Lin Xiao Tian turned slightly, his gaze sweeping across the gathered disciples with a faint curve at his lips that already hinted at trouble. "Tell me, wouldn’t all of you prefer traveling in something more comfortable, more impressive, and far less... questionable than what we had before."

The moment his words fell, the disciples straightened with visible excitement, their earlier discomfort completely forgotten as anticipation spread through the group. Even Han Leu’s eyes lit up for a brief second, clearly imagining a smooth and dignified journey for once, before his expression suddenly stiffened with realization.

He stepped forward cautiously, his tone hesitant despite the temptation. "Sect Master, that does sound appealing, but... how exactly would we control and operate such a ship with our current strength."

Lin Xiao Tian let out a soft chuckle, as if the question itself was unnecessary, his expression calm and almost reassuring in a way that felt slightly suspicious. "You don’t need to worry about such minor details, just follow along and everything will function perfectly."

Before anyone could question further, the mountain beneath them rumbled as if awakening from a deep slumber, its surface slowly splitting apart with a heavy grinding sound. From within, a massive frost-blue ship emerged, its body gleaming like carved ice, shaped with the elegance of a frost dragon coiled through the air.

Lin Xiao Tian was already seated at the helm, lounging comfortably on a refined captain’s chair as if he had always belonged there. The ship radiated an imposing beauty, every curve and formation etched with precision, exuding both power and refinement in equal measure.

Yet the moment the perspective shifted behind him, the grandeur told a very different story, as Han Leu and all the disciples were spread across both sides of the ship. Each of them stood at different anchors, struggling to stabilize the formation while continuously pouring spirit energy and feeding spirit stones into the system.

Sweat dripped from their foreheads as the massive structure demanded constant input, their expressions strained as they tried to keep the ship steady. Miao-Miao glanced toward Miao Tianhe, her voice trembling slightly as she whispered, "Brother... I think Sect Master has become something terrifying."

Miao Tianhe slowly shook his head, though his expression was just as complicated as hers, his tone carrying a quiet resignation. "No, little Miao, we simply understood him too late, now focus or this thing might actually fall out of the sky."

At the front, Lin Xiao Tian rested his chin lightly on his hand, his posture relaxed as he admired the surroundings with satisfaction. "Look at this magnificent ship, smooth, stable, and full of potential, this is what proper travel should feel like," he said casually, as if the scene behind him did not exist.

He gave a small smile, his tone turning even more relaxed. "Treat this as cultivation practice, continuous circulation under pressure is beneficial for all of you, so do not slack off."

No matter how talented one is, without effort nothing can be achieved, and I am simply providing them with the perfect environment to grow, truly considerate of me.

He leisurely picked up a berry and tossed it into his mouth, enjoying the moment without the slightest hint of guilt. Behind him, Miao-Miao caught sight of this and her expression stiffened, a quiet sound of frustration escaping her as she shifted her anchor slightly out of irritation.

The formation wavered for a split second, and the juice Lin Xiao Tian had just taken in suddenly shot upward, entering straight through his nose as he choked violently. He coughed and sputtered, his calm demeanor instantly breaking as he grabbed the armrest.

"Who did that!" he snapped, turning around sharply, only to find every disciple standing in perfect formation, their expressions serious, though several of them were clearly struggling to suppress their laughter.

Lin Xiao Tian narrowed his eyes, scanning them one by one before letting out a short breath, choosing not to pursue it further. "Be careful," he muttered as he turned back, adjusting his posture once again as if nothing had happened.

Behind him, the suppressed laughter nearly broke free, but the ship continued forward steadily, powered not by formations alone, but by a group of unwilling yet thoroughly disciplined disciples and an overworked elder.

As the frost-blue ship tore through the skies, its presence did not go unnoticed, for across the vast region, movements began almost simultaneously as if an invisible signal had been given. The calm surface of the world fractured into motion, each force advancing with its own purpose hidden beneath layers of intent.

From the eastern horizon, one of the great sects launched their massive war vessel, its bronze hull gleaming under the sun as formations lit up in succession. Rows of disciples stood in disciplined silence, their auras steady, as elders oversaw everything with cold, calculating eyes.

To the south, another sect rose upon a floating mountain platform, its structure adorned with ancient runes as spiritual beasts circled above like guardians. The air trembled faintly as the platform accelerated forward, leaving behind ripples of spiritual pressure.

Far to the west, a fleet of smaller ships surged forward together, their formation tight and coordinated, clearly prepared for more than just a gathering. Their intent was sharp, not celebratory, as if they were heading toward something far more dangerous than a mere tournament.

Above the capital, the royal family’s golden vessel ascended slowly, radiating authority with every inch of its construction, as banners unfurled in the wind. Armored guards lined its edges, their presence heavy and unyielding, while within, figures of power remained unseen yet unmistakably present.

Hidden in scattered corners of the region, figures who did not belong to any righteous faction also began to move, their methods far less grand yet far more unsettling. Some rode upon shadows, others vanished between breaths, all drawn toward the same destination with motives that had nothing to do with honor or competition.

And then high above drifting clouds, where light struggled to fully reach, a lone figure moved silently across the sky upon a mass of rolling black mist. The clouds beneath him twisted unnaturally, as if alive, carrying him forward with effortless speed.

The young man stood calmly upon the shifting darkness, his robes fluttering faintly as his gaze remained fixed ahead, indifferent to the world below. The black clouds pulsed with a faint, ominous aura, swallowing light rather than reflecting it, leaving behind a trail that lingered for just a moment too long.