Chapter 386: 384, Mopping the Floor (1/4)
"One day."
The time was fleeting, just one-thirtieth of the thirty-day mission limit. However, this mission was quite troublesome, needing a million people to know about an Immortal Sect.
But he had no time to think too much now; he chose to take one step at a time. Wen Ping immediately gave the system a command, setting the first destination of this journey, "System, destination Mountain and Sea City."
Actually, he didn’t know where to go initially, just thinking of stopping whenever he encountered a major city.
As for whether Cang Lan could arrange for him to act as this "guide," Wen Ping didn’t care anymore. Knowing where Iron Mountain Pavilion was sufficed; other things he wanted to learn could be inquired about when he reached Mountain and Sea City.
After saying that, Wen Ping returned the beast skin map.
The map drawn in this world was too crude; relying on it, one might get lost nine out of ten times. The system had more precise positioning; maps cherished by these people were like chicken ribs to him.
With Wen Ping’s words concluded, the Flying Ship immediately twisted its hull and headed northeast. This shift went unnoticed by the others onboard, but Cang Lan showed a delighted expression upon learning that Wen Ping was heading to Mountain and Sea City.
"Sect Leader Wen, this old man knows quite a lot about Mountain and Sea City. Over the past hundred years, roughly three to four years were spent there. If needed, this old man is willing to accompany Sect Leader Wen to Mountain and Sea City."
"Hmm?"
Why did Cang Lan suddenly change his mind?
Cang Lan hurriedly added, "This old man didn’t know Sect Leader Wen also wanted to go to Xuanse Lake; hence, suggested Sect Leader Wen drop me off conveniently. To be honest, in my youth, I was a Honored Guest Teacher at a Three-star Academy there. If Sect Leader Wen has business in Mountain and Sea City, maybe I can help. Just ask Sect Leader Wen to take me along; without Winged Demon, I don’t know when I’ll reach Xuanse Lake."
In the air, it’s tens of thousands of miles away.
But if on the ground, there were towering mountains blocking the way, along with unending mountain ranges without direct paths, and finally the boundless lake surface dictating the need for a boat—the journey would only double.
Moreover, the forests were all territories of the Demon Race; a lone person from the Human Race navigating through would undoubtedly have continuous troubles.
This path would only be chosen when there’s no other option.
"Same route?"
"Same route."
Cang Lan nodded instantly, then realized saying so might be abrupt and could make Wen Ping wary, promptly explaining, "Sect Leader Wen can rest assured; this old man truly intends to go to Mountain and Sea City. Escorting disciples has encountered issues, hence needing to communicate with those sects through the Hundred Sects Alliance. No other intentions. If you don’t believe, Sect Leader Wen can..."
"The Hundred Sects Alliance can relay messages?" Wen Ping interrupted Cang Lan’s words, seemingly not grasping the key point of Cang Lan’s explanation and suddenly shifting the topic to inquire about delivering messages, "Can messages be exchanged between branches of the Hundred Sects Alliance?"
"Yes, as long as Sect Leader Wen wishes, the messenger swift of the Hundred Sects Alliance can very quickly send out the message you want to convey." Hearing Wen Ping turn to other questions, Cang Lan breathed a sigh of relief.
Wen Ping not being overly cautious was a relief, avoiding any misunderstandings in the future.
Now, Wen Ping quietly asked the system internally, "System, can I take another person to Xuanse Lake?"
Every exploration task had a limitation on the number of people; after upgrading the Flying Ship, it could only carry three. He wasn’t sure if taking Cang Lan would make the system order Cang Lan off the Flying Ship, so he hastily inquired.
"Temporary carrying won’t be interfered with by the system, but long-distance carrying is inherently not allowed; exploration tasks can only accompany three people."
"Is there any way?" Wen Ping knew having one more knowledgeable guide to Mountain and Sea City would mean fewer detours. Cang Lan was a necessity for him right now.
"Exploration tasks require the carrier to be a Sect member; carrying people from outside the Sect violates the rules. The system will initiate forced relocation in 100 seconds, moving non-compliant personnel off the Flying Ship. However, if the host can convince the non-compliant personnel to become a service provider, it won’t violate the rules."
"Service provider?"
"Evil Spirit Knight and Mountain Dog are service providers to ensure the host’s safety. As long as they serve the host and are indispensable, they can ride the Flying Ship during exploration tasks."
"Indispensable? Would having him also protect my safety count as indispensable?"
"No, this person was rescued by the host and is a protected person, unable to provide protective services to the host."
"Then what else can he do?"
"The host decides; however, whether it’s indispensable is determined by the system. Starting countdown: 99..."
"Indispensable." Wen Ping muttered, glancing carefully at Cang Lan, trying hard to think of something indispensable, "Oh, does cleaning the floor count?"
The Flying Ship needed cleaning, inside and out.
This surely counts as a necessity, right?
"80..." The system’s countdown halted, "Cleaning the Flying Ship’s floor qualifies as indispensable services. 79..."
"Why is it still counting down?"
"He hasn’t started providing the service yet."
"Count slower." Wen Ping ended his silent dialogue with the system and focused his gaze on Cang Lan, "City Lord Yunhai, giving you a ride is feasible."
Cang Lan was delighted, "Thank Sect Leader Wen... This old man is also Half-Step Mountain Suppression; if trouble arises in the air, this old man is willing to be the first to act, protecting this flying ship and everyone onboard."
However, Wen Ping’s face showed no trace of a smile or appreciation.
This made Cang Lan realize there was more to the story.
"However... there’s a rule on the Flying Ship, which even I cannot break. Each trip, the Flying Ship can only carry three people besides me. So, City Lord Yunhai, within the rule system, you’re not allowed on the Flying Ship."
"Hmm?"
Indeed, this was the further explanation, but the rule stated by Sect Leader Wen puzzled him.
Such a rule exists?
For safety?
Wen Ping ignored Cang Lan’s confusion and continued, "But if City Lord Yunhai is willing to do some things for me and the Flying Ship, those rules won’t apply to you."
"Rest assured, Sect Leader Wen. If there’s danger, this old man will be the first to act." Hearing about doing some tasks, he breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it didn’t entail being sent down, it didn’t matter.
"We don’t need your protection."
"Then what does Sect Leader Wen mean?" Cang Lan was puzzled.
"My Flying Ship currently lacks someone to clean the floor and do general cleaning. If you’re willing, you can stay. If not, I’ll send you down in 40 breaths."
With that, Wen Ping directly took out a handkerchief—originally intended for washing his face.
Staring at the handkerchief, Cang Lan was at a loss for words, "Clean... the floor..."
He was Half-Step Mountain Suppression.
Floor cleaning was a job for servants.
"Sect Leader Wen, is there nothing else that can be done?"
"Currently, the Flying Ship only lacks floor cleaning. If City Lord Yunhai wants to do it, you can stay. If not, after 30 breaths, I’ll send you down. I, Wen Ping, never make things difficult for anyone."
Wen Ping displayed an expression suggesting he didn’t care whether it was done or not.
"Do it! Do it!"
Cang Lan smiled bitterly, reluctantly.
Returning to the ground was the last resort; given a better option, who would opt for the last resort?
Seeing Cang Lan reluctantly accept the handkerchief, Lin Kewu and the others beside him didn’t know what to say.