Volume One: The Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixty: The Sea by the Nether Realm

Fang Tian stood at the doorway, gazing into the Spirit Artifact Pavilion, but he did not see Lin Shuang or the others—only a shop attendant. It made sense, he thought. Fang Tian walked over to the attendant, who was bent over an account book. Hearing footsteps, the attendant looked up at Fang Tian, his expression a mix of surprise and recognition. He had seen Fang Tian before, standing behind Lin Shuang, and knew the young lady had gifted this man a superior spirit weapon, which meant Fang Tian was no ordinary person.

The attendant dared not be negligent and quickly asked, "Ah, it's you, sir. Is there anything I can assist you with?"

Fang Tian was mildly surprised that the attendant recognized him; evidently, he had been present last time, though Fang Tian himself had not noticed.

"Is your young lady still in the Spirit Artifact Pavilion?" Fang Tian asked directly.

"Please wait a moment, I will inform her," the attendant replied, understanding immediately that Fang Tian had come to seek the young lady. He rose and walked through the back door.

Seeing the attendant leave, Fang Tian knew he had gone to deliver the message. Feeling a bit bored, he wandered around the pavilion, idly browsing to pass the time.

After a while, Lin Shuang emerged from the back door. Hearing the sounds, Fang Tian turned and saw her appear, so he went over.

Lin Shuang smiled and spoke, "I heard from the servants that you were seeking me, sir. What brings you here?"

In truth, Lin Shuang had planned to visit Fang Tian herself. Last time, she had gifted him a sword because she had a request, and would not have given it away otherwise. She had not expected Fang Tian to come of his own accord, which spared her considerable trouble.

Fang Tian did not beat around the bush. "There is something I wish to understand, and I hope you can enlighten me."

"It's inconvenient to talk here; please follow me to the courtyard. Ask whatever you wish, and I will answer as best I can." Lin Shuang gestured invitingly.

"Then let me thank you in advance." Fang Tian nodded and followed her inside.

In a room in the rear courtyard, Fang Tian and Lin Shuang sat together. A servant brought them a pot of tea, filled their cups, and quietly withdrew.

Now alone, Fang Tian lifted his cup, drank, and set it down before speaking. "When I purchased the Cold Feather Sword, I learned that you are from the foremost artifact forging family in the Zhao Dynasty. You must be well-traveled and familiar with the surrounding geography. I myself have come from the wilderness and know little of the outside world. I wish to know where the Zhao Dynasty is located on the Yuan Spirit Continent, and how I might travel to its center."

Lin Shuang listened and looked at Fang Tian with surprise.

"What is it, Miss Lin?" Fang Tian asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing," she replied, "I am merely astonished that you wish to go to the heart of the continent. For me, leaving this place is difficult—impossible, even." Lin Shuang had not expected Fang Tian to ask such a question.

"What do you mean?" Fang Tian sensed from her words that leaving the Zhao Dynasty was no easy matter.

"It's like this, sir. The place we are in is actually just one island among the North Sand Archipelago, called Ice Spirit Island. The archipelago is dotted with hundreds of islands, large and small. The so-called Zhao Dynasty is really just the dominant power on this particular island, and the North Sand Archipelago itself is but a tiny, peripheral part of the Yuan Spirit Continent. Even I know little of the wider world, let alone the distant center of the continent," Lin Shuang answered earnestly.

North Sand Archipelago? Ice Spirit Island? Fang Tian was momentarily stunned by this revelation, but he soon recovered, knowing these details were crucial for his future journey. He pressed on, determined to learn all Lin Shuang knew.

As Fang Tian continued his inquiries, Lin Shuang went on, "The sea separating the islands is called the Nether Neighbor Sea. My father told me that the North Sand Archipelago is not even considered part of the true Yuan Spirit Continent. To reach the continent proper, one must cross the Nether Neighbor Sea. The name alone suggests how difficult it is: the sea teems with powerful beasts and perilous phenomena. Alone, you could never traverse it. That is why I said what I did earlier."

"Is there any way?" Fang Tian asked. Though he knew it would be difficult, he would not give up; he would try if there was even a chance.

"There is only one way: to participate in the Hundred Islands Tournament," Lin Shuang replied, enunciating each word.

"What is that?"

"The Hundred Islands Tournament is a grand event held every ten years in the North Sand Archipelago. All the powers of the islands gather to exchange goods, like a market, and also to compete with one another. The tournament is organized by the great powers on the far side of the Nether Neighbor Sea—they have the strength to cross it, while we do not. Their purpose is to select outstanding talents to take under their wing, thus bolstering their own ranks."

Fang Tian found it all rather confusing, but he understood that to move forward, he must take part in this so-called Hundred Islands Tournament.

"How can one participate?" Fang Tian asked eagerly.

"As it happens, the tournament will be held this year. My family has several places, and I can bring you along. But before that, I need you to do me a favor." Lin Shuang smiled, a hint of cunning in her expression.

At this, Fang Tian put aside all other considerations and said, "Speak freely."

Lin Shuang smiled and stated her request, "In a few days, I hope you will act as our escort and guard us on our journey to the imperial city. Once we arrive, I will explain to my father and secure a place for you."

Hearing this, Fang Tian glanced at Lin Shuang, realizing he had already fallen into her scheme. Even if he had not come to ask questions, she would likely have sought him out herself; after all, he had already benefited from her generosity. Next time, he thought, he would have to refuse such gifts.

Still, Fang Tian said, "My abilities are limited; why ask me to be your escort?"

Lin Shuang laughed softly, "Though your cultivation may not seem high, I can sense you are no ordinary person. I mean no harm; it is simply that things have been unsettled lately, and I hope you can ensure our safe arrival at the imperial city."

"I accept, but I must have that place," Fang Tian replied after a moment's thought. He knew he could not refuse—he had already accepted her gift and needed the opportunity.

"Of course. Rest assured," Lin Shuang said, clearly delighted with his agreement.

Fang Tian glanced outside; the day was still young. He decided to take the chance to ask more questions.

"Miss Lin, I still have many things I wish to ask. Might I trouble you for a little more of your time?"

"No trouble at all, please go ahead," Lin Shuang nodded. She was also curious, for Fang Tian left her with a sense of mystery, and this was a good chance to learn more.

Thus, the two continued their conversation, as the daylight slowly faded.