Li Han was about to say something, possibly about how they were supposed to fly to their ship, considering they didn't know Icaros could fly, and Spirit Realm cultivators are not capable of true flight.

When Su Yan interrupted, not by words but by action, she grabbed Nelly's waist intimately, before gently stepping on her flying handkerchief, which she had unleashed before. She threw a final glance at the boys before flying to their ship.

Icaros couldn't help but think in his mind, with his face staring forward, "Is that jealousy I saw in her eyes, and what for?"

While this thought was going through Icaros' mind, Li Han revealed a silly, and resigned smile, before returning to his original face. Urging Icaros, he said to him, while casually running to the edge of the ship, as if he wants to jump off.

Icaros chased after him while asking, "Don't tell me you're going to grab my waist?"

Laughing heartily, Li Han said, "You wish, listen up punk, you better accelerate and grab my leg as I am about to jump"

"What the..." inevitably slipped out of Icaros' mouth, before he rapidly accelerated, and just as Li Han leaped out of the ship, Icaros jumped and grabbed one of his feet.

Just before they could pummel down to their deaths, Li Han's tattered upper body robe split along his shoulder blades. And just like magic, a pair of large wings made of purple energy, a trademark of Li Han's secret technique sprouted. Its aura magical with a hint of violent energy contained.

Icaros noticed they stopped pummeling and while trying to look up, he heard Li Han's voice saying, "Hold on tight, it's about to get rough."

With this, Icaros had already seen the wings, and held on more tightly.

Thankfully, their ship opposite the enemies own, was lower.

Thus instead of attempting to fly, Li Han glided down to their ship, where the remaining participants and the two female deserters were.

Icaros could see the ship zooming in, at an incredible speed, but he wasn't the least bit scared, as of his experience of flying throughout his previous life.

With this, just when they entered the ship space, before his feet could hit the ground with the impact and all that, Icaros let go and perfectly rolled on the ship's floor to get up.

While Li Han landed with his eyebrows raised at Icaros, the wings behind him gently dispersing.

Seeing this, Icaros poked at him back, "Rough ride indeed" with a smirk on his mouth.

Icaros sighed as he looked at his figure in the mirror, I guess I automatically have this physique, although I can change it, with the body building techniques in my previous life. He thought, before deciding with a smile, "I just won't waste my time on that, as far as I look good, besides, my strength is not in relativity with my body, unlike mortals and humans in my previous life, whose body tells a lot. But I guess cultivators are more like me in this aspect.

Their body type don't decide their strength, but their life choices and habits shape their body, just like mortals, that means, a muscular body refinement realm cultivators, still can't match a skinny spirit realm cultivator.

Well, thinking of body refinement realm cultivators, Icaros eyes turned to the new grey robe meant for them. That was delivered to him, since the old one was damaged in battle, he had just had his bath. Not that he previously had any desire for high ranking clothes and identity, but the conversation on the ship deck, after the previous event did trigger some of that.

He remembered, that he was about to head into the ship, as the other participants, when Li Han called him back.

Saying that, after the previous event, there was no need, he could now receive the same level of treatment as them, spirit realm cultivators, as he had proved more than that.

Of course, Icaros was happy to get some recognition, but his smile vanished, when Li Han said with a crooked smile, But the treatment is only on this ship and this mission, your promotion will be decided specially after returning to the sect.

Okay, Icaros responded, not phased the least. Li Han determined to add salt to the wound said, Of course, you'll still retain your grey robes, even on the mission.

Even the cold Su Yan couldn't help but giggle, while Nelly tried to stifle her laughter.

Icaros couldn't help but find himself, with a desire for something, that he didn't usually have and an extra layer of frost on his face.

While Li Han grinned at a mission successful.

Reviewing this happy memories, Icaros smiled before putting on his new grey robes, with a trace of warmth in his heart.

"It has been a long time since we had concrete information about the condition of Jade Island, except for the recent news regarding the map," Su Yan explained.

