At the Liyue Harbor docks, Keqing quickly departed after entrusting the matter of purchasing fireworks to Ling Feng.
With Ling Feng gone, her workload increased again, so she hurried back to finish her tasks.
If she wasted too much time, things would never get done.
The path to proving that matters concerning the destiny of humanity should be undertaken by humans, and that humans can certainly do better, was still very long.
She could not stop!
Beidou and Ling Feng watched Keqing's receding figure.
"The Yuheng is still as decisive as ever."
Beidou suddenly threw an arm around Ling Feng, as if they had known each other for a long time.
"Your name is Ling Feng, right? From now on, I'll be looking out for you. I'll definitely get you to Inazuma safely."
"You can call me Captain Beidou, but calling me Sister Beidou is even better."
Ling Feng finally understood why people said Beidou was easy to get along with.
Her personality was indeed as straightforward and hearty as in the game.
And also... a little bouncy.
The sword sheath on his back suddenly swayed a few times. Beidou didn't pay it any mind, thinking it was from her movement.
But Ling Feng knew that Shagiri was stomping her feet in jealousy.
Ling Feng quickly broke free from Beidou's arm. It wasn't that he was worried about Shagiri being jealous, but rather that he couldn't stand it himself.
Being wrapped around the neck was actually quite uncomfortable.
"Sister Beidou, it's uncomfortable."
"Oh, little brother, are you shy?"
Beidou teased with a smile.
"Cough, cough, cough, Sister Beidou, when are we departing?"
"No rush. There's still some time before departure. You can get acquainted with the crew first, and I'll take you to see your room."
Beidou stood with her hands on her hips, smiling.
"Thank you for the trouble."
"It's no trouble. The crew of the 'Crux' are all very enthusiastic. Think of this place as your home."
Beidou patted Ling Feng on the shoulder.
She had to admit, Beidou's strength was truly immense, far greater than that of ordinary people.
However, she was still a little weaker than Shenhe, but still terrifyingly strong.
Shenhe was already a half-immortal, and for Beidou to reach this level was already very rare.
It was no wonder, after all, Beidou was the one who could slay the abyssal monster "Haishan" without a Vision.
Truly worthy of the title "Uncrowned King of the Sea."
Afterward, Ling Feng followed Beidou on a tour of the Crux fleet, meeting many members.
Time flowed by, and before long, the "Alcor" officially set sail.
The destination: Inazuma!
...
At night, on the deck of the "Alcor," Ling Feng was practicing the Star Spirit Art.
To avoid being seen by others, Ling Feng found a secluded corner to cultivate.
Ling Feng had already cultivated the "Star Spirit Art" to the second level—Star Soul.
This level used the power of the stars to enhance the strength of one's divine sense and soul.
Divine sense and soul strength were crucial for many cultivation techniques.
For example, in the "Carefree Sword Control Art," if one's divine sense was not strong enough, it would be difficult to control too many swords.
Fine control of true qi, and so on, all required strong divine sense.
Suddenly, Ling Feng sensed a powerful aura in the sea rapidly approaching the "Alcor."
That aura was several times stronger than that of a Ruin Guard King. It was likely a colossal sea monster.
At the same time, a torrential rain suddenly began to fall from the sky, with countless raindrops pounding the deck and fierce winds raging.
Bang!
The ship was suddenly struck violently, shaking intensely.
That's right.
It was confirmed that this colossal sea monster was not passing by, but was heading directly towards them.
In that case, it was an enemy.
Ling Feng stood up and quickly ran towards the deck.
Hurried footsteps echoed on the deck as a large number of crew members rushed out from their cabins, armed and fully prepared.
Beidou stood at the bow of the ship, loudly directing the crew.
"Artillerymen, man your stations."
"All other combat personnel, prepare for battle."
"This is a big one."
The crew members moved with astonishing speed, acting as soon as Beidou gave the order.
Everyone's faces were calm, as if they were accustomed to this. Many even wore a hint of excitement.
It was as if they didn't consider the colossal sea monster as a threat at all.
This wasn't arrogance, but confidence.
If they were arrogant, they would just talk big and wouldn't act, saying things like standing on the deck was enough.
"Ling Feng, I'm sorry for disturbing your rest. It seems we've encountered a big guy that needs to be dealt with."
"But don't worry, we have extensive combat experience and will end this quickly. You can go back to your room to wait."
Beidou saw Ling Feng standing on the deck and jumped down from the bow, walking towards him with an apologetic expression.
"No, I'll stay and fight. I also want to see what this big guy looks like."
"Besides, I also possess a Vision."
Ling Feng took out his Vision and showed it to Beidou.
"I didn't expect Ling Feng to have a Vision too. In that case, as you wish."
Beidou said with a smile.
After all, with a Vision, he could at least protect himself.
And they would resolve the creature hiding in the sea as quickly as possible.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, the ship was struck violently again.
At the same time, a colossal creature rose from the sea, creating massive waves that crashed onto the deck.
Ling Feng and Beidou were unfazed by the water, standing on the deck with calm expressions, letting the water wash over them without moving.
Ling Feng and Beidou looked out and saw a colossal beast with three heads roaring at them.
Its size could be roughly estimated to be fifty to sixty meters.
Its appearance was somewhat reptilian, like a giant lizard.
"It truly is a big one,"
Beidou chuckled.
"Sister Beidou, is this guy's size considered large among the sea monsters you've encountered?"
Ling Feng asked, wanting to know if they were all this tall.
