son told him. Another location with symbols of ice, an icy sea perhaps. Finally, a large swath of sea is marked as Deep Sea Whale territory, and a smaller area within that. Tang Chen nodded with some satisfaction be felt the map was accurate.
Tang Chen had already decided to buy the map, but continued to see several more. Many seemed to have been used to make the first. Still, they will have their use in their own use for captains. "I will take them all."
The shopkeeper froze for a moment than he smiled. He had the feeling he would become very wealthy. The man moved the books and other things onto the table.
Tang Chen immediately moved his attention to the books on the table. The Story of Posideon, The Sea Lords, The Tragedies of the Sea, Oceanic Legendarium, and more. Multiple titles could be seen in a wide range of topics. The Story of Posideon was particularly notable in that there were several volumes of it.
Finally, he turned his gaze to the curios. He had little hope originally, but he had been surprised before. A rather small soul guide by his view shaped like a pendant. Small storage space overall, but designed not be discovered as such.
Then there was a broken sword seemingly snapped in half. Tang Chen picked the sword the forging method itself was not the best. The real value of the item was the fact that it was a soul guide albeit broken. The hilt was adorned with the crest of the sun yet he did not recognise it. Despite its battered form was not as old as it should have been.
"This object does not seem to be a work of the ancient civilization. Not nearly old enough for that to be the case." Tang Chen directed the inquiry at the merchant. Practically all Soul Guides could be traced to the ancient past those were at least 10,000 years old. With some exceptions being the soul lamps often lining streets.
"A good eye you have honored customer. This was an object found on an old shipwreck during my captain days. The ship was of an unknown foreign land adorned with what we identified as a sun crest." the merchant tells Tang Chen with a confident face to assure him of the rarity. "Unfortunately I have no idea of the land's location. The ship suffered from a fire and many things seemed burned away."
Tang Chen nodded his head making a mental note for another time. Perhaps he would look into it one day. For now, he added the soul guide and pendant to his pile. Then continued examining the objects for ones of potential use.
An hour after he had entered the store he had assembled a nice pile of things. Placing a large sack of gold in payment for the pile. He sorts it all into his storage belt with efficient speed as the merchant counts his gold. With his items secured, he finishes with a final thing. "Where might I find a blacksmith of great skill in this city?"
Qian Daoliu moved across the docks of the city. His gaze flickered between the various boats in the port. Examining each one as best he could with his eyes. Yet he found that he really had little knowledge of ships. He could only rely on his sense of the captains and crew rather than the boats.
A strong or old captain should mean a good sailor as well. If they were able to survive to high levels of cultivation. The Limit Douluo spread his senses through the port. Turning his head to one of the ships where he felt a particular aura. Seems he found a good choice of captain by his account.
He moves towards the individual he sensed. A ship though not the largest present it seemed a formidable vessel. Many individuals moved between it and the port moving things back and forth. Seems the ship was stocking up for another voyage. Several of the crew noticed his approach and tensed up slightly.
Qian Daoliu pays those present no mind as he walks up the gangway. They don't plan on stopping him after all. He steps onto the ship as the deck is busy with activity.
"Well now a very well-dressed fellow has come onto my ship." a voice calls out. The voice was loud and boisterous in tone. The man was coming down the stairs of the ship a large cheerful smile on his face. His short blonde hair and beard were scruffy. His lone eye shone with interest and cheer.
Qian Daoliu immediately identified him as the captain of this ship. Not only was he the strongest on this ship, but his clothing was better as well. If still rugged and worn from long use. "You are the captain of this ship then. My friend, and I have come to hire your services."
The captain smiles as he takes a puff of a pipe in his hands. "Good eye on you Mr. Titled Douluo, I'm the captain of this ship named Ash, just call me captain. We are willing to do most anything if the pay is right that is." The man says with a wider smile, and a louder voice. "Isn't that right my friends?"
Qian Daoliu is not surprised at the captain's guess at his rank. He made no move to correct his misconception. "We intend to go whaling, and would hire you to bring us where we need."
The captain's gaze grew more focused at that admission. "Whaling is it, hunting whale soul beasts can be quite difficult. Especially depending on where you intend to hunt for them. Though I suppose as a Titled Douluo it would be far easier for you." he said almost conversationaly.
