Chapter 3631: The Flying Ship
Chapter 3631: The Flying Ship
One large central mast dominated the structure, rising high above the deck, its surface etched with arrays that glowed faintly. Two smaller masts were positioned at the front and rear, their proportions balanced to complement the main mast while contributing to the overall energy distribution of the vessel.
Between these masts were two primary structures.
The first was the living quarters at the back.
A spacious building integrated seamlessly into the deck, its interior designed for comfort during long journeys. It contained multiple rooms, each equipped with basic amenities, along with a central hall that could serve as a gathering place. The materials used within were refined yet warm, giving the space a welcoming atmosphere.
The second structure was the control center towards the front.
This was the heart of the ship’s operation.
It housed the primary control arrays, navigation systems, and monitoring formations. The design was precise, every component placed with purpose, allowing the user to interact with the ship’s systems intuitively.
Lin Mu walked along the deck, his eyes scanning every detail as the elders guided him.
"This vessel can operate both within a world and in open space," one elder explained.
Lin Mu nodded, his attention shifting toward the arrays embedded throughout the ship.
"They are layered extensively," he observed.
"Yes," another elder replied. "There are passive arrays for environmental protection, which allow the ship to withstand extreme conditions such as high winds, heat, cold, pressure changes, and the void of space."
"And the defensive arrays?" Lin Mu asked.
"They are active," the elder said. "Capable of responding to external threats. The vessel can withstand attacks up to the fifth tribulation stage on its own."
Lin Mu’s eyes flickered slightly.
"That is sufficient."
"If additional Qi is provided by cultivators aboard, the defensive capability increases further," Daoist Chu added as he stepped forward.
Lin Mu glanced at him.
"You advised against offensive arrays?" Lin Mu asked.
Daoist Chu nodded.
"It was unnecessary. The strength of our group far exceeds what could be integrated into the ship within the given time. Removing that requirement allowed for faster construction and greater focus on defense and stability."
Lin Mu gave a slight nod.
It was a sound decision, one that he would have made too.
His attention then shifted to the power systems.
"There are three sources," the elder explained. "The primary is of course the Immortal Stones."
He gestured toward a section of the ship.
A storage unit.
Lin Mu extended his sense and immediately recognized it.
"A spatial storage construct," he said.
Xueyan stepped forward, his tail swaying slightly.
"I helped with that," he said, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "It can hold up to ten million immortal stones."
Lin Mu raised a brow slightly.
"That is impressive."
Xueyan scratched his cheek.
"My skills are limited. It could have been larger, but I did what I could."
Lin Mu gave a faint smile.
"It is more than sufficient." They didn’t need a larger storage anyways when Lin Mu could add more immortal stones at any time needed.
The second power source was straightforward.
"The cultivators aboard can supply their own Qi when needed," the elder said.
Lin Mu nodded.
That provided flexibility during emergencies.
"The third source," the elder continued, "is environmental absorption."
Lin Mu’s interest deepened.
"The ship can draw Immortal Qi from its surroundings," the elder explained. "Whether in the air or underwater."
"But not in space," Lin Mu said.
"Not efficiently," the elder corrected. "Neutral Immortal Qi is sparse in space. There are other forms of energy, such as Solar Yang Qi and Stellar Qi, but the arrays required to harness them are too complex."
"And too large to integrate," Daoist Chu added.
Lin Mu understood.
The limitations were reasonable.
Finally, it was time to test it.
Lin Mu stepped into the control center, placing his hand upon the primary array. The ship responded instantly, its systems activating as his Qi flowed into it.
HUMM
The vessel rose.
SHUA
Smoothly and without a single tremor.
It lifted from the ground as if it weighed nothing, the arrays distributing force evenly across its structure.
Lin Mu guided it forward.
The ship moved with precision.
Even as it encountered stronger currents of wind above the forest canopy, its stability remained absolute. The defensive arrays adjusted automatically, compensating for external forces without requiring manual input.
Lin Mu allowed himself a faint nod.
"This is well made."
The ship responded to his commands effortlessly, its movements fluid and controlled. It turned, ascended, and descended with ease, showing no signs of instability.
Below, the forest stretched endlessly, above, the sky opened wide and within it the ship sailed.
Ready for the journey ahead.
A day passed after the final inspection of the flying vessel, and the time for departure arrived.
The clearing where the ship rested was filled once again, though this time the atmosphere was quieter, filled with a different kind of emotion. The urgency of preparation had faded, replaced by something more personal.
A farewell.
Lin Mu stood near the foot of the ship’s boarding ramp with his companions beside him. The vessel loomed behind them, its polished hull reflecting the soft light filtering through the forest canopy. The arrays embedded within it hummed faintly, already active, ready to carry them beyond the world they had come to know over the past months.
Before them stood a gathering of foxkin.
The elders were present, including Huoyang and Yinglei, their expressions calm yet heavy with meaning. Around them stood other high-ranking foxkin, each of them carrying the same quiet gratitude.
There were others as well.
Xueyan stood near the front, his tail swaying slowly, his eyes fixed on Lin Mu. Beside him stood his master, the temple head, whose presence remained composed and dignified as always.
Behind them were the Huli siblings, who had also arrived along with the temple head.
Lin Mu looked at them all, taking in their expressions.
The silence did not last long as someone moved.