Her demeanor was cold, yet she possessed the necessary leadership skills to explain things clearly to her team members.

"How long is 'a long time'?" Icaros questioned.

This time, Li Han answered. "Unlike other danger zones where one can find some form of fortune, Jade Island is different."

"How so?" Icaros asked, his expression suggesting he already had a guess, though he needed confirmation.

Even Nelly, who was sitting beside Su Yan, hadn't seemed interested in the conversation until now. After all, she was the one supposed to lead the remaining participants on their own mission. However, she now wore a look of genuine curiosity.

Icaros inferred that Su Yan had left the explanation to Li Han, not necessarily because he had more experience, but perhaps to let him take the lead this time.

"As you all may have guessed, unlike other danger zones that offer benefits for cultivators-beast cores, treasures, naturally formed heavenly materials, or magical items-Jade Island has none of that," Li Han continued. "It offers nothing but danger and vast deposits of ordinary jade, a material already abundant in the world and essentially worthless."

"As such, cultivators lost interest in the place. None, or extremely few, venture there anymore. Only mortals occupy that danger zone."

"Mortals?" Icaros frowned, clearly confused.

The other two girls seemed to know the mystery already. Nelly even revealed a proud expression, as if saying, 'Are you finally aware of your ignorance?' Even Su Yan allowed a faint smirk to appear on her face.

Li Han did not let Icaros dwell in his confusion for long. "Some mortals who found their way there chose to stay. Even though the environment is incredibly dangerous, it serves as a protective barrier against the horrors of the outside world. To them, it is a sanctuary-free from demonic beasts, wars, and the threats of powerful cultivators."

"As for how they survive... the main threats there are the hordes of Jade Monsters."

"Jade Monsters?" Icaros questioned.

"Yes," Li Han replied. "Using the island's huge deposits of jade, during certain times, the stone itself turns into living creatures of immense power that hunt humans. It is almost like a mechanism. The mortals memorize their patterns and strive to survive by outwitting them. Although the danger is ever-present, they manage to endure. Also, the island is quite difficult to enter, but we can find our way through."

Icaros breathed in deeply, taking in everything Li Han had just said. A thought brought a smile to his face regarding those mortals.

'Humans are quite resilient.'

'I guess I am stuck with this mission,' he thought. 'I just hope the abilities I have revealed so far are enough. Although I read that Jade Island is considered a weaker danger zone compared to others, a danger zone is still a danger zone.'

Icaros nodded to show his understanding. Li Han smiled back and said, "Since he has no more questions," he pointed at Icaros, "Su Yan will take command."

"We will arrive just outside Jade Island. Nelly will drop us off and proceed with her own mission. The three of us," he said, pointing to himself, Icaros, and Su Yan, "will complete our task and return to the Li Sect."

Everyone nodded, thinking it was a solid plan, though complex.

But just then, Icaros interrupted, making Li Han's face darken. "I still have a question."

Li Han tried to suppress his rising anger, his face turning slightly green. Nelly giggled silently at his misfortune, and even the cold beauty Su Yan allowed herself a faint smile.

"What is it, son?" Li Han asked, calming himself down and putting on the air of an elder.

However, Icaros was not one to be trifled with. "You old fart! Who's your son?"

"Old fart? I am not even that old!" Li Han hastily retorted, and the room exploded with stifled laughter.

Icaros couldn't help but smile as well.

Later, just before he drifted off, Icaros thought about the answer Li Han had given him after the banter.

He had explained that Spirit Realm cultivators were essentially Body Refinement cultivators who had gained access to manipulating Spirit Qi. That single difference made them entirely superior.

In the Body Refinement Realm, cultivators used the Spirit Qi in the environment to temper their bodies through the stages: Blood Refinement, Bone Refinement, and Flesh Refinement. This enhanced their physical prowess to superhuman levels, but nothing truly magical.

