Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Strange Encounter by the Sea (Part One)

Not long after, all of Jiang Feng’s wounds gradually healed. He began to sense that the legendary divine fruit was not only able to restore injuries but could even bring the dead back to life. A surge of delight rose in his heart, and his respect for these divine beasts deepened. He slowly climbed to his feet, feeling the peculiar power within him growing ever more concentrated.

Finding a secluded spot, Jiang Feng sat down to cultivate. He discovered that his energy was recovering at an astonishing rate, even surpassing his former strength. Soon, a flock of divine birds gathered around him, accentuating his presence and filling him with immense joy. According to legend, ancient divine beasts rarely approached humans; if they did, it meant they acknowledged one’s existence. Not only had they acknowledged Jiang Feng, they had also saved him, which made him feel all the more grateful and elated.

The divine birds, seeing Jiang Feng in meditation, refrained from disturbing him. They stood watch on either side, like guardians, keeping a vigilant eye out for danger. After about half a day, Jiang Feng’s internal energy had completely recovered, and the divine beasts continued to linger around him, unwilling to leave.

“Divine birds, why did you save me?” Jiang Feng asked, his heart full of curiosity. He wondered whether these birds could understand his words. If so, he could leave this place sooner and seek revenge against Lu Yu. Yet, he was unsure if he could defeat Lu Yu, and so found himself in a dilemma.

The divine birds seemed to comprehend his question, but gave no direct answer. They simply flapped their wings incessantly, as if trying to convey something more important.

“You want to take me somewhere?”

The flock nodded, and Jiang Feng rose to his feet. Now, few could easily defeat him; at the very least, he could protect himself. Since the divine birds had saved him, they would not harm him. He quickly stood up, following them ahead.

Emerging from the cave, Jiang Feng was met with a vast expanse of sky, like a hidden paradise untouched by the world, peaceful yet tinged with an indefinable strangeness. The divine birds led him to the seashore, where he saw an old man not far ahead. The old man seemed to have anticipated his arrival, and with a swift movement, appeared before Jiang Feng. Jiang Feng was struck by the old man’s formidable power; if he were an enemy, disaster would surely follow. If he were a friend, Jiang Feng’s abilities might soon reach a new level.

Before Jiang Feng could speak, the old man appraised him and spoke with certainty, “Well done, boy. I’ve waited for you so long. You are indeed a promising candidate for cultivation.”

Jiang Feng was baffled by the old man’s interest in him. He already had a master; if he betrayed his sect, he would be scorned by all.

The old man seemed to discern Jiang Feng’s thoughts. “I saved your life; that makes me your benefactor. If you want to leave this place, you must first defeat the Sea Sage. Otherwise, you’ll remain here forever.”

Assessing the situation, Jiang Feng realized the old man was determined to keep him here. If he persisted in resistance, it would yield nothing. Jiang Feng, ever adaptable, changed his demeanor quickly, “I will cultivate with you.”

The old man brought Jiang Feng to his abode, a simple wooden cabin, unlike the cave. The furnishings were sparse, befitting the old man’s character. “I am the Elder of Destiny. If you wish, call me Master Destiny. If not, I won’t force you.”

Jiang Feng did not reply. He could not yet accept becoming someone else’s disciple, so he simply addressed him as Elder Destiny and fell silent.

The Elder of Destiny seemed to see through Jiang Feng’s thoughts and went to meditate, unconcerned with Jiang Feng’s actions. Jiang Feng tried to approach the elder but was instantly repelled by the formidable aura. He realized he had encountered a master in a desolate place, and this master intended to take him as a disciple.

Growing hungry, Jiang Feng went out to gather eggs and wild fruit, prepared them, and was about to eat when the Elder of Destiny spoke, “Eat more, but remember, not everything on this island is edible. One careless mistake and you could lose all your energy. On the other hand, you might strengthen it. You are not yet powerful; if you wish to become truly strong, you must first overcome your inner fears. Physical strength is also essential. That is all I can tell you.”

Jiang Feng stared at the eggs and fruit, unable to resist any longer. The aroma surpassed his endurance; after days without food or drink, such delicacies were worth dying for. He devoured them swiftly, still craving more, while the Elder of Destiny watched, a knowing smile on his face.

At dawn the next day, the Elder of Destiny woke Jiang Feng and led him to the seaside cliffs. He began to teach Jiang Feng basic Taoist methods, theories Jiang Feng had never heard before—proof that there are always greater powers beyond. The Elder of Destiny truly seemed to hail from the heavens.

“Today, you must spar with the divine beasts that rescued you yesterday. Your goal is to defeat them—only then can you return home.”

One small bird stepped forward, as if it understood, standing upright before Jiang Feng. It was the first time Jiang Feng had closely examined this divine bird; being a creature of legend, it would not be easily beaten. Jiang Feng hesitated, but the bird nodded and smiled, and both prepared themselves for battle.

Jiang Feng used all his strength, unleashing twenty-one moves, but every single one was countered by the divine bird. As their exchange continued, Jiang Feng realized he was losing ground, and a chill crept into his heart. Seizing a moment when the bird was distracted, he struck its chest with his palm—though it felt dishonorable, he had no other choice if he wished to return home.

The divine bird was hit, but did not fall as Jiang Feng had expected. The Elder of Destiny burst into laughter, and soon the bird’s body began to swell, its muscles growing, feathers splitting as if a powerful energy was controlling it. The bird ignored all of Jiang Feng’s attacks and began to spit fireballs from its beak. Jiang Feng dodged desperately; if this small bird were an enemy, he would have no hope of survival. In an instant, the bird was upon him, until the Elder of Destiny called out and it reverted to its original form, as though nothing had happened.

Jiang Feng scrambled to his feet and knelt before the Elder of Destiny. “Master, I concede—please accept me as your disciple.”

The Elder of Destiny smiled gently and returned to his humble hut, leaving no grand words, only instructing Jiang Feng to cultivate diligently and asking the divine bird to stay with him.

Jiang Feng sat on the ground, reflecting on the divine bird’s attack, replaying the scene in his mind countless times. With his current skills, he could not counter it. He wondered how the bird’s body could rapidly swell. Clearly, the Elder of Destiny held the key. If he could learn this technique, it would become a powerful means of escape.

Unable to contain his excitement at the thought of this divine skill, Jiang Feng asked, “Divine bird, do you know how you unleashed that power just now?” The bird shook its head. Perhaps it was innate, beyond its own understanding. Jiang Feng realized he would have to seek guidance from the Elder of Destiny.