Chapter 191 – Heading to Ningyuan to Protect Official Zhou

The sea is an endless abyssal maw—sometimes raging with waves that threaten to swallow all in their path, sometimes serene and tranquil, whispering of boundless horizons.

As Ye Kuang stepped onto the deck, he couldn’t help but marvel: the seamless unity of sky and sea lived up to its reputation, while the soaring waves startled flocks of waterbirds into flight.

Soon, the anchor was raised. Standing at the prow, he gazed at the limitless sky, embraced the sea breeze, and listened to the rumbling vibrations. Closing his eyes, he savored this rare moment of tranquility.

“First time by the sea?”

Just then, a weathered voice drifted over, gentle as a caressing breeze, bringing with it a sense of comfort.

“Greetings, Duke Zhou.” Ye Kuang turned and offered a slight bow as he responded.

From his first encounter with the elder, he had always been able to perceive the shifts in the old man’s emotions.

This inexplicable sensitivity affected even him, leaving a subtle impression.

Duke Zhou: “Back in my day, when I first set foot on the sea, I felt the same as you—full of anticipation and excitement…”

At this, a trace of nostalgia flickered across Duke Zhou’s face, and he continued with a radiant smile: “That year, my classmates and I, in our quest to unravel the mysteries of the deep sea, explored the Bermuda Triangle, the World Abyss, the Chasm of Ten Thousand Zhangs…”

With each mention of these notorious perilous sites, Ye Kuang’s expression shifted repeatedly.

As a scholar, he was naturally aware of the reputations of these dangerous places.

The Bermuda Triangle, for instance, was surrounded by a terrifying magnetic field. While countless inexplicable legends had circulated about it, this very phenomenon might be the reason it was branded as hazardous.

Logically, magnetic fields are indirectly generated by substances capable of producing magnetism.

And these perilous sites did not form overnight, leading to widespread yet similar theories about their origins.

Ye Kuang had once speculated that such massive unnatural phenomena might be the result of extraterrestrial meteor impacts…

Moreover, experiments had confirmed the possibility of metallic components within meteorites.

Of course, Ye Kuang dared not voice these thoughts publicly.

Now, hearing that Duke Zhou seemed to have visited these places, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration.

To dare to venture into the unknown for the sake of a cause, to dedicate oneself to a mission—this was perhaps what the adventurous elders cherished most.

“Alas, human capability has its limits. The relentless sword of time forces us to delve ever deeper… Ah, too many comrades perished that year. Reflecting on it now still fills me with sorrow.” Duke Zhou suddenly sighed deeply.

Ye Kuang: “Duke Zhou, I believe you will accomplish this great undertaking.”

Upon hearing this, Duke Zhou laughed—a laugh tinged with palpable disappointment and a sense of powerlessness.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang chose to remain silent.

After all, these perilous sites had been studied by countless people over countless years without yielding definitive answers, placing the matter far beyond his individual capabilities.

Duke Zhou: “Sigh… The deep sea holds too many hidden secrets. To uncover its mysteries, I fear we may have to wait another millennium.”

Ye Kuang: “…”

Duke Zhou: “If we could decipher this grand endeavor, it might benefit all of humanity. But alas… what a pity…”As he spoke, Duke Zhou couldn’t help but appear deeply dejected.

Noticing this, Ye Kuang suddenly posed a Dao Inquiry: “What if there were a concept capable of breaking through the depths beyond the ocean?”

“Oh?” Upon hearing this, Duke Zhou inevitably felt a flicker of curiosity, though it vanished almost instantly, clearly harboring great skepticism about the idea: “Do share your thoughts…”

Ye Kuang: “It might sound unbelievable, but as we all know, magnetic fields can influence the behavior of matter. If we could generate a powerful magnetic field, could we theoretically part the seas…”

“Your concept is indeed novel, but given our current fragmented understanding, we’re still far from achieving it. After all, this unexplored domain has only just begun to be applied to railway tracks.” Duke Zhou shook his head faintly.

Hearing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but offer an awkward smile, evidently aware that such technology was beyond current capabilities.

Yet, deep within his heart, he had secretly forged a resolution.

If technological direction proved to be the major obstacle, he would spare no effort to refine and guide that direction.

Seeing Ye Kuang lost in thought, Duke Zhou smiled and remarked, “Are you pondering how to turn your ideas into action?”

Ye Kuang responded without pretense, nodding in agreement.

Duke Zhou: “Having ideas is good, but don’t force them. Progress must be taken step by step. Of course, I believe we will eventually overcome countless obstacles and break free from this Void.”

As he spoke, Duke Zhou’s gaze grew increasingly resolute.

Ye Kuang: “Grandpa Zhou, if before you gave me the impression of weathered experience, now you radiate vibrant vitality. I truly wish to witness the prosperous era you describe. Perhaps, once we achieve our ideals, our names will be celebrated for generations, praised by all.”

Upon hearing this, Duke Zhou waved his hand dismissively, shook his head, and said with a laugh, “That may not happen in my lifetime, but I trust future generations will accomplish it. After all, the fruits of our wisdom exist to create miracles.”

Inspired by these words, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but applaud.

It was clear that he was so moved by this speech he was nearly brought to tears.

At that moment, a lone passenger ship glided through the deep sea.

Its pace was steady and unhurried, moving uniformly forward like a sharp sword cutting through the waters.

Under Duke Zhou’s subtle influence, Ye Kuang learned of various insightful research findings, utterly astonished by them.

For instance, the propeller, seemingly just a swirling vortex, concealed a profound discovery: its blades, rotating in air or water, transformed engine power into propulsive force.

Ye Kuang contributed his own ideas, and the two complemented each other perfectly. Age was irrelevant—they had reached a certain resonance.

Through their exchanges, they set aside age differences and professional limitations, becoming close friends.

It must be said that true friendship is built on mutual recognition, not transactional benefits.

When one can offer personal insights or valuable suggestions, it maximizes the development and utilization of research outcomes.

Now, on the journey to Ningyuan, Ye Kuang not only provided close protection for Duke Zhou but also gained immensely from the experience.Although the two were not from the same field, they still had common ground.