Since Tian Kun insisted, and the master-apprentice tradition held sway, Luo Xiao could hardly force him otherwise. She had no choice but to let him go. However, still uneasy, she gave him detailed advice before his departure and stuffed him with plenty of Spiritual Shells, only then allowing the matter to rest.
After mother and son had left, she thought to herself: "The master’s disciple is truly precious. If anything goes wrong, how could I ever explain myself? Oh well, let him go ahead for now. Later, I’ll inform Yanyi and have her secretly follow to provide assistance."
She twisted her waist and headed to the inner hall. After taking a few steps, she shook her hand, and from her sleeve erged a peculiar python. As it rolled on the ground, it transford into an ugly child. Standing up, the child glanced left and right, widened his eyes, and said, "Is this place the master’s Cave Mansion?"
Luo Xiao chuckled and said, "Stop gawking. You’ll live here in the future and have plenty of chances to explore it. Co with now; I’ll introduce you to soone."
Currently, Tian Kun’s cultivation hadn’t reached the stage where he could use flying Magic Artifacts. Thus, upon exiting the Cave Mansion’s Array Gate, he could only travel south on foot. Being deeply filial, he carried Mrs. Chen on his back, walking with swift arrow-like strides, traversing mountains and ridges as if walking on flat ground.
Mrs. Chen said, "My son, do you have fellow disciples? How do they treat you?"
Tian Kun paused and replied, "I have a senior sister. Although she can’t compare to mother, she treats quite well."
Mrs. Chen nodded and said, "You study cultivation under Zhang Daoist. Don’t harbor selfish thoughts, nor compete for favor with your senior sister. Even if your senior sister criticizes you, don’t talk back or argue. Also, your Junior Luo is a capable woman. If you don’t understand sothing, go to her for guidance. Do you understand?"
Tian Kun nodded emphatically and said, "What mother says is correct; I shall rember everything in my heart."
Mrs. Chen knew her son had always obediently followed her words. Hearing his agreent, she affectionately patted his tender yet broad shoulders, feeling deeply comforted in her heart.
As a cultivator who was also the reincarnation of a Great Demon, Tian Kun’s journey through the forest was marked by the retreat of all beasts, insects, and birds. Thus, he traversed his path unimpeded and crossed Little Lang Mountain in rely two hours. Before him stretched a vast plain.
Never having traveled so far in his life, his spirits were high, and his pace quickened as he went. By the end, Mrs. Chen only heard the roar of the wind in her ears as if riding a galloping horse. Yet not a single bead of sweat appeared on Tian Kun’s back. She exclaid in both joy and amazent, "My son has truly developed his skills!"
After traveling several hundred miles further, a wide, endlessly flowing river appeared before their eyes. On the riverbank was a ferry pier, where many travelers sat aboard boats holding their luggage and valuables.
Before departing, Tian Kun had heard from Luo Xiao that they must take a boat at this ferry pier to enter Dragon Abyss Marsh. Excitedly, he adjusted Mrs. Chen on his back and dashed forward. With a leap, he landed on a boat, but the sudden imbalance caused the vessel to tilt sideways sharply, prompting startled cries from all aboard. Alard, Tian Kun instinctively surged forward a few steps, stabilizing the boat once again.
The old boatman only saw a blur of motion before a half-grown lad appeared on the boat, nearly capsizing it. He discreetly wiped cold sweat from his brow. Experienced in welcoming and sending off travelers, his sharp eye power prevented him from scolding the boy. Instead, he forced a wry smile and said, "Young man, make sure to sit steady. You’re strong, but don’t break this old man’s boat."
Mrs. Chen chided her son with a slap, and Tian Kun, feeling embarrassed, offered profuse apologies as he carefully helped Mrs. Chen settle herself down.
The passengers on the boat, though shaken, were far from ordinary people. They quickly recovered, glanced briefly at the mother and son, and realized they were not to be offended. They resud sitting quietly as before.
Mrs. Chen said, "Boat owner, what are the ferry fees?"
The old boatman laughed heartily and said, "If this noble lady deigns to give any, just a handful of copper coins will suffice."
Mrs. Chen thought for a mont and instructed Tian Kun to hand over a string of Copper Coins. The boatman didn’t even glance at them, stuffing them into his embrace. After more passengers boarded, he announced, "Everyone, sit tight." Untying the ropes, he gave the oars a push, and the boat flowed out of the dock, drifting downstream.
The boat stopped periodically every day to purchase supplies, disembarking and boarding passengers along the way. About ten days later, they arrived at a River Heart Island. From this point, the Mystical Turtle Land beyond began to co into faint view. After landing, the mother and son bid farewell to the boatman and prepared to switch to a larger vessel. Before boarding, the new ship owner took a asuring gaze at them. Seeing Tian Kun’s attire, which was beyond the reach of ordinary people, he stepped forward with a smile and cupped his hands, addressing them, "I wonder which island and academy the honored guests are related to?"
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