Chapter 264

As Ling Yue's words fell, a bleak cold wind blew, and everyone couldn't help but shiver violently.

Dailinna's legs went limp like noodles, she had none of her previous happiness; suddenly, her wrist was seized by Ling Yue: "Come with me to the hall right away!"

Unlike the panicked crowd, Ling Yue remained calm and decisive, immediately leading people to the hall.

In the heavy fog, she suddenly stopped moving: "No need to go."

Dailinna stared blankly at her, and not just her—others too were stunned, unable to regain their senses for a moment.

Ling Yue pointed at the distant ship and said in a calm voice: "They're here."

Here? What's coming?!

This is what almost everyone is thinking; Master, please explain clearly!

Sea fog filled the sky, a dense shadow slowly approached them, making no sound, as if swallowed by the thick white mist.

It broke through the layers of cloud and mist; at some point, a splashing water sound suddenly rang out, startling a group of dazed people.

【Holy shit, what is that?!】

【What's going on? Is my vision failing?】

A bizarre scene unfolded before everyone's eyes; Dailinna covered her mouth, widened her eyes, and stepped back repeatedly in terror, while gasps came from behind her as well——

The holy, radiant Goddess drew near, the clouds receded to reveal its outline; it truly was the largest vessel of the Meisi family, resembling a white hill, its clean white paint evenly coating the hull, making it almost hard to breathe.

They stared blankly at humanity's masterpiece, like a beautiful woman, and in an instant it turned into a skeleton!

It rotted at a visible speed, the white paint peeled off in patches, the discolored ship resembling a collapsed ruin in a black-and-white photo; the Goddess's emblem and symbol, the Statue of Liberty, had at some point been cut clean through at the waist.

On the ship, all human figures had long vanished, leaving only an empty deck.

In the live stream, waves of panic surged like a tide——

【Ahhh it's going to hit us!】

【Mom, is my vision failing? Why did it turn transparent?】

Not just them—everyone could see this enormous, terrifying ten‑thousand‑ton steamship advancing unstoppably toward the Princess.

Death and fear hung over them like the Sword of Damocles, ready to fall at any moment.

Ling Yue suddenly spoke: "Follow me, to the hall!"

Her gaze swept over the crowd; only the hall could gather them all together.

As soon as she finished speaking, a group of people moved like resurrected statues, stiffly scrambling toward the hall, the wooden floor thudding with each step.

Ling Yue glanced at the ship again, involuntarily tightening her brows: "Ghost ship."

The silent hall, filled with unexpected guests, boiled like water, chaotic beyond measure.

By the moonlight outside, everyone finally saw their predicament—bodies cold, sweat pouring out in chilly streams.

Ling Yue flicked out a talisman, using her hand as a brush; a speck of light flared, she traced the pattern over and over around everyone, sticking the talismans on every gate of the formation.

Firefly‑like light swept across; everyone gasped in surprise, looking down at the ground beneath their feet.

The formation was complete.

Ling Yue exhaled, then spoke sternly: "Shut up!"

A group trembled, legs shaking, alongside the dog Harley, they instinctively looked at Ling Yue, each as honest as a quail: "Master, Master."

Ling Yue pointed at the ground: "Do you see this glowing formation and talismans? This is the formation I drew; it guarantees your absolute safety—even if the ship capsizes, I can guarantee you'll be completely unharmed!"

She patted the head of the spotted dog Harley: "You too must remember."

Xiu Gou sat on the ground, tail wagging.

【!!!】

【Damn, I said it felt familiar—this isn't the circle Sun Dasheng drew, is it?】

【But do you think they'll actually obey?】

【emmm】

Under the moonlight, Ling Yue scanned the nervous crew: "But there's one thing you must remember: you cannot leave the formation, you cannot step out of it, otherwise no one can protect you."

As her words fell, the whole ship shuddered violently; amid the groans of "Oh dear," many people slumped to the ground.

"What's happening?"

Ling Yue murmured: "Time loop, spacetime overlap."

While everyone was dazed, she suddenly stepped forward—this step seemed to traverse time and space; all the viewers in the live stream could see, as if by magic, the distant lights flick on one after another, noisy chatter, soothing pleasant music, each sounding in turn.

