Chapter 159: The Vanished Ferryman and the “Sea”

“What’s going on?”

Noticing some movement behind, the people from the Shocked Sect, who had been keeping a visible distance, reacted quickly, stopping and gathering together. After hearing Miss Vilyric’s brief explanation, Mu Ze, who seemed to have entered the Endless Ruins Sea before, nodded in contemplation.

“Miss Vilyric, does this Mr. Murong carry… some sort of inheritance?”

“Oh?”

The Priestess responded with a question.

“How do you know?”

As he glanced around at the increasingly thick, white mist, Master Mu pondered.

“Actually, a long time ago, the Endless Ruins Sea wasn’t as dangerous as it is now, where one had to rely on luck for entry. There was once a group of individuals who passed down certain missions from ancient times. They were known as the Ferryman, tasked with guarding the entrance to the Endless Ruins Sea under the Spiritual Fox Priestess.”

“The Ferryman had a mysterious identity, and their numbers and situation were unknown, but they seemed to have obtained the power to traverse the Endless Ruins Sea freely, allowing them to navigate between worlds with greater ease.”

“Whenever the ruins opened, Ferrymen would appear near the entrance, selecting and guiding those eligible for entry.”

“The way we’re entering the sea now was considered ‘stowaway’ back then, and was neither acknowledged nor welcomed by the Endless Ruins Sea; survival was left to fate. However, entering the sea under the guidance of a Ferryman meant actively avoiding many dangerous areas, with nearly a hundred percent survival rate—very safe.”

“However, around a hundred years ago, a vast and strange disaster erupted in the Ancient Spirit Realm. A terrifying force of unknown origin suddenly struck, obliterating hundreds of sects across the world overnight, with casualties and disappearances exceeding tens of thousands.”

“The truth behind this terrible disaster remains unclear, but it was from that time onward that no Ferryman has been seen guiding anyone into the Endless Ruins Sea. People had to brave huge risks and cross the sea by sheer strength, like we are now.”

“When scholars later reviewed the historical process, they gradually linked these two events, suggesting that the lineage of the Ferryman may be hidden among those exterminated hundreds of sects—perhaps one or multiple sects.”

“The perpetrators probably couldn’t pinpoint exactly where the true Ferryman was concealed, so they cruelly eradicated all lines of inheritance within the suspected range.”

“So that’s how the whole incident unfolded…”

Glancing at the two girls beside her, Vilyric didn’t comment much but asked further.

“So, you think Mr. Murong’s inheritance might be related to the Ferryman, which is why he could enter the Endless Ruins Sea so quickly? But who could that mysterious force be, and why would they go to such great lengths to eliminate the Ferryman?”

Mu Ze shook his head.

“I’m just speculating. As for the latter part, it’s something many scholars and sects in the Ancient Spirit Realm are still searching for today. After all, possessing a power capable of simultaneously destroying hundreds of sects worldwide overnight is undoubtedly a sword of doom hanging over any force—who wouldn’t be wary?”

“Yet, over a hundred years have passed, and the matter still hasn’t been investigated clearly. If anyone captures some clues, they quickly vanish into thin air, gradually turning into an eternal unsolved case…”

“But regarding why they targeted the Ferryman, in my personal opinion… it might be to seize something they possess or perhaps they don’t want the world to enter the Endless Ruins Sea easily and gain anything related to the Spiritual Fox Priestess.”

“If we pursue that line of thought, the true target they aim for might actually be the Spiritual Fox Priestess herself.”

“A force targeting the Spiritual Fox Priestess…”

After a brief silence, the black-haired girl instead revealed a smile.

“Although the Ferryman has vanished, the Endless Ruins Sea has not become a dead end.”

Shangguan Hong nodded, a hint of unyielding might subtly emerging from his eyes.

“Even though we still don’t know who that mysterious force is, their willingness to expose themselves to eradicate the Ferryman in such a way speaks volumes.”

“As the Guardian of the Ancient Spirit Realm, the Spiritual Fox Priestess’ enemies are the enemies of our realm. Since they are enemies, we certainly cannot allow them to have their way.”

“Ha…”

Shaking her head helplessly, the Priestess continued walking forward.

“Let’s go.”

Though the way had prematurely eluded them, Murong Yun had previously informed Vilyric and the others about how to enter the Endless Ruins Sea.

Listen.

Listen to the sound of the “Sea.”

Although it sounded far-fetched, according to his words, whenever the thick fog gradually rises, those walking within would progressively lose their vision while gaining a sharper sense of hearing. By focusing to listen, they could catch the sound of the “Sea” in appropriate moments.

Hearing that sound signifies that one is nearing the path to the Ruins Sea.

Closing her eyes, she followed the increasingly clear sound of the waves, leading her to the legend of the “Endless Ruins Sea,” which doesn’t exist in the Ancient Spirit Realm.

Though such a story reminiscent of a bizarre urban legend sounded exceptionally absurd, upon first hearing it, Miss Vilyric couldn’t help but think, “Is this guy just pulling my leg?” However, with Murong Yun disappearing right before her eyes and the various strange events related to the Spiritual Fox Priestess she encountered…

That bizarre rule seemed to gain a lot of credibility.

After aimlessly wandering for quite a while, she indeed heard it.

The sound of waves rising and crashing upon the “Sea.”

“Splash ~ Splash ~”

Clearly, there were still no unusual energy fluctuations around her or any magical traces of illusions or dreams, but Vilyric distinctly captured this wondrous sound that should not appear in the mountainous lands.

It was as if standing outside an invisible mirror, while the other side was a world isolated from her.

“Vilyric.”

The tender hand held tightly in her palm gradually tightened with the gentle call. It was evident that Hen had also heard that almost imperceptible sound of the waves.

“Are you nervous?”

The silver-haired girl didn’t try to act tough.

“A little… because I can’t see what’s inside.”

“I see.”

Nodding, Vilyric tightened her grip on the soft and delicate fingers of the girl.

“Don’t worry, I will protect you.”

“Wait, wait! What about me?!”

Turning to glance at the cat daughter rushing over, the Priestess momentarily felt both amused and at a loss.

“With your strength, Miss Xiao Kong, you shouldn’t need my protection all the time, but forget it… here.”

Reaching out her free hand to the white cat that was making a noisy show, Miss Xiao Kong immediately grabbed it, and the cat daughter even shot a proud glare at the silver-haired girl, but unfortunately, she received no response.

Finally, glancing at the Shocked Sect and others who had already checked in and started moving ahead, Vilyric took a deep breath.

“So, let’s go in.”

“Mm.”

“Let’s set off!”

“Splash ~ Splash ~~~”

The sound of the waves rolled over her ears.

   

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