Qian Daoliu did not overtly react, this man was fishing for something. Trying to determine something from his words the question is what. "Both my friend and I are quite powerful yes. However, I'm told there is a beast on these seas that we need to avoid, the Whale King. I hope you might help us stay away from such a beast." Qian Daoliu said truthfully about their needs.
Captain Ash suddenly seemed to relax subtly, nearly unnoticeably to most. "Oh sounds like quite a profitable venture so long as we're paid well of course. The man seemed much more willing now.
Qian Daoliu noticed the man's relaxed nature. Seems he knew enough about the whale king to fear him. Even with a Titled Douluo being involved with the job. "So long as you are effective."
The captain smiled at that "No need to fret I'm a man of my word once the pay is given. Now let's discuss business why don't we? In fact, I have knowledge of where we might find a good target." The captain says with a smile that whispered a greed for money.
Tang Chen walked out of the blacksmith's shop with a curious face. The said blacksmith was of decent skill and experience. Though the most interesting thing from the visit was the presence of Heavy Silver. It was such a rare metal that it rarely appeared making it worth more than its weight in gold.
Tang Chen placed a hand on his belt where the Heavy Silver now resided. He was able to obtain quite a bit now for good prices. He could easily sell it for more than twice what he paid for the metal in Gengxin City. But he might just keep it all for his own personal use.
He spread his senses through the city and quickly located his friend. Deciding not to waste anymore time he moves into a blitz. Moving through the city in an instant to the docks. Appearing as if through teleportation shocking a few present. Not minding the shock he created he moves towards Qian Daoliu's location.
It was a pretty well-made ship by his reckoning. Certainly well taken care of at first glance despite its age. It certainly had several decades of use through the sea, and storms. Tang Chen was glad that Qian Daoliu had found a good ship.
Stepping onto the deck he found his rival speaking with a blond-haired man. The man had a weathered face and clothing. Tang Chen felt he was a seasoned explorer who had weathered many experiences. An eye patch covering one of his eyes certainly supported that.
Qian Daoliu turned as his friend approached them. "So you have come, found anything interesting in your search?" Well aware of his rivals habbit of going through stores for things. As well as why he decided to take up that part of the job.
Tang Chen showed not a single shred of embarrassment at being caught. He took the best map out of his storage space and gave it to his friend. "I found this map in the shop of a former explorer. As well as multiple other maps for use or archiving. He had worthy books that will grant us more knowledge of the seas." his tone was quick to the point though he kept the other things to himself.
Qian Daoliu looked at the map with a critical eye. He was no stranger to maps, but sea maps were not something he had experienced with. He could understand a good deal of it of course, but lacked knowledge of the locations.
"Oh a map of your own is it, and a pretty good one to." The voice of the captain comes from behind them. As he gazes at the map over their shoulders. "Huh few places I haven't seen before." the man said that part idly.
Qian Daoliu says with a wry smile "This is our captain named Ash. I assume that we are almost ready for departure captain." He informs Tang Chen and then asks the captain. Noticing that the movement of the ship has slowed to a halt.
The Captain nods his head at that "We are within our final checks not much longer now. It will be several days' voyage of course to where we are going. Your room is ready for both of you." he tells them.
Tang Chen nodded, there were several books in his storage belt that he wanted to read. Qian Daoliu led his friend to the cabin he chose. It was fairly sparse with two beds on either side of the room. A small table at the center for sitting as they both take a seat.
Tang Chen takes the books from his belt placing them on the table. Their was more than a dozen books that caught his eye in the shop. "These are the books I located that seemed interesting. We can use this time to read through them."
Qian Daoliu could only gaze at the pile with a critical eye. "You bought quite a few of them it seems. I see your habit of buying whatever catches your eye in out-of-the-way shops remains. Though it's only gotten even greater towards books in recent decades." saying that he picks up one of the books Tragedies of the Sea.
Tang Chen had in his hand the Legend of Posideon, ostensibly the story of the Sea God. "I suppose so my son reads books every day, that fact has influenced me towards obtaining books for him. Besides entering such shops greatly helped my cultivation early on in life. The number of useful items I found would boggle the mind." Tang Chen said in response to his friend's subtle callout.
Qian Daoliu sighed at that "Is that so I wonder if that makes him similar or different to Nuan. She hated studying, but would read any book she found interesting. If she wasn't getting into trouble that is." he said with curiosity about that fact.
