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After fulfilling its destructive mission, the deep blue water elemental sword transformed into countless shimmering water droplets, cascading back onto the surging sea like a torrential downpour. The massive trench that had been cleaved open was quickly filled by the seawater, and the towering walls of water crashed down, stirring up clouds of white foam.

On the sea, only floating, fragmented pieces of shipwrecked cargo, resembling trash, and large swaths of seawater stained a pale red, remained. The once-aggressive Sea Sand Gang fleet had vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed!

The sea breeze, carrying the salty smell of blood and the scent of the sea, swept across the deck of the "Zhenhai".

Dead!

Absolute silence!
Everyone in the Dongming Sect—from the sect leader Shan Meixian and Princess Shan Wanjing, to the elders Shang Bang and Shang Kuitai, the protectors Shang Ming, Shan Qing, and Shan Yudie, and even every ordinary guard and sailor on the deck—was as if they had been frozen in place!
The expressions on their faces froze completely.

Shock! Horrification! Unbelievable! Fear! Awe! Bewilderment!
Shang Bang's mouth hung open, his jaw nearly dislocated, the pipe in his hand already fallen to the ground, yet he seemed oblivious. Shang Kuitai's face was deathly pale, his body trembling violently, gripping the gunwale tightly as if he would collapse otherwise. Shang Ming's eyes were wide open, pupils shrinking to pinpoints; the lingering repulsion and apprehension had been completely overwhelmed by boundless fear. He felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, almost freezing his soul!
Shan Qing and Shan Yudie had already loosened their grip on their weapons, which clattered onto the deck, but they were oblivious. They were staring intently at the area of ​​sea where wreckage was floating, their lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.

Shan Meixian gripped the railing of the ship's deck, her knuckles turning white from the force. Her usually dignified and elegant face was now filled with an almost dazed shock!

She knew Yi Huawei was incredibly strong, unfathomable! But she could never have imagined he could be this strong! With a wave of his hand, he summoned the power of heaven and earth, condensing a giant water sword that could slice through ships like paper and annihilate armies!

This...this is beyond human capability!
This was truly divine and demonic power! Her awe for Yi Huawei instantly reached its peak, and at the same time, the promise to "settle the matter with Bian Bufu" became incredibly firm in her heart!

Shan Wanjing, the girl who had just been awestruck by Yi Huawei's swordsmanship instruction, her eyes blazing with passion, now seemed to have all her strength drained away, leaning against the ship's railing. Her bright, sapphire-like eyes reflected the devastated sea, filled with utter bewilderment and… a shock that had completely shattered her worldview!

She was already awestruck by Yi Huawei's earlier use of a withered branch to reveal the "sword intent." But now, the sight of him manipulating heaven and earth with a wave of his hand, controlling vast expanses of blue waves as a sword, and annihilating giant ships and armies...

Where is this "kendo" anymore?
This is clearly divine punishment from the wielder of the power over heaven and earth!
Her previously proud "sword skills" were insignificant compared to this immense power, less than dust! The budding girlish feelings in her heart were shattered by this unparalleled, unimaginable power, leaving only a near-reverent awe and indescribable complex emotions.

The sea breeze howled, sweeping across the lifeless deck.

Everyone froze in place, staring blankly at the sea filled with wreckage and blood, before slowly turning their gazes to the figure still standing with his hands behind his back, his moon-white brocade robe fluttering gently in the sea breeze at the bow of the ship.

He remained calm, as if the devastating blow he had just delivered had merely brushed away a speck of dust.

In the vast expanse of the world, only the sound of waves crashing against the hull of the "Zhenhai" and the heavy, suppressed breathing of the crew remained.

Truly, utterly silent!

...............

The sky was clear and the sea was cloudless.

The massive Zhenhai hull cleaved through the vast blue waves, sailing steadily toward the mainland.