In an instant, the crystal chandelier at the center of the dim hall blazed to life; the people standing in the middle stared wide‑eyed at the sight before them, their eyes nearly popping out.

"Where… where is this?"

The unchanging floor beneath their feet turned into an exquisitely inlaid floor, spotless, not a speck of dust.

The light shone like daylight; a splendid Steinway piano glittered in the hall's center, its deep‑purple sandalwood case open, light falling on the black‑and‑white keys, like melting chocolate.

Ladies in gowns, radiant, held folding fans; their gorgeous skirts, laden with jewels, pearls, and handmade lace, swirled like blossoms and opened.

Champagne towers like white roses stood, bubbles clinging to the glasses, pinched by delicate fingers; the smiling ladies stood contentedly before the band, a cheerful tune rising.

All kinds of food were piled on the long silk‑covered tables; perfume and food, voices and music, blended perfectly.

Undoubtedly, this was a banquet just beginning, an indescribable supreme luxury; the fragrance of food, the laughter of beauties, made the crew feel like country bumpkins in the city—eyes not enough.

The first mate tore off his cap in fright, clutching his chest: "Heavens, heavens, God, where are we?"

"Did we travel through time?"

The crew whispered, keeping their stance, glancing furtively at the grand dance, the fragrant liquor intoxicating.

Just like them, the live‑stream viewers whom Ling Yue had set aside watched her leave; their phones could only stay here, they instinctively raised the Er Kang hand.

Ling Yue: "It's inconvenient for me here; I'll leave the phone, it will stream randomly—I've kept the signal, later you can vote where to go."

【!!! What does that mean?】

【Don't you realize we're no longer in the host's hands!】

The phone with talismans stuck to it floated in midair; since the invisibility went unnoticed, Ling Yue also didn't know why she suddenly had a brainwave, directly stuck talismans on the phone, linked it to the livestream, and chose what she wanted to watch.

For now, the viewers haven't reacted yet, and they don't even know what kind of livestream they're watching.

The livestream of this banquet was spread out; Ling Yue's earlier words were also repeatedly discussed; the Tiger Whale officials were so smart that they directly changed the livestream's name to 【Cross‑time Livestream——Oceanic Feast!】.

The exquisite, luxurious, magnificent arrangements were simply like watching a movie, dazzling the eyes and stirring the heart.

... (none)

As for the country, upon learning it was Ling Yue's livestream, they chose to turn a blind eye, forget it—this isn't happening in China, after all, everyone knows the Nine Provinces have a barrier!

Under these circumstances, the viewers curiously observed their surroundings for a long time, letting out repeated exclamations of amazement.

【My goodness, this really isn't being filmed, is it? My goodness, this place is so luxurious!】

【It seems I saw a romance movie before; I thought that was the limit, but now I realize, fake is fake, it can't be real!】

The term meaning Captain Bern should be read as Captain Bern; the personal name Bern is rendered as Bern in pinyin and the title meaning Captain translates to Captain, so we need a glossary entry for the person Bern with raw_term Bern and original_term being the Chinese characters for Bern.

Also, the term meaning Captain is a title, not a name, but we must include ranks/titles as instructed: list every character, place, sect/clan/faction/people, official & sect rank/title, technique, item/artifact, beast, and realm appearing in these lines; therefore we should include the rank Captain, whose English form is Captain and whose original Chinese is the characters meaning Captain, requiring an entry with raw_term Captain and original_term being the Chinese characters meaning Captain.

Similarly, later we encounter the term meaning Captain Bern again.

「What do you mean by that, Captain Bo En? 」

Captain Bo En held his lens, wearing it on his right eye, he let out a sigh, bringing an indescribable pressure to the entire fleet, so heavy that it made their breathing difficult.

「Captain Bo En: 「We might have encountered a ghost ship。」」

The crowd was shocked beyond words, followed by an indescribable panic and despair, and soon a fine layer of sweat appeared on their foreheads.

This is a legend that has long been circulated at sea.

Ghost ships are also called phantom ships or death ships; when seafaring adventurers suddenly encounter vessels that vanished years ago, boarding them usually reveals that the inside is empty of anyone.

