Chapter 119: A Drop in the Vast Ocean

Before Master Qingxu and Yan Chixia could speak, She Mei’er said with great enthusiasm, "Master, I have a suggestion. Look, the vast East Sea is magnificent, with waves rolling endlessly. Since we have a wooden boat at our disposal, why don't we set sail and enjoy a voyage across the East Sea together? Master Qingxu, Yan Chixia, what do you think?"

Neither Master Qingxu nor Yan Chixia answered immediately; both master and disciple turned their gazes toward the Nine Heavens Fairy. Seeing this, the Fairy smiled faintly and said, "Very well, let us follow Mei’er's suggestion. Qingxuzi, Yan Chixia, let us now set sail together to cut through the waves and traverse the East Sea."

Master Qingxu smiled and replied, "Very good. I shall follow your lead."

Upon hearing this, Yan Chixia laughed and said, "Master, I will steer the boat. But where are the oars?"

"There is no need for oars," Master Qingxu replied. "Danzi, with me here, you may simply sit back and enjoy the journey. Immortal Nine Heavens, She Mei’er, please steady yourselves; the boat is about to depart."

With that, Master Qingxu channeled his inner energy to propel the wooden boat forward.

It was mid-March, around noon, and the warm sun bathed the vast East Sea. The surface of the sea was calm, with the azure waters reflecting the clear blue sky—a vast, boundless expanse. Not a single fishing boat was in sight; only flocks of seagulls soared joyfully, their clear, melodious cries ringing through the air.

"Ah, what a beautiful view!" She Mei’er stepped to Yan Chixia’s side, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. As she admired the magnificent horizon, she felt refreshed and delighted. "This is my first time sailing on the open sea; it feels absolutely wonderful! Yan Chixia, how do you feel?"

Yan Chixia replied, "My feeling is that the world is vast and the sky is wide—in the midst of this boundless ocean, one feels like a single grain of millet, incredibly insignificant!"

"Oh!" She Mei’er blinked. "Yan Chixia, you’ve said something that makes it impossible for me to respond!"

"Haha, why is that?" Yan Chixia asked with a smile.

She Mei’er said coquettishly, "In my eyes, you are so powerful, yet you call yourself insignificant! If you are insignificant, then what am I? Hee hee, this topic is a bit too profound for now. It’s noon, and I’m hungry. Yan Chixia, don't be stingy—hurry and treat me to some delicious food!"

"Very well!" Yan Chixia readily agreed. "It is a rare occasion for us to gather on the East Sea and sail together. I shall now use my 'Paper Talisman Magic' to conjure a feast. Let us invite the Immortal Nine Heavens and my master to join us!"

"Haha..." the Nine Heavens Fairy laughed delightedly. "Yan Chixia, you truly have a way with words; I am growing fonder of you by the day! Very well, show us your skills. Let me witness the power of your 'Paper Talisman Magic'."

"Thank you for your favor, Immortal!" Yan Chixia said clearly. "Please watch closely, I am about to display my humble craft!"

With that, he silently recited an incantation, summoned a talisman paper from his storage ring, and used his magic to suspend it in the air before him. He then summoned a vermillion brush and began to paint with swift, sweeping strokes.

The Nine Heavens Fairy, standing opposite him, let out an "Oh" of surprise and watched, transfixed. Master Qingxu and She Mei’er also observed with rapt attention.

Yan Chixia’s brush moved like a dancing dragon, never faltering. In the blink of an eye, he finished. He tucked away the brush, grasped a corner of the talisman, and said, "Immortal Nine Heavens, Master, She Mei’er, please step back two paces."

They complied, and as Yan Chixia also stepped back, a large empty space opened up in the middle of the boat. He gave the talisman a quick flick, and with a flash of golden light, a lacquered red square table and four matching stools appeared. On the table sat an array of dishes, full of color, aroma, and flavor, all steaming and mouth-watering.

"Ah!" the Nine Heavens Fairy exclaimed, "Yan Chixia, such impressive skill! I am truly enlightened today!"

"Thank you for your praise, Immortal!" Yan Chixia said respectfully. "Please, take a seat."

"Splendid!" the Nine Heavens Fairy replied happily. "Qingxuzi, Yan Chixia, Mei’er, let us all sit and share this meal together."

They took their seats, and everyone picked up their chopsticks to begin the feast.

The Nine Heavens Fairy looked at the sumptuous spread with delight. "I have not eaten in a long time. To be here on the East Sea, aboard this boat, and tasting food conjured by your 'Paper Talisman Magic'—it is a truly unique experience!" As she spoke, she picked up a piece of crispy fish fillet and savored it. "Excellent! This 'Crispy Fish Fillet' is tender and crunchy, savory without being greasy; it is truly a delicacy! Qingxuzi, to have such an accomplished disciple as Yan Chixia is truly enviable."

Master Qingxu replied, feeling honored, "You flatter us, Immortal; I am unworthy of such praise! In truth, your own disciple, She Mei’er, is as beautiful as a flower and clever as can be—she is the one who is truly your accomplished disciple!"

"Is that so?" the Nine Heavens Fairy remarked with a faint smile. "If my Mei’er is so clever, then why, after studying the 'Paper Talisman Magic' from Yan Chixia for over three months, has she achieved no results?"

Before Master Qingxu could answer, She Mei’er stuck out her tongue, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "Hee hee, Master, that is a rather sharp question. Let’s change the subject! Master, this 'Steamed Sea Bass' is exceptionally fresh—you should try some while it's still hot..."

As she spoke, she quickly picked up a piece of the fish and held it to the Fairy's lips.

The Nine Heavens Fairy laughed. "Mei’er, are you trying to feed me, or are you just using this delicacy to stop me from exposing your shortcomings?"

"How could you say that, Master?" She Mei’er pouted playfully. "Even if I had shortcomings, you are so protective of me that you wouldn't expose them anyway... right, Master?"

"Haha..." The Nine Heavens Fairy looked at She Mei’er’s radiant, smiling face and felt immense joy. "You child, you are only good at talking! When have I ever protected your shortcomings?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Master never protects shortcomings!" She Mei’er laughed repeatedly. "Master, eat your fish..." And with that, she fed the piece of steamed bass to the Nine Heavens Fairy.