Tang Chen snorted at the last part a smile on his face. Then his face shifted becoming serious "I can tell you want to ask something, it's not like you to be so hesitant. Just ask it even if I can guess what you want to ask."
Qian Daoliu sighed at the blunt question though it suited his friend. "Yes, it's about your son. More specifically the legacy he found and the knowledge he learned from it. He knew about not only a god, but also an unknown spirit beast." he took a pause at that.
"How much more knowledge could he have regarding gods and soul beasts?" Qian Daoliu sighed as that question himself. The information in that legacy, it could be uncauably valuable. Qian Daoliu put the book down as he walked over to a window.
"Your son discovered the use of Whale Glue and shared it. A great contribution to the spirit master world. Now knowledge of an unprecedented threat and the existence of a god." Left unsaid was the question of how much else that book might contain. Qian Daoliu asked any number of questions after the second revelation.
Qian Daoliu had considered how to properly compensate for this knowledge. He could simply not do so, but it would not sit right with him. Especially when that knowledge came from a child. He had decided on giving acess to the library's first level for the Whale Glue. Now that the child had contributed even further merit to the soul master world, and Spirit Hall.
Once more Qian Daoliu desired to know more of that hidden knowledge. What if that legacy had knowledge of the Black Dragon Di Tian? They knew very little about that existence, all that they did came from the Angel God. Could that legacy help them fill in the blanks, or reveal other beasts unknown to them?
How much could that legacy be worth? Perhaps a greedier man would just say take that knowledge. But Tang Chen was his friend, and a massive part of the continent's power. Both his heart and head agreed that trying to take it would be stupid. Especially considering how close the Clear Sky Clan and they had become. "What would it take to obtain that knowledge from your clan?"
Tang Chen was honestly surprised his friend would decide to be so straightforward. Now what could be obtained for his clan and his family? "I can not truly speak for Tang Yuan in this matter he was the one to discover this legacy. I can't be certain of its contents, but it has influenced my son greatly. He is often more mature than others years older."
Qian Daoliu had in fact already considered it. "I suppose we can discuss this matter when we return then. If you believe he can make appropriate choices." Qian Daoliu could not really see a problem with his friend's decision. The child had proven mature after all.
There was an amicable silence as the two of them returned to their books. As Limit Douluo their reading spreads and comprehension were far above most. They intended to be done with all the books by the time they reached their destination.
A few hours into their journey Tang Chen had finished the first book. The Legend of Posideon was an interesting read describing the myth of the god. Unfortunately, he lacked the knowledge to judge its accuracy. "Do you want me to summarize or would you rather read it yourself," he asked Qian Daoliu, who had also finished a book.
Qian Daoliu puts down the Tragedies of the Sea. "You can summarize it I'll read it myself later," he said intending to do the same for his own book.
"To start with the book agrees with my son saying the Sea God's martial soul was a trident. Though it's a bit strange he seems to have a connection to both light and water attributes. His exact origin is not told by this book which is slightly later in life" he says continuing his examination of the book.
"Apparently their was a great war of the sea between soul beasts, soul masters, and each other. The Sea God was a participant in this war a major player though not at first. He had allies both human and beast in a single faction. Based on this story after decades he came out the winner of the war becoming the king of the seas." Tang Chen concludes his heavy summary with some of the most critical parts.
Qian Daoliu nods at the summary it seemed similar to his own ancestors' journey. Though her war was humans vs soul beasts at least mainly. "He possesses both water and light associations." he adopts a faraway look for a moment considering that. He wondered if perhaps?
Qian Daoliu returned to the present quickly he could think more about that later. "My own book tells of a great many disasters on the sea. One in particular caught my attention, have you ever heard of the Port City of Lantis? It was a city destroyed in a great wave that destroyed the entire city." he asked his friend with a grave expression.
Tang Chen could only shake his head never having heard of the city before.
Qian Daoliu continued "apparently a massive pressure appeared on those in the city and a massive whale soul beast we have seen there" Further explanation was not needed the possibility of this whale being the Whale King was high.
Several days later the two of them had finished most of the books. Even as they took the time to consider the information between them. Even as they meditated for most of the day otherwise. The crewmembers had avoided them for the most part unless approached. Their captain of course a noticeable exception to that.
Suddenly both of them became aware of a change on the ship a change in the air. A frantic knocking came from the door. The knocker entered slightly out of breath "The captain needs you." The relatively young sailor says before running off.
