Chapter 454: A Leisurely Grand Voyage

The distant coastline had long since vanished beyond the horizon. From the ship’s bow, gazing outward, one could see the sea and sky merge seamlessly, a vast, undulating expanse of blue stretching endlessly. It was impossible to tell where the ocean ended and the heavens began—like a slowly rolling blue continent suspended between water and air.

The great ship stretched out its white sails, cutting boldly into the waves, each crest crashing and shattering, sending sprays of seawater dancing into the air. The collision of boat and sea rang out in a rhythmic whoosh… splash… whoosh… splash…, a sound so melodious it could almost lull the mind into serenity.

“I want a home… a home with her… and during the day, mwah…”

The brisk sea breeze teased at his hair, brushing his scalp like gentle fingertips massaging away tension. Zhu Ping’an reclined on the soft divan, legs crossed casually, eyes half-closed, watching Li Shu and Hua’er, the two little beauties, as they danced gracefully before him. He reached for a piece of fruit from the small plate at his side, freshly washed and glistening, popping it into his mouth before tapping out a quiet rhythm against the back of his leg.

The girls, dressed in the flowing garb of ancient times, their slender waists accentuated by pleated skirts and crimson sleeves, sang modern pop songs and danced viral dances from the present day. The juxtaposition was striking, visually intoxicating—an irresistible allure that made it hard to look away.

Zhu Ping’an, legs still crossed, absorbed in the dance, felt life’s hours stretch leisurely before him. The world was wide, and the moment sweet and untroubled.

But Li Shu, the one dancing, didn’t share this sense of ease. Her cheeks burned a deep crimson; she wished desperately for a mousehole to crawl into.

As a child, dancing like this with Hua’er had been nothing out of the ordinary, but now… now it was mortifying. And, of course, that scoundrel Zhu Ping’an seemed to delight in watching them, deliberately teasing, stopping the story at the very most suspenseful moment to force them to dance—refusing to continue unless they complied. Truly, a villain of the highest order…

Furthermore, Li Shu’s upbringing as a refined young lady came with a heavy weight of propriety. Even as she danced, she found herself furtively scanning the surroundings, fearful of being seen. Though she had thoughtfully sent the other maids and housekeepers to the cabins, her anxiety did not fully abate…

The little Bun Maid, on the other hand, felt slightly less self-conscious. Though still shy, she reasoned: if my lady is dancing along, what is there for me to fear?

Zhu Ping’an bit into the juicy fruit, savoring the sweet burst as it filled his mouth. His eyes caught the sight of Li Shu’s simultaneously pouting and blushing expression, and he couldn’t help but smile.

Heh.

The once-proud, haughty, scheming girl—now embarrassed and shy—was a delight to behold in this tender moment.

Zhu Ping’an swayed his head gently to the rhythm, tapping his fingers against his thigh in time with the music, utterly absorbed, immersed in the beauty of the scene.

“Hey, you rotten toad, we’ve already danced twice! Are you ever going to stop?”

Li Shu, cheeks still pink, approached Zhu Ping’an with rapid, stomping steps, glaring at him fiercely, exposing her little tiger teeth in a mixture of indignation and embarrassment.

“Ah, you’ve danced twice already? Is that so? Why dance twice at all? Once would have been enough,” Zhu Ping’an replied with a faint smile, picking up another piece of fruit with casual precision, speaking as if delivering an important decree.

The Bun Maid, still mid-dance, froze in place, her eyes wide and mouth slightly open, resembling a stunned little gosling, utterly helpless.

“You—!” Li Shu’s temper flared again, and she stamped her delicate foot in frustration. “You villain! Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

“You didn’t ask,” Zhu Ping’an said, feigning innocence. “I saw you dancing so happily, and I assumed you enjoyed it.”

“Who enjoys dancing? Nonsense! You forced us to do it, you evil man!” Li Shu’s fragrant cheeks puffed, her dark eyes flashing, her face a glowing red, almost dripping heat with embarrassment.

“Exactly! Master is so mean~~”

The Bun Maid’s small, round face joined in agreement, though when Zhu Ping’an’s gaze swept her way, she quickly ducked her head. Dancing had been one thing, but now… she felt mortified.

Master is so bad… Dancing as a child was fine, but now it makes my face burn. What does “mwah” even mean in the song lyrics? And why are we clapping all over the place…?

“Hey, we’re done dancing. Time for you to tell the story! You haven’t finished, and Zhang Xiaofan and the others at Qingyun Sect are about to start their duel!” Li Shu, her willowy figure tense with impatience, approached Zhu Ping’an, snatching the fruit from his hand and holding it at her lips, baring her little tiger teeth as she urged him firmly.

“Yes, Master, they’re about to duel! Don’t tease us like this,” the Bun Maid echoed, her voice small but insistent.

“Alright, alright. Young people… no patience at all…” Zhu Ping’an finally straightened, nodding solemnly.

“You speak as if you’re so old…” Li Shu muttered, playful and teasing, then eagerly settled opposite Zhu Ping’an on the soft divan alongside Hua’er, holding a small tray of fruit and melon seeds, ready to listen attentively.

“After breakfast, all the disciples of Qingyun Sect gathered upon the Yunhai Plaza. A glance around revealed a sea of people, shoulder to shoulder, the crowd so dense it was almost overwhelming. The plaza itself teemed with life, demonstrating the prosperity of Qingyun Sect. During the mealtime alone, eight grand platforms had been erected, constructed from massive tree trunks, each separated by tens of zhang, arranged meticulously according to the eight trigrams….”

Zhu Ping’an, seated comfortably on the divan, took a sip of tea, moistening his throat, then, under the eager gazes of the two young beauties, began to speak.

Indeed, Zhu Ping’an was recounting the story of Zhu Xian, the modern Chinese novel that had once taken the nation by storm. He remembered reading it back in high school, when it was serialized in literary magazines. Each issue’s release found him rushing to the campus bookstore, skimming the chapters in mere minutes, then leaving satisfied—never needing to buy a copy. The bookstore owner always looked on with a mixture of exasperation and helplessness, as though watching someone devour a meal without paying.

At first, both Li Shu and the Bun Maid had been unimpressed with Zhu Xian. They preferred stories like The Legend of the Condor Heroes, and found it hard to comprehend the fantastical elements of cultivation, sword flights, and magical battles.

“How can Qingyun Sect’s Qingye Zhenren live over seven hundred years? People standing on flying swords—how is that safe? Casting lightning with a single incantation? One sword slicing through a mountain? How long must that sword be?” they thought, bewildered.

Yet, as Zhu Ping’an continued, introducing Zhang Xiaofan, his journey up the mountain, Tian Ling’er, Bi Yao, Lu Xueqi, and the unfolding romances, the two girls became utterly enchanted with the story.

Especially when Zhu Ping’an described the grand martial contest of Qingyun Sect’s seven branches, they were hooked—like fish that had bitten the bait, unable to let go. That was why, when Zhu Ping’an paused and threatened to withhold the story unless they danced, Li Shu had clenched her teeth and agreed, despite the embarrassment.