What they encountered differed from previous ghost ships; there were actually many people here, and a crew member who had regained his senses muttered, 「This isn't a ghost ship, is it? 」

「There are so many people here; I can even smell the food's fragrance and hear the beautiful music—have we time‑traveled? 」

「Just as Jim said, we've crossed into another time‑space! 」 He grew more excited as he spoke, his face flushing involuntarily.

This formation, oh, this circle — the words meaning formation and circle are generic terms, not proper names.

The old captain glanced at that person, hadn't spoken yet, when suddenly a young, handsome youth walked over, he glanced in surprise at the crew member, took a glass of champagne from the tower, and said: 「Are you guys betting? Have you been staying here all along? 」

He looked at the group's shocked expressions, somewhat unconsciously rubbing his face, still silent, when a short, sharp female voice suddenly rang out: 「Brother! 」

Dailina involuntarily stepped forward, shockingly gazing at the handsome youth; under the clear light, this face was unmistakably her brother, the vanished Dick!

The handsome youth, however, froze, bewildered, saying: "Miss, what are you talking about?"

Dailina took another step; she was so shocked that before anyone could react, she had already stepped straight out of the formation, Dailina utterly heedless, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at the youth.

He sincerely explained: "My name is Jiesite; right now, I am a passenger in steerage." He shrugged, patting his pocket: "Miss, I'm an orphan."

Dailina grabbed his suit: "You're my brother!"

For some reason, Jiesite's expression instantly tightened, his eyes darting around wildly; at that moment, the cheerful music suddenly shifted, and the hall's sounds likewise fell silent.

The soothing melody flowed like a gentle stream, and everyone's heads lightly tilted toward the center.

The hourglass of time seemed to stop at this moment.

Jiesite's eyes burst forth with myriad tenderness and sweet emotion; unable to restrain himself, he murmured softly: "Anna."

Dailina froze, following her brother's gaze; a flash of astonishment flickered in the depths of her eyes.

The noble maiden, the focus of all eyes like stars surrounding the moon, walked slowly forward; she wore a light silk gown, the jewelry adorning her dazzling, yet none could rival her fat-like white skin, ebony-black hair, and limpid pure blue eyes.

Her appearance reduced all other women to mere foils; the hint of sorrow in her brows and eyes made onlookers feel their hearts might break.

As a woman's intuition, Dailina immediately sensed something off about her brother, even though Jiesite denied that he was not her brother.

According to his self-introduction, he was a down-and-out prospector who had spent all his money buying a ticket, preparing to go to New York for new opportunities; he also had a new name, Jiesite.

【It's just like the Titanic……】

As for the lovely noble lady Anna in the hall, it was obvious that he was her sweetheart.

To Dailina's surprise, she actually walked toward her—oh no, to be precise, it was her brother!

Anna familiarly linked arms with Jiesite; standing together, they resembled a perfectly matched pair.

Not far off, a group of young men stared at them, like furious fire‑breathing dragons, the flames of anger and jealousy nearly shooting from their eyes!

"On what grounds! A steerage pauper, on what grounds is he with Miss Anna!"

"Good Lord, I can't take it!" the man in black formalwear removed his white gloves, his finger joints cracking.

It was clear they were Anna's suitors; even knowing she already had a fiancé, they didn't care—before an engagement, everyone was free.

Of course, these were their high‑sounding excuses; in truth, everyone was salivating, lusting after that radiant pearl, their sordid thoughts poured onto the pure girl, hoping thereby to steal a kiss.

A steerage pauper winning the beauty—these self‑styled gentlemen of "respectable" sorts were jealous to the point of red eyes.

Compared to Jiesite, these young talents instantly looked like misshapen melons and cracked dates; moreover, there seemed to be an old man standing by the nearby colonnade, glancing at his gold pocket watch.

Anna and Jiesite performed an intimate cheek‑kiss greeting; as if only then noticing Dailina, she blinked and said, "Hello."

Upon seeing her, Dailina had already withdrawn her hand; she stood aside, uneasy and embarrassed, smiling as she explained: "I'm Dailina, Jiesite's own sister!"

She couldn't fail to notice Anna's slight hostility toward her; embarrassed to the point of wanting to sink into the ground—goodness knows, they are blood siblings! Moreover, her type has always been sunny, handsome lads, certainly not a dull workaholic.