The annihilation of the Sea Sand Gang was like a nightmare too shocking to bear. Although several days had passed, the earth-shattering scene was still deeply imprinted in the hearts of every member of the Eastern Sea Sect. The atmosphere on the deck had become more subdued and awe-inspiring, especially in the area where Yi Huawei had been.

However, beneath this awe, a subtle change is quietly brewing between Shan Meixian and her daughter and Yi Huawei.

As the leader of the Dongming Sect, Shan Meixian had seen countless people and possessed a deep understanding of human nature. Although Yi Huawei was unfathomable and spoke concisely, his calm demeanor lacked arrogance and oppression; instead, it exuded a clarity and inclusiveness born of experience. He fulfilled his promise, swiftly eliminating the Dongming Sect's greatest threat. This act of "trust" gradually transformed Shan Meixian's initial wariness and probing into genuine gratitude and trust.

She began to take the initiative to arrange Yi Huawei's daily life, personally overseeing his meals and refreshments, striving to be attentive to his needs. The elegant little hall on the top floor of the ship's building, with its sea breeze and expansive view, became the place where the three of them most often gathered.

"Young master, try this 'Sea Cloud Pastry,' a dessert made from seaweed powder and coconut milk on the Ryukyu Island. It has a sweet and refreshing taste."

Shan Meixian personally pushed a plate of exquisitely shaped, bright green pastries in front of Yi Huawei with a gentle smile, conveying just the right amount of intimacy.

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, without refusing. He stretched out his slender fingers, picked up a piece, and moved with composure and elegance, carrying a royal demeanor that had been refined over a century.

After tasting the pastry for a moment, he said, "It's sweet and refreshing, with a hint of sea breeze. My wife is very thoughtful."

His tone was calm, but not perfunctory; rather, it conveyed a genuine sense of acknowledgment. The lines on his face seemed to soften slightly as well. Although he didn't show an obvious smile, the depths of his eyes had lost some of their usual aloofness and indifference, revealing a subtle warmth.

Dan Wanjing's change was more outward. After the shock of the battle with the Hai Sha Gang faded, the liveliness and curiosity inherent in her girlish nature once again took over, and the kindness of being taught swordsmanship made her feel closer to and more admiring of Yi Huawei. She no longer shyly peeked at him from afar as before, but instead, as if she had found the most respected teacher and the most mysterious friend, she often stayed by Yi Huawei's side.

"Master! Master!"

A crisp sound broke the silence of the small hall. Shan Wanjing ran in, holding a yellowed nautical chart. Her sapphire-like eyes sparkled: "Look! This is a map of the ocean currents near Shark Tooth Reef. After your sword strike that day, the whirlpool markers on this map seem to have shifted! Did the water elemental power you unleashed have such a profound impact?"

She sidled up to Yi Huawei, pointing to several modified marks on the diagram, her little face full of amazement and curiosity.

Yi Huawei glanced at the sea chart and nodded slightly: "The primordial energy of heaven and earth is fluctuating, and the ocean currents are moving accordingly. It will return to normal in a few days." His explanation was still concise, but he did not ignore the girl's enthusiasm.

"Then...then young master, can you sense the undercurrents at the bottom of the sea? Like that time when the water sword was condensed?" Shan Wanjing asked, leaning forward slightly like a lively little seabird.

"can."

Yi Huawei only answered with one word, but it made Shan Wanjing's cheeks flush with excitement.

Sometimes, when Yi Huawei sat quietly gazing at the sea, Shan Wanjing would hold her beloved sword and practice not far from him. She no longer pursued extreme speed and unpredictability, but instead tried to slow her movements, close her eyes, and attempt to "sense" and "observe." Although her progress was slow, and her movements were occasionally endearingly clumsy, her eyes were focused, filled with an unprecedented seriousness. Although Yi Huawei didn't directly instruct her, when his gaze occasionally swept over her, a faint hint of affirmation would flash deep within his calm eyes.

One evening, the setting sun cast a golden glow, turning the sea into a magnificent orange-red.