With a glance at each other, they go to find the ship's captain. As they emerge onto the ship's deck they witness a great bustle of activity. Sailors rush back and forth across the ship carrying things or moving ropes. It would seem they were approaching their destination.
The captain had informed them of their target days earlier. Amongst the species of beast on the seas the Evil Orcas, Great White Sharks, and Demonic Whales are usually called the top. Normally the Demonic Whales were a solo existence, but there were exceptions. Their target would be a large pod of whales more than a hundred strong.
They stepped towards the captain as he looked forward. Seeing the two of them present he smiled. "My respected seniors you have good timing I expect we will be meeting the pod in an hour." his smile was radiating greed at the thought of the money involved.
"You never told us why these whales travel in pods." Qian Daoliu pointed out a curious question.
The captain turns to look at them with a serious expression. Then he does something completely unexpected, he shrugs his shoulders. "I have no idea." The statement was incredibly blunt and to the point. "Migration, mating, or food take your pick. I have no idea of knowing though."
With that, a stunned silence ensues as they consider the reason. Perhaps they could discover that reason. Yet they focus on the now as they prepare for what is to come.
Than a little less than an hour after that final statement Qian Daoliu senses them. A score of presences moving quickly towards them. The number only continues to grow as they both grow closer. Then it was time to take action himself "I will leave the ship in your protection then." he tells Tang Chen.
Tang Chen nods despite a desire to fight as well. Even if he might not be at his best under the circumstances. Unfortunately, he had lost the game of rock paper scissors this time. "Very well but the next time I get to fight our enemy."
Qian Daoliu smiled at his friend "If we have another battle occur then fine." What were the chances the next battle would be of a similar caliber?
Qian Daoliu began walking forward as his spirit rings materialized around him. Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, and Red. Nine spirit rings showing his status as a Titled Douluo, and yet what was with that insane formation? That question occurred to everyone present.
Then Qian Daoliu lifted off the deck of the ship as he soared into the air. Six angelic wings carry him into the heavens as he moves to the pod. In mere moments he arrives only a bit ahead of them. The form of the Seraphim manifests behind him.
Qian Daoliu looks upon the pod and can't help being surprised at just how large they are. The largest and strongest was nearly 100 meters, if he estimates. Their was certainly more than a hundred of them as well. The majority even seemed to be beyond ten-thousand years.
The pod's leader notices him as the pod moves closer. As a Demonic Whale of more than 90, years it had seen much. Enough that it could recognise the meaning of eight black rings and a red ring. It took a few moments for that to come to mind, but when it did panic. The whale felt panic shoot through its body from its head to its tail. In its own language, it spoke in panic "Limit Douluo, retreat."
Qian Daoliu watched as the largest whale began to change direction a slow process. "Oh seems they have some intelligence. Yet I can't have you leave," he said ominously. His fourth spirit ring began to glow as he spoke "Eye of Angel."
A large almost illusory eye opened in front of his body as if a god's eye had appeared. The eye locked onto the pod that was just about to try fleeing. Suddenly every single Demonic Whale felt invisible pressure on their bodies. The fleeing whales began to slow considerably as if caught in quicksand.
Qian Daoliu smiled now they were unable to move at all. He could kill them one at a time, but why do that when he could kill them all at once? His fifth soul ring began to glow "Angel's Howl." he spoke. Immediately fifty percent of his spirit power was instantly exhausted.
The Seraphim behind him suddenly let out a noise as if the voice of a god. It was both beautiful, and equally terrible a sound. To the pod below it was merely a terrible sound, that of death. The sound became a mental attack hitting every single member of the pod at once. Each and every single one stops moving at once all equally dead.
Qian Daoliu was not surprised that his sixth skill was absolutely lethal. Unless they had mental energy at least within distance of his own. Death was the only outcome for those. Even if they did his enemies would suffer mentally from the blow. This pod never really had a chance of survival.
Suddenly Qian Daoliu frowned sensing something approaching quickly. It was a spirit beast he felt, but one much stronger than this pod's leader. Though it was not as strong as he was which was a relief. Then he felt his friend's aura from the ship that was only a few minutes away.
Qian Daoliu could only quirk his lips at that feeling. It seemed that his friend would be getting a fight after all. He supposes he could step back and let him fight. Qian Daoliu began scanning the bodies of the pod to find the Whale Glue.