In the open-air area where Xu Zihuang and Ju Zi were located, a robust hundred-year peregrine falcon lay on the ground.
Its sharp claws glinted with cold light. Even though they were covered by a thick layer of feathers, the perfect muscle lines of its legs were still clearly visible. For flying-type soul beasts, the thigh meat was the most delicate part, tender and juicy, with excellent nourishing effects for a soul master's body.
A bright yellow soul ring slowly condensed above the body of this hundred-year peregrine falcon. However, its body did not turn charred black.
Ruan Xinghai was well aware that this hundred-year peregrine falcon had not perished due to his fourth soul skill.
Xu Zihuang picked up the hundred-year peregrine falcon at his feet, politely nodded to Ruan Xinghai, and then turned to leave the area. Ju Zi quickly stood up and followed behind him.
Ruan Xinghai pondered for a moment, forming a guess in his mind. However, he did not dwell on it too much. Soon after, he descended to the deck and began arranging matters for the night's voyage.
Spending even one extra minute in the sea meant an additional minute of danger. If it were not for the dark, starless night where direction could not be discerned, they would normally continue sailing even at night.
Although they were still in coastal waters, it was always better to be cautious.
Night fell. The sky tonight was clear, allowing a clear view of the stars and the moon in the sky. The beautiful scene of the moon rising over the sea was intoxicating.
The Sea Dragon slowly sailed through the night, dotted with points of light. Those were the soul guide lamps shining through the crystal windows of each room.
In the room at the end of the walkway on the top deck.
Xu Zihuang and Ju Zi sat facing each other. On the table in front of them was an iron grilling rack.
Pieces of peregrine falcon meat with clear grain patterns sizzled and released oil under the heat of the heating soul guide device. The rich aroma of meat filled the air. The crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh constantly tempted Ju Zi's taste buds.
Eating the grilled meat and looking at the young man before her, a few crystalline tears had already gathered on her long eyelashes.
As if sensing something, Xu Zihuang raised his head, paused his actions, then stepped forward under Ju Zi's gaze and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
Ju Zi quickly shook her head, put down her utensils, suddenly stood up, wrapped her arms around Xu Zihuang's neck, and their breaths intertwined.
No matter what the future held, in this moment, she only wanted to immerse herself in this happiness. This brief time would become the most precious memory of her entire life.
On the deep blue circular crystal window, the silhouettes of the two were reflected. Outside the window was the moon over the sea, a scene as beautiful as a painting.
The cool moonlight sprinkled onto Ju Zi's smooth, waterfall-like black hair, yet her heart was filled with burning passion. That tenderness seemed capable of melting Xu Zihuang.
"Haa… haa… haa…" Ju Zi's face flushed red, her chest rising and falling slightly as she calmed her breathing. Her eyelashes trembled lightly, her hands tightly clutching the bedsheet—she was clearly hesitant.
She truly wanted to throw caution to the wind and respond to Yu Tianhuang's feelings. But she could not do that.
If Xu Tianran discovered that she was no longer a virgin, all the plans she had made over the years would come to nothing. Most importantly, it could very likely put Yu Tianhuang in danger. As the person Xu Tianran trusted most, she knew many secrets of the Holy Spirit Church.
If Xu Tianran were to invite those two Ultimate Douluo to act, even Shrek Academy would find it difficult to protect Yu Tianhuang.
Yet pushing Yu Tianhuang away was something she equally could not bring herself to do.
"Tianhuang…"
In the next moment, the surging emotions in Ju Zi's heart suddenly calmed. She silently repeated Yu Tianhuang's name in her mind.
She decided to leave the final choice to Yu Tianhuang.
However, several minutes passed, and she still did not feel Yu Tianhuang's next move. Confused, she opened her eyes.
Xu Zihuang gently stroked Ju Zi's cheek and smiled warmly. "It's getting late. You should rest early."
"I'm sorry, Tianhuang." Ju Zi murmured. She thought her hesitant behavior earlier had disappointed him.
"There's no need to apologize. Ju Zi, since I like you, I will respect your thoughts and wishes. Just as I have never tried to persuade you to let go of the hatred in your heart. But there is one thing I hope you remember—from now on, you are no longer alone."
Xu Zihuang shook his head calmly, gently holding Ju Zi as they lay on the bed.
To be honest, the fact that Ju Zi was willing to go this far for him was already very rare. It fully proved his place in her heart.
Compared to momentary indulgence, he preferred to look toward the long-term future. Only when Ju Zi became the commander of the Sun Moon Empire's army would it best serve his current interests.
"Mm."
Moved, Ju Zi pressed her red lips together and gave a soft hum. Resting her head on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, she suddenly felt a sense of peace.
The nerves that had been tense for so long relaxed in this moment, and the accumulated fatigue swept over her. Just like that, she fell into a deep sleep. Yet throughout the entire night, she tightly held onto Xu Zihuang's body.
Xu Zihuang withdrew his gaze from Ju Zi and looked out the window at the vast, silver-glimmering sea, his eyes lost in thought.
