Chapter 268: Extra (5)
By the shores of the Eastern Sea.
Two figures sat on a large reef, fishing as waves crashed against the rocks, sending sprays of white foam into the air and bringing forth a bounty of marine life.
In the distance, fishing boats sailed with raised masts, and occasionally, cultivators flew by overhead in their magical vessels.
The scene was vibrant and full of life—a stark contrast to the desolation that Earth Star had endured for so many years.
The red-robed man raised his hand slightly, and a hooked fish leaped from the water. The youth in a moon-white robe beside him caught it, removed the hook, and tossed it into a nearby fish basket.
Not far from them, on another reef, a group of wandering cultivators were also fishing. Seeing them haul in yet another Kirin Fish, the cultivators couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.
The Kirin Fish, a delicacy of the Eastern Sea, was known for its exquisite taste and its ability to extend life and boost cultivation. Catching one required years of experience and skill—something even the seasoned fishermen and sea wanderers in the area often achieved only through sheer luck.
But these two newcomers—one of whom appeared to be a half-demon—had borrowed fishing gear from them and were already filling two large baskets with Kirin Fish! How could they not be astounded?
The two figures drawing attention were, of course, Su Ci and A-Yan.
When it came to food, the first thing Su Ci thought of was seafood.
After ten years at the nursery, during which the Earth Star’s ecosystem steadily improved under the efforts of the Wood Tribe and Li Sinian’s group, the planet had moved past its most resource-scarce period.
But there was one thing Earth Star still had to import: seafood.
Though its oceans hadn’t completely dried up, they had long been devoid of life. Restoring them to their former glory would take centuries, if not millennia.
Seafood from other planets tasted different due to their unique environments. Even though A-Yan’s cooking could bring out the best in any ingredient, Su Ci still missed the flavors of the past.
So, he brought A-Yan to fish by the Eastern Sea.
They’d only been there for a short while but had already reeled in a considerable haul. While Su Ci’s fishing skills weren’t what they once were at their peak, he was satisfied with the results.
Having A-Yan beside him, gazing at him with bright, eager eyes, only added to his contentment.
In the past, Su Ci often released the fish he caught. But now, with A-Yan around, they could be transformed into delectable meals—and any leftovers could still be released back into the sea.
Of course, with Su Ci’s appetite, “leftovers” were hardly a concern.
“Once we’ve built a fishing boat and made some nets, we can venture further out to sea,” Su Ci said casually, casting his line back into the water.
“We’ll need to gather materials first,” A-Yan replied with a grin, listening intently as Su Ci recounted stories of his past. Ever since they’d entered this parallel world, Su Ci had been more talkative, and A-Yan cherished every word.
The sound of the waves drew A-Yan’s gaze to the horizon. This was his first time fishing at the Eastern Sea.
After his consciousness was born, his long period of growth as a spirit had been hazy and uncertain. He had memories but lacked clarity, never experiencing moments like this—sitting by the sea and observing the world with his own eyes.
Above, clouds shifted and transformed, and several cloud whales swam gracefully through the sky, their calls reminiscent of birdsong.
The sea breeze carried an abundance of spiritual energy. It was no wonder that this era produced so many brilliant cultivators.
Su Ci suddenly recalled that he had once crafted a fishing net, earning him the nickname “Fishing Net Immortal” among humans. Thinking back on it now, he found it amusing.
Since letting go of the past, Su Ci’s demeanor had subtly changed. Though he remained as laid-back and casual as ever, the melancholic undertone that once clouded him was gone.
This slight shift made his already striking features even more radiant. His spirited demeanor mesmerized A-Yan, who found himself staring without realizing it.
At that moment, another fish bit the hook.
Though it wasn’t a Kirin Fish, it was an even rarer species, prompting the nearby sea wanderers to gape in amazement again.
Who are these experts gracing the Eastern Sea?
Su Ci skillfully reeled in the fish, removed the hook, and dropped it into the basket.
Both baskets were now full. Time to call it a day!
A-Yan, understanding his cue, began packing up their gear while mentally planning how to prepare the seafood. There were plenty of islands in the Eastern Sea—they could even have a picnic on one.
“Master, they caught so many fish!”
A child’s voice rang out just as Su Ci was about to stand. He froze momentarily.
“Master, I want fish too,” the child’s soft, pleading tone carried a hint of a whine.
Then, an older voice replied, “A cultivator should not indulge in the desires of the flesh.”
The moment the elder spoke, Su Ci’s body stiffened further. He and A-Yan looked up to see a cloud whale approaching through the misty sky.
Perched on the whale’s head was a white-haired, white-browed Daoist in a gray-blue robe. His flowing garments gave him an air of otherworldly grace.
Beside the Daoist sat a small, golden-haired child who appeared to be four or five years old. His short hair fluttered in the breeze, shining brightly under the sunlight, and his light golden eyes were extraordinary.
Su Ci stood silent for a moment before turning to A-Yan.
A-Yan’s expression was one of pure innocence. He clearly had no idea what was happening!