However, upon entering the Spirit Qi Realm, they unlocked their Dantian-the core where they could store Spirit Qi absorbed from nature or Spirit Stones.

They could use this stored Qi to enhance their physical stats-strength, durability, stamina, and speed-to truly god-like levels. Although this consumed their reserves, it was vital in battle. They could move at insane speeds, punch with devastating force, or reinforce their skin to resist damage. They could even release bursts of Qi to deflect weaker attacks, though maintaining these abilities came at the cost of their energy.

These features alone placed them in a league far above Body Refinement cultivators.

However, Li Han revealed that since the Li Sect focused on the Orthodox path of Qi mastery, they possessed secret techniques. These techniques allowed them to manifest special abilities at the cost of their Spirit Qi-like the energy wings Li Han had used earlier, or energy swords. This was why his energy attacks were purple; Spirit Qi, when condensed, was naturally blue, but the secret technique altered its appearance. The same applied to Su Yan and Nelly.

Another thing that interested Icaros was the use of magical treasures. Spirit Realm cultivators could infuse items with their Qi to unlock special abilities, such as Su Yan's flying handkerchief, which could grow or shrink in size and carry them through the air.

But what truly amazed Icaros-and left him feeling a little envious-was the last ability.

Divine Sense.

Spirit Realm cultivators awakened this ability. It was a manifestation of their mental and soul energy. They could use it to send messages directly into someone else's mind, allowing for secret conversations that others could not hear (though those with stronger Divine Sense could still eavesdrop). They could also inscribe messages onto Jade Slips for others to read later.

Even the magic treasures, like Su Yan's handkerchief, would return to her automatically because she had imprinted her Divine Sense into them. Some cultivators who specialized in this could even use it to attack invisibly, damaging the soul or mind directly-though such experts were rare, and those with strong wills could resist.

Compared to all this, Icaros felt lacking. It left him with a heavy doubt in his heart.

'Can I actually cultivate?'

Just as Icaros had that thought, he heard a faint chichi sound - the sharp hiss of something cutting through the air. This time, it was far faster, and it sounded as if whatever was moving could slice through solid matter as easily as tofu.

In the next instant, the floor beneath him split open from below, the crack racing through the walls and spreading further than he could see.

Icaros barely threw himself out of the way, and suddenly found himself face to face with the culprit.

It was a massive arc of energy - he recognised it instantly as spirit qi, from the terrifying pressure that made his skin prickle tight and its bright blue glow. Yet this power was unlike any he had felt before: it was razor-sharp, carrying an aura as keen as the finest sword blade.

He analysed all this in a split second, while his instincts drove him to fling himself across the room, narrowly avoiding the strike.

His hair stood on end as another arc sliced up behind him, sealing off the space he had just been in and leaving only a small patch of floor where he could scramble for safety.

But that refuge didn't last. Before he could catch his breath, the ground beneath him crumbled away, and he fell headlong into darkness.

Outside, the entire massive ship was being torn apart. The strange blue arcs of spirit qi crisscrossed through the structure, slicing through metal, wood, and flesh alike, reducing everything in their path to fragments.

Like a shower of meteors, the broken remains - and everyone and everything still aboard - crashed down into a vast body of water. Far in the distance, the outline of an island rose above the waves.

At the very peak of the destruction, a faint human figure could be seen floating high above the sea, one hand outstretched toward the wreckage.

Seeing his work done, the figure did not pause to search for survivors. He simply lowered his hand and turned away, the hilt of a sheathed sword clearly visible strapped to his back. Without a single glance back, he turned into a streak of light and shot toward the island, his hand slowly reaching for his sword as he flew.

Meanwhile, Icaros was falling fast. A large chunk of the shattered ship slammed into him from above, sending him plummeting even quicker toward the water.

He barely felt the impact, his body unharmed by the debris battering against him. Instead, his mind raced at lightning speed.

Should I use my full abilities now, or keep holding back, only showing what others have already seen me do?