She gave an embarrassed smile, and goodwill seeped out from her stiff cheeks.

Jiesite pursed his lips, looking at her down‑and‑out appearance—

The girl wore strange, misshapen clothes that didn't cover her properly, with no pearls or jewels, not even any accessories; she looked like a living slum woman.

Out of kindness, he accepted that explanation.

Not only him, but Anna herself couldn't help feeling pity, with no doubt whatsoever.

Although she was a melancholy rich miss, her heart was pure and kind; seeing the plain, pitiful Dailina, she immediately went to her side, taking off the gemstone earring from her ear: "You're Jiesite's sister? Poor little girl, I give you these earrings."

Dailina was shocked speechless; the ruby earring in her hand was inlaid with a large diamond, a simple cross‑star design, very beautiful.

Moreover, she could sense that Anna seemed to like her quite a bit; her initial anxiety had completely vanished.

Besides her shock, the nearby crew members all gaped, mouths wide open, stunned.

Seeing that Dailina was unharmed, their hearts also relaxed considerably; then, noticing the mocking glances cast their way, the sharp‑eared crew even heard those people's jeers: "Look at this bunch, standing there dumbfounded—are they putting on a show?"

What a bunch of big fools!

The angry people flushed red in the face; no one enticed them, relying on the simplest gossip, and these people walked out of the formation one after another.

Miss Daelina was previously the scout; she's fine now, isn't she chatting and laughing happily with Young Master Dick and the others?

The viewers seeing this scene——

【I already guessed it; they definitely won't listen. The Tang Sanzang disciples who encountered the White Bone Spirit as a cautionary tale—I just don't know what theirs will be?】

【Keep reading, there are lots of beautiful women and handsome guys here—my eyes can barely keep up!】

These crew members come from modern times, having been washed by big data; they still know quite a bit, and even if someone looks down on them, they can still enjoy themselves.

By this time, Miss Daelina had learned from the waiter that Miss Anna was a wealthy young lady; her father seemingly still held a title, had made a fortune in America, and her mother had suddenly died of illness, so this trip was to go to America to join her father.

She has a group of followers, but she's not happy, because she is going to get married; her fiancé is in New York, and because of an accident, she explained the humorous and witty Mr. Jest.

Humorous and witty?

Daelina couldn't help but roll her eyes; in the Meilis family, who doesn't know what kind of workaholic her brother is? In a year of 365 days, he works 400 days!

However, seeing her brother's foolish smile, Daelina's heart softened; she had never seen her brother this happy, and she instinctively wanted to help this loving couple.

She tapped her head, "What's going on? I seem to have forgotten something." The only thought in her mind was her brother—help her brother!

When they arrived, Anna and Jest had already become close friends, seemingly with a hint of romance not yet fulfilled.

Even the viewers in the live stream, just taking a look, felt they were feasting their eyes.

Beside them, Captain Burn felt the story was just like Titanic; the old man wiped his tears, moved by the movie scene he had once seen.

He couldn't help but glance admiringly at the well-matched young couple.

In fact, Titanic has always had a real-life prototype—that ship dubbed the largest of the twentieth century, which sank after hitting an iceberg, carrying countless treasures now buried deep in the sea.

This warm, soothing scene seems magical, making people gradually forget its origins, the terrifying ghost ship legend, and even some are convinced they have traveled to another time and space.

On the other side of the dance floor, a pair of calm eyes continually watched all this; the light outlined her silhouette—who else could it be but Ling Yue?

She watched the departing crew members, struck speechless, and looked at the only obedient dog, Harley, a lone dog squatting in the formation.

Ling Yue couldn't help but cover her head: "These people……"

She could barely speak; the next moment, a hand clasped hers, Ling Yue's heart raced, and the man's low voice sounded: "What's wrong with these people?"

Ling Yue rubbed against his embrace: "Not the slightest bit obedient—not even as well-behaved as Harley."

"People's hearts are hard to fathom, and besides, things don't look dangerous right now."

Ling Yue glared at him: "I don't believe you didn't feel it!"

She didn't know the ship's purpose, but she could guess it eight or nine out of ten; her eyes fixed on the splendid banquet, and now it was like boiling a frog in warm water—when the water boils, the frog is cooked.

Ling Yue sighed: "Ah, good thing we have Harley."