Shan Meixian and Yi Huawei stood by the railing, gazing at the magnificent seascape. Shan Wanjing, on the bow of the ship not far away, faced the sea breeze and slowly practiced a basic sword technique over and over again, her shadow stretching long.

"Young Master's cultivation is extraordinary, yet his mind is as clear as the sea, which I truly admire." Shan Meixian spoke softly, with heartfelt emotion: "That day, regarding the Sea Sand Gang, Young Master's swift and decisive actions were solely to fulfill his promise, not to demonstrate his power. Such a character is rare in this world."

Yi Huawei's gaze fell upon the boundless horizon, his voice calm and serene, yet carrying a profound understanding of the world's ways: "Power is ultimately a means. What one seeks reveals one's true nature."

He paused, then added, "Madam treats people with sincerity, and Wanjing's childlike innocence is also rare." This was already a considerable degree of approval from him.

A warmth spread through Shan Meixian's heart, knowing this was an affirmation from this unfathomable powerhouse towards her and her daughter. She hesitated for a moment, then finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind for so long: "Young Master... seems to have a profound understanding of the world and human nature. May I ask... what exactly does Young Master seek?"

She asked cautiously, with curiosity rather than probing.

Yi Huawei remained silent. The sea breeze ruffled his pale white robes, and the setting sun outlined his tall, slightly lonely profile. After a long while, so long that Shan Meixian thought he wouldn't answer, he finally spoke slowly, his voice low and deep, as if it had traveled through countless years:
"I ask for... peace of mind. I ask for... an end."

He didn't explain the specific meaning behind "peace of mind" and "end," but Shan Meixian sensed so much in his tone—a detached acceptance of worldly success, a questioning of fate, and a deep-seated, unwavering persistence. She vaguely felt that it might be related to his search for his mother.

"Mother! Young master! Look! What a huge pod of whales!"

Dan Wanjing's excited shout broke the brief silence. In the distance, on the sea, several enormous whales spouted high columns of water, creating beautiful rainbows in the sunset.

Both Shan Meixian and Yi Huawei's attention was drawn to it.

Watching her daughter's joyful figure leaping at the bow of the boat, and feeling the silent yet reassuring presence of the mysterious and powerful man beside her, Shan Meixian's heart, after a long period of wandering and resentment, felt a long-lost peace and tranquility for the first time. She turned her head to look at Yi Huawei and found that his deep gaze was also fixed on the whale pod. On his usually calm and expressionless face, the corners of his lips seemed to twitch very slightly, and a very faint ripple appeared in the depths of his heart.

Dan Wanjing ran back to the two men, her face flushed, her forehead beaded with sweat, and her eyes shining brightly: "Young master, do you think whales in the sea can also move on water like you did that day?"

Yi Huawei withdrew his gaze, looked at the vibrant young woman before him, and smiled slightly:
"All things have a spirit, and by following the way of Heaven, they find their own way. They are also the masters of the sea."

Shan Wanjing seemed to understand, but she was overjoyed that Yi Huawei was willing to answer her "naive" question, and her smile became even brighter.

A gentle sea breeze blows as the setting sun sinks into the ocean.

The massive "Zhenhai" ship, carrying the three who were growing increasingly familiar with each other and whose relationship was becoming subtly harmonious, sailed toward the mainland.

Three days later, the outline of the mainland became clearly visible, and Zhoushan Port came into view. The salty sea breeze carried the smells of fish, tung oil, and sweat, and the docks were bustling with activity as ships shuttled back and forth.

Unlike the imposing grandeur of the "Zhenhai," Shan Meixian did not bring any trusted and capable guards with her. She changed out of the luxurious attire that symbolized her status at sea and wore an elegant moon-white silk dress with a thin gray-blue gauze over it. Her hair was also simply styled with only a white jade hairpin, deliberately toning down her overwhelming nobility and sharpness. This only made her skin appear even more radiant and her temperament gentle and reserved, like a lady from Jiangnan who had stepped out of a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Shan Wanjing also changed out of her neat and tidy outfit and wore a light green floral dress, which was lively and refreshingly youthful.