Two sides warred within him - one urging caution, the other screaming that enough was enough.

Before he could reach a decision, the remains of the ship, with Icaros amidst the wreckage, hit the sea.

The water boiled and churned violently for a minute, then slowly settled, swallowing every trace of the vessel until not even a scrap remained on the surface.

Icaros sank slowly into the dark depths, surrounded by twisted metal and the bodies of some of the other participants he had recognised. He looked around quickly, but there was no sign of his companions - Li Han, Su Yan, or Nelly.

Yet for the first time in a long while, he did not care about any of that. His eyes suddenly flared with an intense golden-yellow light, bright and distinct even through the water. With a roar that bubbled up through the sea, he shouted, "I am done hiding!"

In an instant, he shot upward at supersonic speed, breaking through the water's surface with a thunderous crash. He hovered there for a moment, eyes still glowing, staring down at the spot where the ship had vanished. After a few seconds, he turned his gaze toward the island ahead, his fists clenched tight.

Without hesitation, he shot forward, a golden streak of light cutting through the air as he closed the distance in mere moments.

Just as he neared the shore, a glowing barrier appeared - a dome of light clearly meant to keep intruders out. But Icaros was finished with holding back. He didn't slow down.

From his eyes, twin beams of golden-yellow energy burst forth - sharp, searing, and filled with crushing force. They struck the barrier head-on, and it didn't even slow him down. The light melted away like mist before fire, leaving a clear path. He flew through, the beams fading as he did, his face set in unyielding determination.

Once past the barrier, he slowed deliberately, floating gently downward until his feet touched the ground. His eyes still burned with that golden light, fueled by rage, years of suppressed power, and a new, clear purpose.

As soon as he landed, the landscape around him shifted. The mountains and rocks, all carved from glowing jade, reshaped themselves. Before long, the ground was swarming with figures - humanoid and monstrous, large and small, all formed entirely of polished jade. They had no flesh or blood, yet they moved with terrifying purpose and radiated immense power. Some were skeletal, others twisted beasts, but all closed in around him.

Icaros did not hesitate. He roared, and unleashed his eye beams again, sweeping them through the crowd. Wherever the golden light touched, jade crumbled, shattered, or melted away.

He didn't stop there. He lifted into the air, pushing his abilities to their absolute limit. With each movement came a thunderous boom. He darted between the monsters, throwing punches and kicks so powerful they tore their bodies apart - though the jade would begin to knit itself back together almost instantly.

But Icaros, lost in his fury, didn't care. His beams never stopped, slicing, burning, and blasting through everything in their path. He moved faster than they could react, his strength enough to overpower even the largest creatures. As he flew past a grotesque lion-like beast - far bigger than himself - he reached out, grabbed it by the leg, and swung it hard. Before it could recover, he snapped its neck mid-air, then aimed his beam straight down its throat. The golden light tore through its body from the inside out, blowing it into dust that would never reform.

Before the next wave could reach him, he turned his head in a wide arc, his laser sweeping through the horde and cutting them down in seconds.

It was clear now: his beams were even more effective at piercing and cutting than they were at just melting or burning, and nothing could withstand their explosive force.

The destruction went on for some time, until only one enemy remained - a huge bird-like creature that could fly. Icaros caught it mid-air, flew high into the clouds, and stared straight into its eyes as his beam burned through its skull and out the other side. With a sharp pull, he tore it clean in two.

Amidst the drifting jade dust, a grin spread across Icaros's face - wild, fierce, and bloodthirsty, the kind of expression he hadn't shown in years.

When the last of the monsters was gone, he shot forward again, a streak of golden light diving deep into the heart of the island.

Moments after he left, a young man was washed up onto the shore. He lay unconscious, his body covered in wounds, his grey robes torn and stained so badly they barely held together.

Around him, the ground bore clear marks of what had happened - scorch marks, deep gashes in the rock, and fine jade dust coating the sand. He lay there, alone, the only witness left to this tale of destruction.