Chapter 447: Sea Hunt Event

"Not bad." Ying Wuji said.

Although the Carefree Sect ranks among the top in the Ninth Province, it may not be among the foremost in the entire cultivation world, so it can only be objectively described as "not bad."

Xiao Ru looked up at Ying Wuji and asked softly, "If I want to join the Carefree Sect, what must I do?"

Ying Wuji replied calmly, "Miss Xiao may simply take part in the Carefree Sect's annual disciple recruitment test."

"Cousin Ru, you want to join the Carefree Sect?" Xiao Lingchao said, slightly surprised.

"I indeed have that intention," Xiao Ru said, cheeks slightly flushed, "First, I can enter the sect and focus on cultivation; second, I can keep you company."

Xiao Lingwei heard this and gave Xiao Ru a glance.

Xiao Ru seemed to notice Xiao Lingwei's gaze; her expression instantly became a bit cautious, "Cousin, don't you want to see me? If so, Ah Ru won't go to the Carefree Sect."

Xiao Lingwei said evenly, "I haven't spoken yet; how did you know I don't want to see you?"

"I… I read Cousin's expression…" Xiao Ru lowered her head, feeling uneasy, and did not continue speaking.

"Sister." Xiao Lingchao looked at Xiao Lingwei, then spoke for Xiao Ru, "Cousin Ru is only afraid you might get angry."

Xiao Lingwei raised an eyebrow, "Do you think I'm angry?"

A hint of panic flashed across Xiao Lingchao's youthful face; just as he was about to say something, Xiao Ru's voice reached him.

"Cousin, don't blame Lingchao. If you think I'm unfit to join the Carefree Sect, then I won't go; I will certainly not trouble you." Xiao Ru's eyes reddened with urgency, her tone humble.

That appearance was truly pitiful.

Hearing this, Xiao Lingchao felt uneasy, furrowing his brows, about to speak, "Sister…"

Yuan Yao could no longer stand it; she pleaded pitifully, "Sister Ru, how can you speak like that? Aren't you putting my Second Senior Sister on the grill? Second Senior Sister said nothing, yet you maliciously speculate about her thoughts; you're too cruel, hm."

Cang Li clasped both hands, sighed deeply, "My Second Senior Sister rarely gets angry; if she does, she would spin the offending person into a top."

"Miss Xiao, Lingwei is not angry," Song Yan stated matter‑of‑fact.

Xue Jin gave Xiao Ru a cold glance, then fixed his gaze on Xiao Lingchao, saying coldly, "Can you stop being so foolish? You follow others blindly, believing whatever they say, without any judgment."

Fool.

He held back, because he was the Second Senior Sister's younger brother and had to give him some face.

Xiao Ru's petty thought was laid bare before them; her complexion turned deathly pale, "I… I didn't mean that…"

Having said that, she stood up abruptly and hurriedly said, "Sorry, I'm leaving."

Having said that, she turned to leave.

In the next instant, Xiao Lingwei grabbed her shoulder.

"Cousin, my junior brothers and sisters speak rather bluntly, but they mean no harm. Since we all have no ill intent, we should understand each other; please sit down and finish this meal," Xiao Lingwei said with a smile.

Xiao Ru still wanted to refuse, but in the blink of an eye, she was pulled back to her seat.

"I…"

Yuan Yao blinked, "Miss Xiao, our words just now were a bit harsh; you shouldn't be angry, right?"

Xiao Ru's face looked slightly displeased, but she quickly composed herself, forcing a smile and nodding.

At that moment, Xiao Lingchao's complexion was also very unpleasant; he suppressed his anger, then steadied his mind, recalling everything that had just occurred.

From then on, Xiao Ru and Xiao Lingchao spoke very little with each other.

After the meal, Xiao Ru rose uncomfortably and told them, "I remembered I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you further."

"Alright." Xiao Lingwei nodded with a smile.

Before leaving, Xiao Ru glanced at Xiao Lingchao and saw he did not rise to follow; her mood grew even more uneasy.

Xiao Lingchao didn't even give her a look.

She forced a smile and left the private room.

Inside the private room, a hush fell.

Yuan Yao and the others looked toward Xiao Lingwei and Xiao Lingchao.

Xiao Lingchao sensed their gazes and couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.

Xiao Lingwei asked, "Ah Chao, are you also going to take part in the Sea Hunt Event?"

Xiao Lingchao was startled by the nickname 'Ah Chao,' tilted his head slightly, looked at Xiao Lingwei, and said, "Yes."

Xiao Lingwei said gravely, "Then stay close to us at that time."

Hearing this, Xiao Lingchao instantly realized something, "Why?"

Ying Wuji replied slowly, "Because the Sea Hunt Event will be very dangerous."

"How do you know?" Xiao Lingchao asked, puzzled.

Ying Wuji lifted his eyes slightly, "Because the dangerous ones have already arrived."

…

In the blink of an eye, time slipped by, and the highly anticipated Fusang Festival finally reached its crucial eighth day.

Along Fusang Island's coastline, towering platforms rose dramatically, perched on the edge of the white beach.

These platforms were built on sturdy massive timber frames, adorned with exquisite carved decorations; some rose several zhang high, their tops flat and spacious.

Some were lower, arranged in a staggered fashion, serving as audience seats.

These seats ascended the gentle slope of the coast in layered tiers, like massive terraces.

At the front of the seating, the prime viewing area was already occupied by prominent figures or nobles from various factions.

At this moment, the rising sun bathed the sea in golden light, illuminating the bustling shoreline.

On the beach, crowds jostled shoulder to shoulder; many Cultivators from the Three Islands and Ninth Province gathered here.

They wore garments of many colors, faces alight with excitement and anticipation, grouping in threes or fives, speaking softly.

The sea breeze brushed their faces, bringing a salty, damp scent.

The sound of waves crashing was incessant.

Above the sea surface, there were ropes strung together with fresh flowers, encircling a large stretch of sea ahead.

"Island Master and his wife have arrived!"

"Third Young Master has also arrived!"

"Look quickly, that's the Eldest Miss, right?!"

Everyone turned their heads in turn, looking toward the voice, and saw the Island Master and his wife walking side by side, the wife affectionately linking her arm with the Island Master's, while behind them followed the Fusang Clan elder and Xiao Lingwei, Xiao Lingchao.

Xiao Lingwei stood tall and graceful, her aura outstanding, and many people were drawn to look at her.

Xiao Lingchao wore a cold expression at this moment, also exuding considerable aura.

The Island Master's Wife wore a gentle smile.

The Island Master's expression was slightly solemn, radiating a powerful aura that made people dare not offend him lightly.

Soon, after the Island Master, his wife, and the many Fusang Clan elders took seats on the high platform, almost everyone bowed to them.

"We present ourselves before the Island Master and his wife!"

Fusang Island residents performed the Fusang ceremony, while Cultivators from other continents and islands performed the clasped‑hands salute.