Yi Huawei was still dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, spotless. The three of them seemed out of place in this noisy port and dock, yet strangely formed their own world, attracting the attention of busy laborers and merchants around them, who couldn't help but cast awe-inspiring and curious glances at them.

A spacious carriage was already waiting. The three of them boarded the carriage, and the horses' hooves clattered on the bluestone road as they headed towards Hangzhou.

We traveled in silence, only the ever-changing scenery of the Jiangnan water towns outside the car window.

Shan Meixian would occasionally whisper a few words about the scenery along the way to Yi Huawei. Yi Huawei would usually nod slightly, gazing calmly into the distance, as if sensing something, or as if simply appreciating the everyday life of the people.

Shan Wanjing leaned against the car window, curiously watching the gradually bustling street scene outside, the small bridges and flowing water, the white walls and black tiles, and the pedestrians speaking in the soft Wu dialect. Her sapphire-like eyes were full of wonder.

It was already dusk when we arrived in Hangzhou.

As dusk settled, the outline of West Lake appeared and disappeared in the twilight. Shan Meixian, familiar with the area, led Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing to "Tingtao Pavilion," a quiet and elegant inn nestled amidst the bustling West Lake. The entrance was small, but it was impeccably clean and tasteful, with clumps of bamboo in the courtyard adding to its tranquility.

Shan Meixian got off the car first, followed by Yi Huawei, and Shan Wanjing was the last to jump off, curiously looking around.

Just then, Yi Huawei's keen eyes caught a very subtle movement from Shan Meixian—her left little finger, which was holding the car door frame, seemed to casually tap a wood grain node on the inside of the door frame.

If Yi Huawei hadn't possessed extraordinary perception, he would have been almost unable to detect it. Then, a very faint, almost seamless, special mark, as if drawn by an invisible pen, quietly remained deep within the wood grain.

Yi Huawei's eyes flickered slightly, but he didn't say a word, as if he hadn't seen anything.

The shopkeeper was a middle-aged, plump man with a friendly smile and shrewd eyes. Seeing the three alight from the carriage, their clothes and bearing distinguished, he immediately beamed and personally came out to greet them behind the counter.
"It is an honor to have three distinguished guests grace our humble establishment with their presence! Please come in, we must be tired from your journey!"

His gaze swept over the gentle and noble face of Shan Meixian, the handsome and refined face of Yi Huawei, and the youthful and beautiful face of Shan Wanjing, and he greeted them warmly: "Master and Madam, are you here for a meal or to stay overnight? Our inn has the finest rooms, quiet and elegant, perfect for distinguished guests like you!"

"Master"?! "Madam"?!

Shan Wanjing's eyes widened instantly, her mouth slightly agape, her cheeks flushing bright red. She abruptly turned to look at the shopkeeper, her sapphire-blue eyes filled with embarrassment, anger, and disbelief, almost spitting fire.

"Hey! What nonsense are you talking about! Who...who is his wife! That's my mother!"

Her voice was urgent and crisp, carrying the girl's strong dissatisfaction at being misunderstood.

The shopkeeper was startled by the sudden harsh rebuke, his smile freezing on his face. He then realized that his flattery had backfired, and hurriedly looked at Shan Meixian and Yi Huawei in a panic:
"Ah? This...this...I was blind! I deserve to die! Please forgive me, madam...uh...please forgive me, madam...Miss!" He stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

When Shan Meixian heard the address "Master and Madam," her body stiffened almost imperceptibly. An indescribable ripple, a mixture of embarrassment, absurdity, and a subtle feeling she herself was unaware of, quietly spread deep within her heart. She subconsciously glanced quickly at Yi Huawei beside her.

(End of this chapter)