Suddenly, her back's chest vibrated, and she heard Jun Jun's laughter: "Harley over there seems to have something going on……"

Ling Yue startled, then immediately looked over——

Pat-pat~ pat-pat~

A spotted dog ran across the center of the dance floor to Harley's front; on its left ear was a delicate little heart, which startled Harley.

The next moment, it met a pair of gentle large eyes; beneath long, upturned lashes, it was as if an invisible puppy had drawn a bow, and a golden arrow pierced deep into its heart.

Harley instantly perked up, stammering: "You, hello, I'm Harley!"

It's really pretty.

The dog's heart felt like it had been struck by lightning, a tingling current spreading through its body; its tense muscles, because of the gaze, felt like they had been given a relaxant.

It unconsciously turned up the corners of its mouth, its soft long ears drooping, its gentleness about to spill over.

The spotted dog lady, seeing its silly look, couldn't help but laugh; she squatted outside the formation and said, "Hello, I'm Wendy, and my master is Anna."

Wendy tilted her head and asked it: "Why have you been squatting here? Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"

Wendy, the gentle and beautiful Miss Wendy……

Harley still remembered Ling Yue's earlier words, his eyes glued to Miss Wendy, yet he still shook his head and said, "I can't leave here; I'm not hungry."

Miss Wendy seemed only wanting to ask a couple of questions, then she wagged her tail preparing to leave. Suddenly, a vicious little pug dog leapt out: "What a pretty little beauty dog!"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Its chubby cheeks were all scrunched together; its owner was a plump noblewoman, busy with her lover**, completely unaware that this fierce little guy had already run out.

Wendy wasn't afraid of it; she lowered her head, glanced at the vicious pug, then left, changing direction. Every move of hers fell into the eyes of the newly love-struck Harley, all so elegant and beautiful.

Who knew the little pug wouldn't give up, kicking its hind leg out, as if about to do something even more outrageous!

Seeing his beloved dog being harassed, Harley charged out in one breath; being a medium-sized dog, he weaved through pairs of thick or thin columns, barking as he ran to the beloved dog's front, lifted his leg, and the little pug fell on its back, whimpering as it fled in fright.

The spotted dog Harley shook off his messy fur, his bright eyes looking at Wendy, his voice soft like warm water, earnestly lowering his head to ask: "Miss Wendy, are you all right?"

This scene is practically a textbook example of a simp.

Ling Yue, seeing this scene: "……"

She was completely speechless; even the last dog couldn't be relied on, but fortunately she had never counted on others.

The dance floor was full of dancing men and women; Ling Yue and Jun Jun were no exception. She looked at the man and said, "We still haven't figured out what they want to do; let's wait a bit longer."

That was her plan.

Jun Jun heard that, nodded, then suddenly raised his hand, lowering his voice into Ling Yue's ear: "Turn around."

Ling Yue instinctively spun; the arm tightened around her waist made her cheeks flush, her fair skin tinged with red—she had never expected such a travel arrangement before boarding.

If she weren't certain, she would have thought she had truly stepped into a pure romance film.

Ling Yue had a feeling that this matter needed to be resolved, perhaps requiring some time.

Suddenly, a rough voice rang out.

"Miss Anna, do you really want to dance the first dance with this lowly person?"

"What you like should be someone like me, a gentleman, not a rude lowly person!"

It was the young man whose eyes had turned red with jealousy just earlier; he didn't know what had provoked him, and he let out an angry low growl.

The noblewoman wearing a puffy skirt and lace gloves opened her folding fan, looked at them in surprise, feeling embarrassed while quietly moving toward the center.

This is far more interesting than any boring music and dance.

Even the proper gentlemen engaged in lively conversation couldn't help but look over; one could say that because of that sound, everyone's gaze in the hall fell on those few people.

The musicians, fearing the world would not be chaotic enough, exchanged a glance; the soothing music suddenly shifted, and a vigorous, uplifting piece burst forth—one could say that with fitting BGM, the scene instantly became several times more stimulating.

The young man, already jealous, now wished he could duel them outright.

The men representing the suitors and Jester, whom Anna favored, refused to yield to each other; if looks could kill, they would have already slain each other countless times.

