The colossal black vessel glided slowly into the continent's narrow strait. Continuous coastlines flanked them, revealing the dusky peaks of inland mountains shrouded in white mist clinging to their slopes; shadowy dwellings; and fishing harbors bristling with masts.

All of this lent He Yiming a sensation of unreality, as if he were adrift in a dream.

Ever since comprehending the Water Flower at sea, He Yiming had decided to return to the mainland. This decision was instantly ratified by everyone accompanying him.

In truth, Treasure Pig and White Horse Thunder possessed no strong feelings on the matter; their contentment lay merely in not being separated. As for One Hundred and Eight, he was so taciturn that even a fierce blow wouldn't elicit a sound, rendering any expression of opinion utterly impossible.

Only Chu Haozhou cheered loudly, though within his acclamation lay a subtle, indescribable dissonance.

He Yiming understood the undercurrent of Chu Haozhou’s feelings quite well. He was born here and raised here, yet his entire sect perished in this very place.

Although his vengeance had been exacted, long before achieving it, he had resolved to abandon the Eastern Sea forever. The only reason he lingered here was to wait for He Yiming.

He Yiming even harbored a certainty that, in the future, unless he were to die abroad and his remains be brought home, the elder would never set foot in the Eastern Sea again.

The two Venerables, Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing, knowing He Yiming was about to depart, were overjoyed, inwardly wishing these troublesome individuals would leave sooner rather than later. Yet, outwardly, they offered profuse invitations for him to stay. Only after He Yiming and his party rejected them several times did they dispatch the island's most magnificent grand ship for their send-off.

Because Huo Dongcheng was traveling with them, He Yiming and his group did not refuse the arrangement.

Thus, after a month at sea, He Yiming finally returned to the Eastern Continent, which he had not seen for nearly two years.

Aboard the grand ship, Huo Leqing, Zhang Haitai, and all the second-generation disciples of the Huo family, including Huo Dongcheng's parents, were visibly reluctant to part. However, He Yiming knew that were it not for Huo Dongcheng having been accepted as a disciple by Chu Haozhou, a top expert who had achieved the Five Qi Unification, the Huo family members would never have come such a long distance to bid farewell.

A full half-hour passed before Huo Leqing finally took charge and ordered all the Huo family members back onto their large vessel.

They intended to sail downriver, entering the inland cities of Great Shen to witness the splendor of the empire.

As for He Yiming and his companions, they had already decided against continuing their journey with the Huo clan. Neither the Huo family nor Huo Dongcheng dared voice any opposition to this decision.

As he watched the large ship recede, a faint sheen of moisture gathered in the corners of Huo Dongcheng's eyes.

He Yiming gazed toward the northwest and realized he had never missed his hometown and family as acutely as he did at that moment.

He lightly patted Huo Dongcheng's back, offering comfort: "It is only a temporary parting; don't look so dejected. I promise you, if you cultivate diligently and complete the assignments Elder Brother Chu sets, I will allow you to visit your relatives once within five years."

A spark of joy immediately flickered in Huo Dongcheng's eyes. He bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Senior."

Chu Haozhou shot He Yiming an exasperated glance: "Younger brother, that is my disciple."

He Yiming waved a hand dismissively: "I only accepted him on your behalf." He paused, then smiled, "Don't forget, you are