After becoming aware of the perils of Midnight Island, it actually seemed to be quite safe. Even for those who couldn't pierce through the grand illusion over it, simply keeping track of time would be sufficient. Going underwater unknowingly was certainly a risk, but the island didn't seem to have any dangerous predators.

It wasn't of much use to the expedition beyond being a source of dark element, but they were all well enough trained to convert other forms of spiritual energy that it didn't matter much. It had no fresh water, so the only true resources that could be gathered were resources like bits of spirit water and spirit darkness. Useful for the future as such things regenerated over time, should they make frequent trips past the area. However, the island wasn't much good for getting some time on land.

Even Shimmering Islands cultivators who were experienced with ocean voyages were used to frequent stops. So far, the western sea had been fairly low on islands- though the appearance of one island indicated that they might be close to others, especially if they watched the depths of the ocean below.

As the expeditionary fleet continued onward, they kept an eye out for further islands. Some of that was actual sight, as John flew high into the sky. At one kilometer up, he could see about a hundred kilometers out. He managed to pick out something like a dozen islands, though it might actually be more depending on how he counted. From such a distance he could only vaguely make out spiritual elements, and it wasn't enough to tie anything to one particular island- though he did learn the valuable piece of information that they were not all water element nor even of allied elements. It seemed the local seas had quite the elemental variety in their islands.

Making their way towards the closest, it was less than a day away under sail. Before they got close, however, they encountered an incoming vessel. They remained at a distance, clearly keeping tabs on the fleet. It was understandable that they might be hesitant to approach given the total force the expeditionary fleet represented. Aboard the vessel was one mid Ascending Soul Phase cultivator, but their total numbers were lower so they simply couldn't match the quantity of Consolidated Soul Phase cultivators.

And though their leader was an Ascending Soul Phase cultivator, they didn't have a second aboard. John considered the situation, discussing with the others. John going himself could be seen as an aggressive move, or a confident move. Likewise, not sending him might signal that they didn't consider these others important enough, or that he felt he was above them, or that he was afraid.

Ultimately, as the leader of the expeditionary force, John decided he had to make contact- or at least attempt to. He was confident he could handle himself if there was danger, but he still chose not to go alone. After all, it was quite appropriate to bring along a bodyguard… and there was no one more qualified than his wife Astrid.

It was likely the other side was already aware of her, so bringing over only Ascending Soul Phase cultivators was a strong move. However, rather than sending forward their flagship John instructed the fleet to keep a certain distance from the local ship, whereas he and Astrid leapt out and ran atop the water.

Such an ability was perfectly normal at high cultivations. Any good Foundation Phase cultivator could do it, and John couldn't imagine anyone reaching the Ascending Soul Phase who couldn't. Even Astrid who didn't interact with water much had been able to do it- it was her actual swimming that had been subpar, mostly relying on quantity of spiritual energy rather than technique.

John could have flown over, of course. That would be more impressive, but it might also reveal too much at the moment. It was possible he would be spotted in the skies in the future, should people be looking in the right direction at the right time- if he could see an island the inhabitants could theoretically see him. He was just smaller, so he would be a tiny speck. On the other hand, many cultivators could pick such things out.

"Fire and light," Astrid commented as they approached. "Perhaps the oddest elements for an island."

John nodded in agreement. "Yes, it has the least synergy with the surrounding water element. Though of course, it depends significantly on their techniques." John could vaguely sense the island itself, and it was the same. In short, because a natural zone existed with the elements it clearly worked… and since they had an Ascending Soul Phase cultivator their cultivation method had to be pretty decent.

Once they were at acceptable 'shouting' distance, John projected his voice. "Greetings, sect of fire and light! We come from the continent to the east, with the intention to establish contact."

They slowed their pace as they approached, not needing to look combative. John had reluctantly given up Astrid's hand as it might make him appear dependent. They still had a flow of energy between them, of course. It wasn't strictly necessary to have physical contact, it was just nice. Little comforts like that were something John was growing to appreciate in life.

The Ascending Soul Phase cultivator- the same rank as John- stood atop the side railing of the ship. "We did not anticipate so many… visitors," the man spoke in return. "Especially not with such an unusual mix of elements. A full cycle between the two of you." He paused for just a moment, but John could tell he had more to say. "If you come peacefully, we will welcome you to Great Eye Island."

Even from a distance, John could tell the man's eyes swept over their fleets. He wasn't hiding it, and perhaps he even exaggerated his form as he did so. "We do come in peace… though we imagined there might be great danger in the seas. Indeed, we encountered some mighty beasts along the way. Rather than carrying these shells all the way back to the continent, we would happily exchange them for local resources."

Stolen story; please report.

John figured that this cultivator could spot the turtle shells on their ships, or at the very least feel the spiritual energy imbued in them.

