Chapter 59: Leisian Ship

The Grand Canal — [Kaiyuan].

This magnificent artificial canal, stretching over ten thousand miles and connecting the West Sea almost across the entire territory of the Western Spiritual Kingdom, has been constructed for nearly a thousand years now.

After pacifying the chaos caused by the evil demons, the first West Saint, Yuan Qianqiu, dedicated the resources of the entire nation and leveraged his extraordinary powers to unblock and restore transportation that had been blocked by war, finally completing this wonder after over a decade of effort.

To commemorate the prosperous era marked by the establishment of the Four Saints Calendar, the river was named [Kaiyuan].

Although historical records mention significant opposition to the initial construction of the Kaiyuan River, with many believing it to be a waste of labor and resources, even privately criticizing Yuan Qianqiu for being too proud, asserting that the intention was to showcase his accomplishments rather than genuinely improving transportation.

However, the Spirit Saint Yuan Qianqiu suppressed those rumors and, with the help of the Qilin, invited the waters of the West Sea, carving paths through mountains and overcoming countless obstacles to finally see the completion of [Kaiyuan River].

Now, after a thousand years, this ancient and magnificent canal has nearly unified the entire Western Spiritual Kingdom. Its exceptional value in the history of the Ancient Spirit Realm has been repeatedly validated over time, saving countless lives during natural disasters and turmoil, bringing about prosperity and stability.

To this day, the [Kaiyuan River] has become the most famous and proud legacy of the Western Spiritual Kingdom, even regarded as one of the most visionary decisions made by the first West Saint beyond his great achievements in subduing the evil demons.

Three days after Miss Vilyric and her companions set out from Yangyuan County, they found themselves on the canal.

“Kaiyuan River… the reason behind the relentless efforts to complete its construction is probably also related to the inner sea and the [Seven Stars Anti-Demon Seal] beneath the Tidal Deep Valley.”

Standing independently at the edge of the deck, her hands resting on the cold railing, feeling the night breeze blowing across the canal while gazing at the scenes of countless sails shining like stars in the distance, the black-haired girl softly reflected.

“Yuan Qianqiu, oh Yuan Qianqiu, although I first found your impression to be less than favorable, as I gradually learn about your past, I must admit you truly are a proper Saint of your time. If you could see the prosperity today, it would surely bring you some comfort by the River of Three Ways.”

In fact, when that great West Saint chose to burn everything to cleanse the evil spirit of the Ya Zi demons that had festered for centuries beneath the Tidal Deep Valley, Vilyric could have stopped and saved her.

The Priestess could have done the same without any cost… but she did not.

Not because of any interests or deeper reasons, but simply because she believed it was the right thing to do.

Yuan Qianqiu was already a dead person, merely maintaining her residual soul in that stone coffin through a special technique. While Vilyric still wasn’t sure why this rarely seen human pseudo-god would deplete her lifespan so quickly, it no longer mattered.

She devoted everything to the Ancient Spirit Realm and the Western Spiritual Kingdom. Even after death, she remained concerned about unresolved issues, choosing this method to temporarily return to the light…

Thus, it is right to respect her choice, allowing this West Saint to resolve her obsessions by her own hand, achieving true peace and eternal rest.

Eternity is not an absolute blessing.

For some, passing away peacefully is not painful but rather the greatest comfort. Although Vilyric holds the power to reverse life and death and interfere with the underworld, it is precisely because of this that she must use it with utmost caution.

To forcibly anchor those who should have perished in the realm of the living brings about distortion and chaos, as seen with the [Throne of Immortality], and situations like Hao Miao Yi Meng and Mofuman; the Priestess has witnessed far too many of those.

Ah… Being in such surroundings brings heavy thoughts.

Letting the refreshing river wind blow, the Priestess momentarily cast aside her myriad thoughts.

The passenger ship they were aboard was named [Leisian], procured through Murong Yun’s connections. It is said to be quite famous in the Western Spiritual Kingdom, operating like a bus all year round on the Kaiyuan River, carrying travelers and passengers.

The name [Leisian] originates from a well-known performance held on the ship.

[Leisian Blooming Scene].

It is said that this vessel was built to allow the world to participate more in and enjoy such performances, facilitating the spread of the [Leisian] name while it travels the canal year-round.

Although Vilyric is still unsure what exactly this performance entails, it’s probably quite similar to touring concerts back on Blue Star.

Of course, the [Leisian Blooming Scene] doesn’t perform every day; according to Murong Yun, it happens about two or three times a month, so naturally, the newly arrived Miss Vilyric and her companions haven’t encountered it thus far.

But it seems like they had good luck.

Faint voices floated from within the cabin, carried by the gentle breeze towards the black-haired girl’s ears.

“Hey, did you hear? There’s going to be that tonight on the ship!”

“That what?”

“Come on, what else could it be? The [Leisian Blooming Scene]!”

“Wait? Is it true?! So soon again? But it was just last week, right?”

“Come on, you can’t say that! Isn’t it good to have frequent events? So many spend big money just to drift around with this ship, just to participate in the [Leisian Blooming Scene] a few more times! If it weren’t for my urgent business, I’d want to stay a few more days, and I’m lucky I can catch one before leaving. What fortune this is!”

“Well, that’s true, but I haven’t fully recovered since last time…”

“What do you mean? Just say whether you’re going or not!”

“Hehe… of course, I’m going! Let’s go, let’s go!!”

With her excellent hearing, Vilyric caught every word of their conversation and tilted her head slightly, pondering.

The Leisian Blooming Scene, huh…

The moment she heard that name, it felt a bit improper, and judging from the information just revealed by the two familiar patrons, it certainly had a whiff of something…

Could it be that kind of performance?

Oh wow, Murong Yun seems like a gentleman, but he has this secret interest?

But it doesn’t really matter; being a bit indecent… is what makes it interesting!

The girl turned and headed towards the cabin, where the increasing sounds of footsteps made the atmosphere lively.

The Leisian ship, while not as large as the [Noah’s Ark] that Vilyric held as a legendary sea vessel, was still quite substantial on the Kaiyuan River. Naturally, the infamous [Leisian Blooming Scene] would take place in the largest central cabin of the place.

Inside the brightly lit interior of the ship, Vilyric followed the pre-placed directional signs, and the crowds around her gradually thickened.

More and more travelers from all over, some purposefully staying to participate in the Leisian Blooming Scene, while others, like Vilyric and her friends, just happened to be passing by as merchants, gathered outside the performance space in the center of the cabin, naturally discussing the grand event about to occur.

Amidst the crowd, quietly listening to their exchanges, Vilyric quickly discerned some fascinating information.

This group distinctly split into two parts: “those who have participated in the Leisian Blooming Scene before” and “those who are on the ship for the first time,” with the former mostly comprising young men, and even the women dressed elegantly, resembling cultured gentlemen.

These literary fellows were inexplicably enthusiastic about the upcoming performance, yet when it came to specific details, they stammered and refused to elaborate, simply saying things like “You’ll know once it starts.”

Such odd behavior naturally piqued the curiosity and confusion of those who had never been to the Leisian Blooming Scene, including Vilyric.

Hey, hey… could it really be that kind of performance?

   

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