But this journey is indeed a good opportunity to broaden one's horizons.

...

In the blink of an eye, the day of departure arrived.

Jin Mantang, glowing with a rosy complexion, came to extend his invitation, personally leading the two to the berthing place of the Cloud Whale.

From afar, Zou Lun stood on the deck in a green robe, with the five Array Masters who passed the assessment that day standing neatly behind him.

Seeing Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling boarding the ship, he greeted them with a smile on his face.

"Fellow Daoist Chicken," Zou Lun cupped his hands in greeting, "The journey to the Imperial City is long and arduous. If we encounter any unexpected situation, I hope that the two of us can work together to overcome the difficulties."

His tone was sincere, yet a barely noticeable gleam flashed through his eyes.

Zhou Qing's lips curled slightly beneath his mask, as he returned the gesture with cupped fists.

"Master Zou overpraises me. I have just entered the ranks of a Level Two Array Master, with shallow experience. If trouble arises, I would have to rely on your guidance."

"It's nothing, really," Zou Lun stroked his beard and chuckled lightly, his gaze lingering a moment longer on the old hen perched on Zhou Qing's shoulder.

It looks quite plump, but those bulging eyes give it a rather dull appearance, don't they?

They say pets take after their owners. Could Mr. Ji have similar eyes?

Is that why he wears a mask to hide them?

After the pleasantries were exchanged, the other five finally stepped forward to pay their respects.

After all, this was a genuine Level Two Array Master, whose status was far superior to theirs.

As soon as the group stepped into the cabin, a thunderous beast roar suddenly emanated from the lower deck.

The terrifying pressure caused everyone's faces to change dramatically.

Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling exchanged a knowing glance—so they were indeed escorting a living creature!

At the same time, five Divinity Transformation Realm Perfection Divine Senses quietly swept over, only to disappear in an instant.

If it weren't for Zhou Qing's keen senses, he would have hardly noticed these hidden strong presences.

"Please follow me," a maid in a light purple dress bowed and led the way through the winding corridors.

"This is the cabin prepared specifically for you. If you need anything, you can ring the bell anytime to call me."

After the maid left, Zhou Qing immediately set up three layers of Sound Insulation Restrictions in the room and carefully checked every corner.

Once he confirmed there were no monitoring arrays, he lowered his voice and said, "Five Divinity Transformation Perfection guards hidden in the shadows—seems the demon beast we're escorting isn't simple."

Luo Lingling was about to speak when she suddenly felt a slight tremor beneath her feet.

Through the carved porthole, she saw the massive hull of the Cloud Whale slowly ascending, breaking through the clouds and sailing into the distance.

Luo Lingling lay down on the bed, shaking her crossed legs leisurely, "Since we're here, we might as well settle in. But remember this, Xiao Qing—"

She suddenly flipped up and sat, her eyes beneath the mask extraordinarily serious, "If you encounter danger, don't act recklessly. Your life is what's most important, understood?"

Zhou Qing laughed, "Naturally."

"And also!" Luo Lingling raised her index finger, "Your 'Emperor's Brilliance Scripture' is quite fast. You have to take me with you if we run."

"Got it, got it," Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly, but the corners of his mouth beneath the mask slightly upturned, "I could never leave you behind."

Only then did Luo Lingling lay back down, satisfied, and soon started to snore lightly.

Zhou Qing sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion on the other side, beginning his daily cultivation.

...

Just like that, a month quietly slipped by. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

During this period, aside from the ceremonial visit by Shopkeeper Jin to check if they needed supplies, no one came to disturb them.

This tranquility was quite to the liking of Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling.

Occasionally, Zhou Qing would find an excuse to walk the chicken and get some fresh air on the deck.

Each time, the five Divinity Transformation Realm Perfection Divine Senses would follow him like a shadow, scanning him.

And from the ship's lower deck, dull beast roars would echo from time to time, seemingly filled with some sort of unwillingness and struggle.

This made Zhou Qing curious—what on earth was the Duobao Trading House transporting this time?

Could it possibly be a pure-blooded demon beast?