Ye Guyi, Ning Tian, and Ju Zi were currently the three women most deeply entangled with him.
His feelings for Ye Guyi were undoubtedly the most sincere and pure. Although some of his views had not yet fully changed. Next was Ning Tian. Ning Tian had accompanied him through most of his teenage years, and he felt somewhat touched by that.
As for Ju Zi, although it might seem unfair, he was indeed mostly using her.
Xu Zihuang let out a soft sigh, casting aside all the emotions in his heart. His gaze became resolute.
The Sea Dragon could only rely on wind power for sailing, so its speed was far slower than the Demonic Whale. It took three full days of sailing before they entered the deep-sea region. During that time, they were fortunate not to encounter any more attacks from sea soul beasts.
However, once they entered the deep-sea region, the situation changed.
After all, the deep sea was the true paradise of sea soul beasts. Although the route they had opened avoided the territories of most powerful sea soul beasts, it was unavoidable that some would occasionally stray into the area.
Fortunately, the straying sea soul beasts were not too strong and were repelled by Ruan Xinghai, leading the deacons of the South Sea Merchant Association.
They sailed continuously for ten days without any casualties or losses. Up to this point, the voyage had been unprecedentedly smooth.
Another night arrived, this time with a starless sky. It was difficult to determine direction, and sailing in the deep-sea region was too dangerous. A single mistake could lead them into the territory of a powerful sea soul beast, causing irreparable damage.
Ruan Xinghai had no choice but to order the anchor dropped, preparing to spend the night in this sea area.
The lights on the entire Sea Dragon were deliberately dimmed, making the deck somewhat dark.
However, the dim environment posed no problem for Xu Zihuang, who possessed the Golden Dragon martial soul.
Xu Zihuang leaned against the railing at the front of the deck, gazing into the distance. The cool sea breeze carrying a salty tang brushed against his hair.
The pleasant sea breeze blew toward him, and Xu Zihuang slightly sank into his thoughts. Ever since arriving in this sea area, he had vaguely felt a sense of oppression. As a spirit-attribute soul master, his perception was extremely keen.
It was precisely because of this faint premonition that he had unusually come to the deck tonight to keep watch.
A series of steady footsteps sounded from behind him. Ruan Xinghai walked to Xu Zihuang's side.
Deep in the sea, and having encountered several sea soul beast attacks not long ago, the other passengers almost never left their rooms.
At this moment, only Xu Zihuang, Ruan Xinghai, and the deacons of the South Sea Merchant Association on night watch were on the deck.
The deacons on watch had seen Xu Zihuang display formidable strength today while helping deal with sea soul beasts, and respect had grown in their hearts. They only occasionally glanced at him from afar with awe, not daring to approach and strike up a conversation.
In this world, strength was always the foundation for having a voice.
Ruan Xinghai cupped his hands toward Xu Zihuang.
"Young Brother Yu, thank you once again for your assistance today. Judging by our current progress, we should reach Moon Pivot Island in about five more days. Our South Sea Merchant Association also has a branch in Moon Pivot City. If Young Brother Yu ever needs anything from our South Sea Merchant Association in Moon Pivot City in the future, please feel free to visit. I should be staying there for quite a long time."
"If the opportunity arises, I would be happy to pay a visit." Xu Zihuang replied politely. He naturally understood that Ruan Xinghai was trying to win him over.
Today, without even using his martial soul, he had relied solely on soul power to drive his long sword, Shark Tooth, and blocked an attack from a seven-thousand-year sea soul beast for one of the deacons. Such astonishing strength had left a deep impression on Ruan Xinghai.
"By the way, Deacon Ruan. As we get closer to Moon Pivot Island from here, there shouldn't be any particularly powerful sea soul beasts inhabiting the route ahead, right?"
Ruan Xinghai smiled faintly, with a clear sense of relief.
"Indeed. Once we leave this sea area tomorrow, the route ahead will be much safer."
At that moment, both Xu Zihuang and Ruan Xinghai turned around. On the area extending from the top deck, a woman in a long red dress was looking up quietly in their direction. It was Ju Zi.
Xu Zihuang chuckled.
"Deacon Ruan, excuse me, I'll take my leave."
"Young Brother Yu, please go ahead." Ruan Xinghai replied with an unchanging smile, fully understanding.
With a light leap, Xu Zihuang arrived in front of Ju Zi.
Ju Zi very naturally took hold of one of Xu Zihuang's arms, pouted, and said coquettishly, "Sleep!"
Since that night, she had grown fond of the feeling of falling asleep in Xu Zihuang's embrace. Of course, before sleeping, they would inevitably engage in some intimate activities. Not only physical intimacy, but they would also discuss plans to deal with the Demonic Crocodile Pirate Group.
According to Ju Zi's estimation, the Demonic Crocodile Pirate Group would likely make its move in the next few days.
As soon as they entered the room, Ju Zi wrapped herself around Xu Zihuang's body like an octopus.
Xu Zihuang could only helplessly extend his hands, hold Ju Zi's body, and walk toward the bed.
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