Tarthocas: Chronicles of the Transmigrating Scribe Chapter 35: Chapter 34

Read chapter 35 of Tarthocas: Chronicles of the Transmigrating Scribe by Bigmachine on NovelPedia.

The ship's wooden floor creaked under Ling Xuan's boots as he followed a crew member down a narrow corridor. The sound of waves crashing against the hull and the faint cries of crows filled the air, mingling with the smell of salt and tar. The vessel swayed gently with the rhythm of the sea, creating a sense of constant motion. The ship's interior was dimly lit by small, flickering oil lamps mounted on the walls. Shadows danced across the wooden planks, adding to the ship's rustic charm. The corridor was lined with various doors, each leading to different cabins, storerooms, or crew quarters. The sound of distant voices and the clatter of cargo being loaded added to the bustling atmosphere. “Sir, this is your residence,” the crew member said, stopping in front of a sturdy wooden door. His voice was respectful but tinged with a hint of weariness, likely from the constant work of preparing the ship for departure. Ling Xuan nodded, appreciating the crew member's professionalism. He opened the door and stepped inside, taking in his new quarters. The cabin was small but well-maintained, with a single porthole offering a view of the ocean beyond. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a golden glow on the room's modest furnishings. A narrow bed was pushed against one wall, covered with a simple but clean blanket. A wooden chest sat at the foot of the bed, presumably for storing personal belongings. A small writing desk with a chair occupied the opposite corner, complete with an inkpot and quill for any notes or correspondence Ling Xuan might need to write during the journey. “Now, what do I do?” Ling Xuan muttered to himself, feeling a mix of anticipation and boredom. Although he knew the journey to the Shambala Archipelago would be a long one, it didn’t mean he wasn’t already restless. “I can initiate the informational program,” Urizen ’s voice echoed in his mind, calm and composed. “You can do that later,” Ling Xuan replied. “Let’s first check out this ship.” With that, he walked out of his cabin, ready to explore his new surroundings. The corridor outside his cabin was bustling with activity. Crew members scurried about, their faces serious and focused on their tasks. The ship was a hive of organised chaos, with sailors hauling ropes, securing cargo, and preparing for the long voyage ahead. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater, wood, and a hint of fish from the day’s catch. Ling Xuan made his way to the main deck, where the open sky and vast ocean greeted him. The deck was wide and spacious, lined with sturdy railings and dotted with various pieces of equipment. Large sails billowed in the wind, their white fabric contrasting sharply with the blue sky. The sound of the sails flapping and the creaking of the ship’s timbers created a symphony of maritime life. He moved towards the bow, passing by a group of sailors hoisting a large net filled with provisions. The sailors nodded respectfully as he passed, acknowledging his presence. Ling Xuan returned their nods, appreciating their hard work and dedication. He stopped at the railing, gazing out at the horizon where the sky met the sea in a seamless blend of blue. The sight was mesmerising, a reminder of the vastness of the world and the adventures that awaited him. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice came from behind him. Ling Xuan turned to see an old man beside him, dressed in vibrant red robes. His long, silver beard flowed gracefully, and his eyes sparkled with a fascination at the sea. “Indeed,” Ling Xuan answered, nodding politely. “Shambala is a place the normal don’t go to, much less a young man like you,” the old man remarked, leaning on the ship's railing. “I have my reasons,” Ling Xuan replied, keeping his tone neutral. The old man smiled, his gaze distant as if reminiscing. “My future or my destiny, you could say, is no longer on the mainland. I can’t live a single day without having to worry about someone being out for me.” “Why?” Ling Xuan asked, genuinely c