Chapter 268 Next stop, East China Sea
"Okay," Chu Xuanyi pulled out an old map from the bag on his horse's back, "The second thing is even more difficult than the Heart of Buzhou Mountain."
"Get to the point."
"This item is called 'Tears of the Mermaid,'" Chu Xuanyi's expression turned serious. "It's the key to unlocking the other side of the Netherworld. Without it, even with the divine stone protecting us, we won't be able to find Ah Jiu's soul."
"Mermaids?" A Dragon Shadow spy couldn't help but interrupt. "Master Chu, isn't that something made up by storytellers? Does it really exist?"
"Yes," Chu Xuanyi answered decisively, "There is a clear record in the solitary copy of Tongtian Pavilion that the mermaids have lived for generations on a fairy island in the East China Sea called Penglai."
"Penglai Fairy Island?" Another spy's eyes widened. "Isn't that where the gods live in legends?"
"The legend isn't groundless," Chu Xuanyi pointed to an area of sea on the map. "The problem is, Penglai is shrouded in powerful restrictions and perpetual fog. Its location is constantly shifting, and no one has been able to accurately locate it since ancient times."
Xiao Yu stared at the sea with deep eyes.
"If you can't find it, force it out."
Chu Xuanyi smiled bitterly.
"Your Highness, this isn't an army of thousands. How can we force them? Even if we're lucky enough to find Penglai, how are we going to get the Mermaid's Tears?"
He paused and looked at everyone.
"The only copy says that mermaid tears must be shed out of sheer passion and emotion, for only then do they possess the power to pierce through the void. If they are shed under duress or out of emotion other than sadness, they are no different from ordinary salt water."
"Extremely affectionate and passionate?" A dragon figure scratched his head. "What does that mean? Do we have to send someone to talk to the mermaid about love and move her to tears?"
"puff."
The other dragon shadow couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Forget it, you look like this. Not only mermaids, but even kelp would avoid you."
"Hey, how can you talk like that, kid?"
"Okay, stop joking." Chu Xuanyi interrupted their jokes, "That's just the way it is. There are always more solutions than problems. We have to find a way to find Penglai first."
Xiao Yu suddenly spoke, "This king remembers that there seems to be something in the royal secret vault."
Chu Xuanyi was stunned, "What is it?"
"A 'Dinghai Pearl,'" Xiao Yu said slowly. "It is said that it was obtained from an overseas alchemist in the previous dynasty. It is said to be able to calm storms, guide the course, and dispel all fog at sea."
Chu Xuanyi's eyes lit up instantly.
"Dinghai Pearl, yes, I remember now. It seems that there was a mention of it in the miscellaneous notes of Tongtian Pavilion. It said that this pearl belonged to the Dragon Palace in the East China Sea and was later lost among the people. I didn't expect it to be in the imperial palace."
"Your Majesty, should we return to the capital immediately?"
"No," Xiao Yu shook his head, "It's too late to return to Beijing."
He took out a black dragon-shaped token from his arms and handed it to Captain Longying beside him.
"You must immediately return to the capital with this token. With this token, you can directly meet the Queen Mother and enter the royal vault."
"Remember, before dawn, I want to see the Dinghai Pearl at the East China Sea Pier."
"yes."
Captain Long Ying took the token and immediately jumped on his horse, shooting off towards the capital like an arrow.
"What about us?" Chu Xuanyi asked.
Xiao Yu's gaze turned to the distant east.
"Let's go to the East China Sea."
"Meet those legendary mermaids."
…
East China Sea, Wangya Port.
This is the busiest dock in the entire Dayin Dynasty, but now it has been cleared of all ships.
At the deepest part of the harbor, a large ship was quietly anchored on the water.
It is made entirely of the strongest iron birch, and the hull is engraved with intricate runes. The three huge masts are like spears piercing the sky. Just standing there, it exudes a heart-pounding sense of oppression.
"Your Majesty."
The general manager of the shipyard came trotting over with a flattering smile on his face, but his forehead was covered in cold sweat.
"The 'Breaker' you requested has been completed ahead of schedule, as per your instructions."
"All materials used are of the finest quality. Three hundred skilled craftsmen worked tirelessly day and night. This is definitely the sturdiest ship in our Great Zhou, bar none."
Xiao Yu stood on the shore with his hands behind his back, his robe rustling in the sea breeze.
He didn't look back, but just nodded lightly.
The general manager wiped his sweat and wanted to say something else, but was dissuaded by Chu Xuanyi's look.
Chu Xuanyi walked to Xiao Yu's side, looked at the huge ship that almost emptied the national treasury, and couldn't help smacking his lips.
"Your Majesty, this is too generous of you."
"In order to find a legendary island, this gold-eating beast was specially created."
"If we can't find it, we won't be able to explain to the Queen Mother and the Ministry of Revenue when we return."
"If you can't find it, keep looking." Xiao Yu's tone was calm, "Until you find it."
Chu Xuanyi shook his head helplessly.
He knew this would be the answer.
"Have all the staff been arranged?" Xiao Yu asked.
"Everything has been arranged." Chu Xuanyi dropped his joking expression and became serious. "Three hundred of the most elite Dragon Shadows, all of whom are the best swimmers and have the highest martial arts skills. In addition, there are fifty of the most experienced sailors and boatmen, all secretly transferred from the navy."
He paused and took out a round and translucent bead the size of a pigeon egg from his arms.
"We also got the Dinghai Pearl."
"Captain Longying is very efficient. The Queen Mother didn't ask any questions and gave it to him directly."
Xiao Yu took the Dinghai Pearl and felt it was icy cold in his hand.
"Let's set sail."
He handed the Dinghai Pearl to Chu Xuanyi and gave the order.
"Your Highness," Chu Xuanyi called him again, "There's one more thing."
"explain."
"Well... our destination this time is the legendary Penglai Island," Chu Xuanyi said with a strange expression. "Brothers, we're all a little nervous. Before we go out to sea, should we follow the old custom and offer sacrifices to the Sea Goddess to seek peace of mind?"
Xiao Yu frowned slightly.
"This king does not believe in ghosts and gods."
"I don't believe it either," Chu Xuanyi spread his hands, "but the people below do. We are going to an uncertain future, and it's hard to predict whether we will live or die. We have to give them some spiritual support, right?"
"Look, I've prepared the sacrifices."
As he spoke, he pointed to the incense table and three sacrificial animals that had been set up on the dock.
Xiao Yu was silent for a moment, and finally nodded.
"Quick victory."
"Okay."
Chu Xuanyi immediately ran to make arrangements.
Soon, a simple and solemn sea sacrifice ceremony began.
Xiao Yu stood at the bow, watching coldly as the soldiers and sailors knelt devoutly, praying for the protection of the sea god.
There was no awe in his eyes.
If God really works.
Then how could Ah Jiu be lying there, a body without a soul?
It is better to rely on yourself than to rely on God.
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