Reading his expression, Su Ci quickly realized that coming to fish at the Eastern Sea had been his own suggestion—it couldn’t have been part of any plan A-Yan had made.
This must simply be fate—his connection to his old master.
“But I’m just a kid! I’m still growing!” The child’s soft, playful voice sounded again from atop the cloud whale. “Kirin fish is so delicious. Can’t we buy two to take home? Please, Master~”
Although the elder’s tone was serious, his kind demeanor betrayed his indulgence. After being pestered for a while, he finally sighed and relented. “Fine, fine. Stop shaking me. You’re rattling my old bones.”
The child, who had been clinging to the elder and shaking him playfully, instantly sat up with a wide grin.
“Master, you’re the best! Xiao Ci loves Master the most!” Little Su Ci hugged the elder’s arm, rubbing his rosy cheek against him like a kitten. His innocence and cuteness were impossible to resist.
A-Yan couldn’t take his eyes off the child. He stared at the boy for a long moment before glancing at Su Ci.
Su Ci pressed his lips together, his expression betraying a rare hint of discomfort as he looked away.
Everyone has some embarrassing history as a child… right?
Before long, the cloud whale let out a low call and descended, carrying the master and disciple closer to the reef where Su Ci and A-Yan were.
Su Ci sent A-Yan to return the borrowed fishing gear, asking him to offer two Kirin fish as thanks to the other anglers. Meanwhile, he waited for the cloud whale to approach, bringing the elder and the child directly to him.
“Fellow Daoist…”
The white-browed elder clasped his hands in greeting but paused upon seeing Su Ci’s face. He had sensed this cultivator’s extraordinary presence from afar, but he hadn’t expected such an unparalleled appearance.
However…
“Have we met before?”
The elder found Su Ci’s face familiar, though he couldn’t recall where he might have seen him.
This was because Su Ci had cast a spell that allowed others to see his true form but blurred their memories if they tried to recall him later.
“Master, do you know this handsome brother?” Little Su Ci asked.
“Xiao Ci, don’t be rude,” the elder admonished gently.
“I’m not being rude! He really is handsome!” Little Su Ci blinked his wide golden eyes, looking at Su Ci with pure innocence. Su Ci felt a pang of embarrassment as the boy’s gaze made his teeth ache.
“Big brother, you look just like me!” Little Su Ci exclaimed, as if discovering a new continent. He flew into the air, circling Su Ci to get a closer look.
When A-Yan returned, this was the scene he stumbled upon.
Except for Lang Ze, no one else had ever managed to make Su Su show such an awkward expression. It was too amusing! A-Yan decided he had to remember this moment.
Eventually, Little Su Ci was pulled back by the elder and lightly scolded.
Watching the boy pout and stand obediently beside his master, Su Ci’s emotions became a jumble of bittersweet feelings. Beyond the embarrassment, there was an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
How many years has it been since I last heard Master’s voice…?
“Fate has brought us together,” Su Ci said. “If you don’t mind, please stay and share a meal with us.”
“Wow, Master! He’s inviting us to eat with him!” Little Su Ci’s face lit up with delight.
The elder sighed in resignation but still clasped his hands respectfully toward Su Ci. “Then we humbly accept your kind offer.”
“It’s our honor,” A-Yan quickly said, stepping forward to help the elder. Though this wasn’t Su Su’s real master, it was close enough. A-Yan knew better than to accept such a gesture from him.
With two baskets full of seafood, the four of them took the cloud whale to a nearby island.
On the sandy beach, A-Yan retrieved his cooking tools and began preparing the fresh catch.
Though he had never seen these fish before, as the Spirit of Rules, A-Yan only needed a glance to know how to bring out the best flavor from each ingredient.
While he worked, Little Su Ci squatted beside him, watching curiously. His bright golden eyes sparkled like jewels.
When the meal was finally ready, Little Su Ci took one bite and was completely won over.
“Brother Zhou, you’re amazing! This is the best Kirin fish I’ve ever eaten! It’s so good my tongue might fall off!”
With each word of praise, Little Su Ci called him “Brother Zhou,” filling A-Yan with such joy that he couldn’t stop smiling.
Su Su was so adorable as a child!
Of course, Su Ci as an adult was also adorable—but in a completely different way.
“If you like it, eat as much as you want. I can make more if it’s not enough,” A-Yan said warmly.
“Okay~!”
Watching his younger self chatter nonstop, Su Ci rubbed his forehead. Yet despite his feigned exasperation, the smile on his lips never wavered.
The elder, who had initially preached about avoiding indulgence, also ate heartily—nearly as much as Little Su Ci. He even brought out his treasured elixir wine to complement the meal.
As Su Ci looked at his master’s kind and serene expression, a thought crossed his mind. After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke softly.
“Master.”
His voice was so quiet that it was almost drowned out by the crashing waves.
“What is it?” The elder turned to him.
Su Ci smiled but didn’t repeat himself. Instead, he said, “I would like to invite you to our wedding. Would you be willing to attend?”