Ling Yue and Jun Jun held hands, barely able to keep from laughing out loud—what other plot could there be? She actually quite enjoyed reading novels, and this scene was practically a novel plotline.

Ling Yue gazed seriously into the arena.

Anna wanted to speak for her beloved, but Jester gripped her wrist tightly; she looked at the solemn man, who did not retreat and instead delivered a most generous and impassioned speech.

That actually left the other party choking, his face flushed red.

"Let's have a contest!"

His gaze fell on the piano in the hall's center, and he suddenly broke into a gentleman's smile: "Please allow me to play a piece for Miss Anna to show my sincere affection."

He tried to look at Anna, but she turned her head away; the suitor's eyes instantly dimmed, and he glared resentfully at Jester once more, as if a fire burned endlessly in his chest.

He was absolutely certain that this dirty, low-class pauper boy could never play such an elegant piece!

As he played, he fumed, pouring his resentment into the music and utterly destroying a gentle, tender piano piece.

Anna wore a look of regret, yet she worriedly turned her head to the man beside her, a flush rising on her face; she knew full well her beloved's identity—he had never touched a piano—and the growing blush made it clear: this was bullying!

It was Jester's turn to take the stage; amid a chorus of disdainful and mocking gazes, he slowly sat on the leather stool, his fingers lightly touching the keys, trembling slightly.

"Come on, bro! You're the best!"

In the crowd, a steadfast gaze fell on him; Daelina shouted outright, the girl and future sister-in-law whispered a few words, Anna covered her lips, and her sapphire‑pure eyes widened slightly.

She clenched her hands and fixed her gaze on her beloved.

A fluent stream of notes rang out, smooth and elegant, brimming with romantic, intoxicating fragrance, like lovers' whispers, warm and tender.

It made people involuntarily recall past sweet days, pure and beautiful feelings as if just yesterday, and they unconsciously soaked in the lovely notes.

Jester stared in astonishment at the agile fingertips; in his mind flashed an image of a sun‑filled, intoxicating room where long, strong fingers played a piano piece.

The image flickered and vanished, almost before he could forget it.

When the piece ended, he met his beloved's excited gaze, eyes shimmering with blue tears, his heart feeling as if struck heavily.

The vague bud, nourished by affection, sprouted instantly and burst through the heart.

They embraced each other.

In the crowd, two spotted dogs slowly leaned together, half‑closing their eyes in bliss.

The excited Daelina whispered an explanation: "It's 《Adeline by the Water》!"

It was her brother's specialty piece; Anna had been so surprised earlier precisely because she had said her brother could play piano, telling her not to worry.

After Daelina's excitement, she suddenly smacked her forehead, hissing, "How could I suddenly forget how my brother learned to play piano?"

It was like a white mist blocking the memory.

Applause crashed like waves, and even someone with no musical talent could tell who the ultimate winner was.

The suitor, his face deathly pale in disbelief, never imagined his provocation would instead become an aid that brought the two together.

Ling Yue casually glanced at the loving couple; a strong ripple made her eyes flicker, and just as Anna's feelings ran deep, she asked Jester, "Will you love me forever?"

Jester devoutly kissed her brow: "Until my heart ceases to beat."

The girl laughed weakly.

In a scene invisible to ordinary eyes, thick bloodlust and resentment surged skyward; the splendid, luxurious hall reflected in Ling Yue's eyes suddenly transformed into a new world——

Icy black seawater swept over the hall, countless wails echoed in the ears, and on the light‑colored floor, layer upon layer of dark black bloodstains soaked through, a foul stench rushing forth.

The brilliant chandelier shuddered violently; Ling Yue lifted her gaze, and upon seeing that gruesome scene, her scalp went numb.

Blood‑soaked corpses hung from the chandelier, their unseeing eyes staring downward, the scattered pupils reflecting countless faces.

Her vision suddenly went black.

A warm hand covered her eyes; Ling Yue started, and a gentle voice sounded in her ear: "Don't be afraid."

After regaining her sight, everything remained as before: the grand banquet, the decadent music and dance, the chatting ladies and gentlemen, the sweetly embracing young lovers.

The scene was so vivid that Ling Yue nearly forgot it was merely an overlapping spacetime illusion, a reverse‑flowing fantasy!:,,.