Beidou had been at sea since childhood and had extremely rich experience.
"Low to mid-tier."
"I've encountered many of these three-headed sea beasts before; they're quite common."
Beidou said calmly, crossing her arms.
"Low to mid-tier?! And you call this a big one?"
Ling Feng exclaimed in surprise.
This was only considered low to mid-tier?
"Yes, I've encountered beasts over a hundred meters tall before. Those were truly colossal beasts. This one can be called a big one."
Hearing this, Ling Feng felt that it made sense. Compared to beasts over a hundred meters tall, this level wasn't really that big.
"Roar!"
Seeing that the two humans were calmly chatting in front of him, the three-headed beast became enraged.
Many creatures in Teyvat possess intelligence, and the three-headed sea beast was no exception.
Imagine your reaction if two mosquitoes were calmly chatting in front of you.
It's insulting!
"Roar!"
The three-headed sea beast opened its enormous maw and roared, spewing saliva.
Ling Feng and Beidou quickly dodged to the sides. This was saliva, not seawater, and it stank.
"This guy's breath is really foul."
Beidou fanned herself.
"Brothers, give him a good welcome! Fire arrows!"
"Ooh!"
As Beidou gave the command, the combatants on deck aimed their bows and crossbows at the three-headed sea beast and attacked.
A sky full of arrows rained down upon the beast.
Thwack! Thwack!
Countless arrows pierced the sea beast's skin, embedding themselves in its flesh.
Immediately, the three-headed sea beast let out a painful roar.
These were not ordinary arrows, but specially made ones used by the Crux fleet to deal with sea monsters.
Ordinary iron arrows would likely not even penetrate the beast's hide.
The three-headed sea beast was enraged. These meager creatures dared to attack it and even wound it.
Unforgivable!
The three-headed sea beast opened its maw and gathered a large amount of Hydro.
"Whoosh!"
A burst of Hydro cannonfire was launched towards the "Alcor."
"Everyone, prepare to brace for impact!"
Beidou waved her hand.
"Boom!"
The "Alcor" was hit and shook violently, but its defense was not breached by this attack.
It wasn't that the three-headed sea beast's elemental attacks were weak, but rather that the "Alcor"'s construction materials were extraordinary.
Even waves a hundred meters high crashing down wouldn't shatter the "Alcor"; at most, they would create a few holes and let in some water.
This showed how strong the "Alcor"'s defenses were.
This was also a necessity, as a sturdy ship was essential for survival on the dangerous seas.
As everyone quickly lowered their bodies and stabilized themselves, only a few people fell.
"Buzz!"
Behind Ling Feng, Wufeng suddenly trembled, and Shagiri reminded him mentally.
Wufeng needed a lot of combat to unleash its power.
Powerful weapons were honed through battle.
Wufeng was no exception. Although Wufeng was currently rated as five-star, this was only its initial state.
Treasures with growth potential could grow over time without needing other materials for enhancement.
Wufeng belonged to the combat type, and battle could accelerate its growth.
"Alright, I understand."
Ling Feng drew Wufeng from his back and shouted to Beidou.
"Sister Beidou, how about I handle this guy?"
Upon hearing this and seeing Ling Feng's combative demeanor, Beidou let out a hearty laugh.
"Of course, but be careful."
"Mhm."
Ling Feng nodded firmly, his gaze sharp as he looked at the three-headed sea beast.
"Let's fight together, Shagiri."
Ling Feng's thoughts rippled.
Wufeng trembled slightly in response.
"Wind Blade!"
Ling Feng's eyes narrowed. A surge of profound true qi poured into Wufeng, and a powerful wind-attribute true qi attached itself to the blade. The invisible wind pushed many crew members back several meters.
Beidou felt the aura emanating from Ling Feng and was greatly shocked.
This power was no weaker than her own.
The three-headed sea beast looked at Ling Feng and immediately became frightened, instinctively wanting to flee into the sea.
But it was too late.
A wind blade sliced through the raindrops and arrived in an instant.
A second later, the three heads of the three-headed sea beast were severed from its body, and a large amount of blood gushed out, dyeing the surrounding sea a bloody red.
After a single strike, Ling Feng calmly sheathed his sword.
Beidou was the first to start clapping, and the other crew members followed suit.
Beidou strode to Ling Feng's side and clapped him heartily on the shoulder, exclaiming loudly.
"I never expected Ling Feng, you're so powerful! I didn't see it at all."
"Yuheng lied to me. With this kind of strength, why would you need us to protect you? You could just rent a small boat and reach Inazuma."
Ling Feng scratched the back of his head and chuckled at Beidou's teasing.
"Not at all, not at all."
"By the way, Ling Feng, why don't I ask Keqing to let me have you? With your strength, it's a waste to be involved in politics."
"That might not be appropriate."
"Why not? Someone like you is exactly what we need. Brothers, don't you agree!"
"Yes!"
The other crew members shouted in unison.
Being accepted as crew members by Beidou meant that they had no interest in power struggles; they were all like brothers and sisters.
Therefore, they wholeheartedly agreed to Ling Feng joining as a powerful combatant.
"No, no, I'm not good at fighting."
"I'm going back to my room to rest now. Goodnight, everyone!"
The overwhelming enthusiasm was too much for Ling Feng, so he quickly made an excuse and slipped away.
The burning gazes of those people made him feel as if they wanted to tie him to the ship. He was an introvert; how could he handle such attention?
I'm just an ordinary person, better to just be myself.