Cultivation in the Pirate's World

The endless blue stretched in every direction as Xiao Yan's small boat drifted along the gentle waves. He sat cross-legged at the bow, looking perfectly serene despite the circumstances. His companions, however, were having... different reactions.

"Xiaojin," Xiao Yan said without opening his eyes, "setting the ocean on fire won't make it any less vast."

The phoenix, perched on the mast, let out an indignant squawk. Its usual golden flames had taken on a distinctly sulky blue tinge.

Xiaolong, meanwhile, had coiled around the boat's edge, periodically dipping his snout into the water and sneezing when the salt hit his nose. Each sneeze sent small lightning bolts crackling across the waves.

"That's the seventh time," Xiao Yan noted calmly. "I don't think the fish appreciate being electrocuted."

Xiao Gui, at least, seemed to be enjoying itself, paddling happily alongside the boat and occasionally trying to eat pieces of driftwood.

"You're the only one adapting sensibly," Xiao Yan told the turtle. "Though I question your dietary choices."

A sudden shadow fell over the boat, causing Xiaojin to puff up its feathers in alarm. The water bulged upward as something massive rose from the depths.

"Interesting," Xiao Yan mused, finally opening his eyes. "I didn't expect sea creatures of this size."

A Sea King, easily a hundred times larger than their boat, emerged from the waves. Its serpentine head alone dwarfed their vessel, water cascading from scales the size of dinner plates.

Xiaolong, apparently offended that another serpentine creature dared enter his territory, reared up and let out what was probably meant to be an intimidating roar. It came out more like an annoyed bark.

"Now, now," Xiao Yan said, placing a calming hand on Xiaolong's head. "Let's not be hasty—"

Too late. Xiaojin, not to be outdone by Xiaolong, launched itself from the mast and spat a fireball directly at the Sea King's face.

The massive creature blinked, more confused than hurt. It opened its mouth, presumably to eat them all.

Xiao Yan sighed. "I suppose we're doing this now."

He stood slowly, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. The Sea King's massive jaws descended toward the boat.

"Pardon me," Xiao Yan said politely, raising one finger. The Sea King's movement stopped completely, frozen in place by an invisible force. "But we're having quite enough excitement for one day."

The Sea King's eyes widened, finally sensing the overwhelming power radiating from the calm cultivator.

"Now then," Xiao Yan continued, as if teaching a particularly slow student, "we'll be on our way. Please extend the courtesy to any friends you might have."

He lowered his finger, and the Sea King practically tripped over itself retreating into the depths.

Xiaojin puffed up proudly, as if it had been the one to drive the creature away. Xiaolong sulked, clearly disappointed at missing a fight.

"Was that really necessary?" Xiao Yan asked his companions. "We could have simply—"

A piece of driftwood hit him in the back of the head. He turned to find Xiao Gui looking exceptionally pleased with itself.

"Et tu, Xiao Gui?"

The turtle responded by attempting to eat his sleeve.

As the sun began to set, painting the endless ocean in shades of gold and crimson, Xiao Yan watched his companions settle into their new routine. Xiaojin had claimed the top of the mast as its personal domain, occasionally sending small flames into the darkening sky. Xiaolong had finally stopped sneezing and now lay coiled around the boat's edge, his scales reflecting the sunset. Xiao Gui dozed in Xiao Yan's lap, having given up on eating the boat piece by piece.

"This world's oceans feel different," Xiao Yan murmured, sensing the subtle energies flowing through the waters. "The qi here moves in strange patterns..."

He pulled out the spiritual bead given to him by the island's guardian, studying its soft glow in the fading light. Within its depths, he could see the clear spring and growing herbs, a small piece of his sanctuary preserved.

"I wonder what other mysteries this sea holds," he said softly.

Xiaojin chirped sleepily from above, while Xiaolong let out a gentle rumble. Even Xiao Gui stirred slightly, bumping its head against his hand.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly. Whatever challenges this new world held, at least he wasn't facing them alone.

Though he might need to find a bigger boat if Xiaolong kept growing.