They exchanged introductions. The Ascending Soul Phase cultivator was Lochan of the Great Eye Sect, son of the current sect head Jayendra. The Great Eye Sect would accept them… though clearly they were a bit uneasy about receiving all of them. John arranged for the flagship plus the two ships carrying the halves of the double headed turtle's shell to dock at their port, while the others would remain some distance away.

It would be slightly annoying for replenishing their supplies, but it was also a bit much to land a huge military force on their island. Obviously it was a bit tougher to refuse a more modest number of cultivators, even if John and Astrid were the most dangerous part of that as a pair. That was simply how cultivators worked- and it would show weakness for the sect to reject them. Especially since they had two Ascending Soul Phase cultivators of their own.

After all, Jayendra was also in the Ascending Soul Phase… though one rank lower than his son. Either his son had great talent, the father had poured many resources into him, or some combination of both. Most likely both. John expected Lochan would be taking over the position as sect head soon enough, with his cultivation. Though perhaps it didn't matter, as long as they got along. Sect head positions weren't usually directly hereditary, though in this case there didn't appear to be any significant competition.

-----

Great Eye Island had a single impressive peak. It was likely the result of volcanic activity sometime in the past, though in the present day it was something quite unique. Atop that peak stood the 'Great Eye', a gemstone of great size. It had been cut into something like the form of a wide lens, and John could see where the fire and light came from. It was certainly more direct than the Summer Sun Sect.

There was a clear arc of blackness across the island, with molten stone being visible where the sunlight was currently focused through the Great Eye onto the island. It was practically an oversized magnifying glass, melting a path across the island day after day. That much was obvious to John even without anyone explaining anything.

The island had numerous exotic fruits John had never seen before, and most of them were served at a meal as the expeditionary fleet leadership met with the Great Eye Sect.

"Here is the eyefruit," Jayendra explained them one after another, revealing a fruit about the size and shape of an American football. "You pry open the outer layer to reveal the fruit inside."

John followed along and saw a translucent whitish sort of material. Quite like a citrus including the individual sacs of juice, though he wasn't sure if there was any actual relation. He wasn't a fruit expert… though Jayendra seemed like he might be. The sect head was very animatedly describing everything.

"You can hold it up to the light to see the seed inside," the man said. John wasn't quite sure, then he realized the seed took up most of the inside of the fruit. "If you extract the seed…" the man carefully injected his spiritual energy into the fruit, protecting the soft parts from bursting as he pulled it apart, removing the fist sized seed. "You can see all the way through!"

It was more translucent than transparent, but John could indeed see through the flesh of the fruit. "How interesting," Astrid commented, watching the way it distorted light onto the table. It wasn't nearly so impressive as the Great Eye itself, but it was a cool fruit.

John was glad he didn't seem to be expected to finish any of the fruit, because most of them were massive and there were so many. There were a handful of things he would liken to bananas, something vaguely akin to pineapples, some bite sized fruits eaten with the skin on, and many others. Some fruit had spikes, others hard shells. Apparently, many were taken from other islands and cultivated locally.

John wondered if Jayendra hadn't missed his calling as an earth cultivator. Or some sort of other mix of elements that involved plant cultivation. Still, he was quite pleased to be received with what appeared to be genuine enthusiasm- though aside from the sect head and his son others appeared significantly more wary.

"Oh, and then there's this one!" Jayendra held up a large, lumpy fruit. "You just peel it apart to get to the tasty insides," he made a gesture, though John noticed Jayendra the sect head didn't actually do anything.

Very subtly, John inspected the fruit with his spiritual energy senses. It was packed full of spiritual energy, but not to a level that could harm John if for some reason the fruit exploded. Looking at the spiky fruit, John had a vague association in mind. The way Jayendra was grinning, he couldn't not try it. Despite the spikes, it pulled apart easily into sections.

John kept a calm face. Astrid stiffened next to him. A cultivator's instinct to not give away a weakness was strong in her, and they weren't exactly in a friendly environment, besides the man himself.

"It's quite… pungent," John commented. He hadn't actually had durian in person, so he couldn't say if it was the same or not. It smelled vaguely like gasoline, which was both good and bad. He kind of liked that smell, but it didn't make him want to eat something.

Jayendra laughed, pulling open his own. "Some say it is more than that." Without hesitation, the man grabbed a section of flesh, taking a large bite and pulling about half of the chunk off of a golf ball sized seed. "It's not to everyone's taste."

John was unbreakable. And also resistant to poisons. Not that the fruit was actually poisonous in any way, but that helped him engage some bravery in pulling out one of the sections and biting down. It was a bit stringy, but the taste was pretty good. Rich and custardy, and of course sweet. Most fruits were. John also handed some to Astrid, who managed to glare at him with one single eye as she turned her head and smiled.

She didn't actually look too upset once she ate it though. It was an interesting experience. John hoped that they could get along as well with other powers in the nearby region… but he wasn't going to bet that all of them would be fruit fanatics.

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